At some point, an honest conversation about “patina” has to be had. As with many Barn Finds commenters’ positions, I’m not a fan – especially of “made to order” or faux patina. Sure, it’s one thing to find an old car that has had the finish burned off of it because it has been languishing in bright, hot sunshine for years – I don’t think it’s a great look but to each their own. The ante gets raised when said patina gets clear coated, and it’s an entirely different matter when it’s been helped along or manufactured. A case in point is the 1979 Chevrolet C10 pickup truck – just keep that image in mind as we investigate further. Located in Staunton, Illinois, this “aesthetically burned” C10 is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,600 with the reserve not yet met.
Out of the gate, this truck has some positive attributes going for it. Besides its short bed body style, seemingly more popular with enthusiasts, this one is powered by a 454 CI V8 engine. Originally pegged at something miserly like 205 net HP, this version has been woken up a bit with an aluminum intake manifold, open element air cleaner, headers, and a more aggressive cam – the seller says that it runs great! As is often the case, an automatic transmission handles gear-related matters. It still gives me a start every time a see a Chevy engine that’s painted blue instead of traditional orange!
The interior belies the exterior and the seller states, “Interior is in great shape with new carpet, seat upholstery, and dash cover“. True enough, the two-tone vinyl upholstery is attractive and in nice shape. The new carpet is obvious though the driver’s foot well is already stained – need to get some floor mats. As for the dash cover, it appears to be an entirely new dash cap. The plastic door panels don’t quite measure up to the rest of the interior’s condition – they’re starting to degrade but are basically OK.
Now, to the obvious, or what the seller refers to as “Killer Patina“. Every way that I look at this truck’s exterior, I see what looks like pervasive surface rust that’s been “helped” along with a circular sander – note the way that it has been ground off around the “Custom DeLuxe 10” badge – not cool. It’s like that in many places and just looks staged. The body is certainly straight, without signs of rust-through, but it has obviously been clear-coated to preserve the “work” that’s been applied. The outsized hoops, holding up all four corners, are a matter of preference and taste and they can easily be fixed” if they’re not up to the next owner’s liking. One final note, this truck has been obviously lowered but that’s been accomplished, upfront, by heating the springs to collapse them as opposed to replacing them with the proper lowering replacements – not a good idea at all. I’m not sure how it was accomplished in the rear, but my immediate assumption is that some of the leaf springs leaves have been removed.
So, do I like this truck? It’s OK, the power upgrade is nice, I’d ditch the wheels, and oh yeah, get it painted; how about you?
Wonder how long that rusty vacuum booster is going to hang on that firewall before it falls off. Heating the front springs until they drop will insure an off balance front suspension. Since no lowering blocks are on the rear springs I’d guess they heated the springs close to the rear shackle and let it sink. That’s not uncommon and much easier to match up either side. As for patina, really made a mess out of what used to be a good looking truck.
Man does this bring back memories. Late 80’s a buddy of mine and I drove one of these from L.A. to Arizona in the midst of July to fetch a 1942 Harley. No a/c… the heat from the firewall and coming up through the floorboards was borderline unbearable. We drove shirtless with our water-soaked t-shirts wrapped around our heads like a turban trying to not get heat stroke…we drank gallons of water and still lost weight lol
The heat may have been from the cat converter which gets ridiculously hot –
& the cat’s heat shield may have been missing! Was there a cat converter on that truck? Also, floor insulation may have been missing.
My ’74 firebird v8 with no fact cat or a/c has no footwell/floorboard heat issues in the summer.
Since Jim opened the door I’ll walk in with my patina comments. Remember, just my opinions.
On a truck: acceptable on a truck, sometimes. But only if “natural” (not like this example) to reflect its “work” heritage. And not with clearcoat on it; doesn’t that negate the reason the patina exists, in the first place? But, fresh paint is usually better.
On a car: I’m trying to think of when I would prefer patina on a car.
Again, just my opinions.
Agree that it’s more acceptable on a truck, in general. That’s one thing I like about trucks. They can get away with imperfections. If your truck is a little dirty, it looks like you’ve been using it. If your classic muscle car, etc, is dirty…you just look like a lazy shmuck who needs to wash his car!
The only places on this truck where this level of patina should apply is the top of the bed rails and tailgate, and just below the window on the driver’s side door (arm partially hanging out of the window). Maybe there could be some on top of the front fenders, but that would just mean you’ve spent as much time working under the hood as you did driving it…..not a good look.
Yeah, this patina has been created, not from simple exposure to the elements. I’m not on board with this style.
Looks like an engine fire turned into faux-patina, but it’s truly impressive what new taillights do for presentation.
I don’t mind leaving the paint as it is or even clear coating it to preserve it as it is. Only original once, after all. Not a fan of this, though. I’d rather it be sanded down and left in primer, repainted, or just left alone altogether.
Nice old truck but I would paint it, I don’t like patina at all.
Many purists just love the patina on those barn find 356’s. Just sayin’. This truck is fine. Maybe put a real lowering kit(s)on it. Paint it if you want to spend the cash. But you won’t be looked at sideways at any car shows round my parts.
yep, making the suspension correct and safe would be my priority, if I had the cash, then I would most likely go ahead and fix up the under hood, at least at first then drive it for a while …..
Not this patina, doesn’t even begin to look right.
Patina on any vehicle, to me at least , means that ,” I’m still work’in on it “or “ My wallet gave out before my enthusiasm “. That’s okay, I understand all about that. Natural patina on many vehicles looks pretty good. But – usually the idea is to keep going and ultimately get your vehicle looking like you originally had imagined in your head. So – with this truck, you could go with it, the way it looks and even like it. But you know – there’s that image in your head that always makes you think – what’s next ? Good luck. Nice article too.
Looks like an old Air Force truck. Identically equipped; Idiot lights, manual steering, power disc brakes, six cylinder engine, TH350 transmission, single tank, no A/C. VIN says it came with a 250 CID 6. Shame that the paint has been further ruined intentionally. Still a great candidate to restore to original AF livery.
The magic self feathering the paint’s edge patina….very rare…..
Nice truck, I would keep it dropped but do it the right way. Plus a super paint job. And for sure get rid of those wheels. Tubs in the back would look cool too.