58k Mile Survivor: 1987 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed

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This 1987 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed is a genuine survivor. Ignore the wheels because they are the only change to a vehicle that could be preserved or treated to a cosmetic restoration. We always appreciate input from our readers. Therefore, I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty. The C10 is located in Antioch, Illinois, and is waiting for a new owner to fly in and drive it home.

The seller categorizes this Third Generation C10 as a clean square body, and that description seems apt. The Light Blue paint shows no evidence of touch-ups or restoration, suggesting this is a genuine survivor. The paint has aged, but the vehicle’s solid nature may see some potential buyers fight an internal battle between restoration and preservation. A refresh could be pretty straightforward because the panels are surprisingly straight for a workhorse of this vintage. That isn’t to say this classic is rust-free because there is evidence of developing issues on the driver’s side lower extremities. However, the seller states the body mounts and floors are solid, and the bed exhibits nothing beyond developing surface corrosion. The trim looks acceptable for a survivor-grade classic, and the glass is crystal clear. The aftermarket wheels feature new tires, but whether the wheels stay or go will depend on the buyer’s desire for originality.

The seller supplies no engine photos, which is disappointing. This C10 features the 305ci V8 that had served faithfully since 1977. However, the 1987 model year brought one of the most profound changes, with Chevrolet adding fuel injection to the mix. The 305 had generated 130hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque in 1986. For 1987, those figures rocketed to 170hp and 260 ft/lbs. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed TH350 automatic transmission, but it is unclear whether this Pickup features the optional power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The seller confirms that they recently installed new brakes and lines. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the claim of 58,000 original miles. However, they confirm it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

If I could ever give a seller advice beyond supplying the best possible photos in their listing, it would be to take time to address some of the finer details before snapping those shots. This C10’s interior raises as many questions as it answers and its cause isn’t helped by the fact that it is begging for basic cleaning. Wiping over the interior with a damp cloth would have taken minutes, and the process would have had an enormous impact on its appeal. The dash, wheel, and mats are all dirty, but they aren’t physically damaged. It is unclear whether issues are hiding beneath the seat’s Red towel. Step one would be to detail everything thoroughly, and my instinct tells me that doing so would produce a magic transformation. It won’t result in showroom-fresh presentation, but it might prove acceptable for those seeking a driver-grade classic. Potential buyers from warm regions will welcome the first owner’s decision to order this Pickup with ice-cold air conditioning.

This 1987 Chevrolet C10 is a wonderful survivor, and if the odometer reading is verifiable, it should offer a new owner years of faithful service. The seller has listed the Pickup here on Craigslist with an asking price of $10,500. The listing suggests they are approachable, so if there are aspects that raise questions in your mind, contacting them might be the first step in taking this Pickup home.

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Comments

  1. Nelson C

    Since it has air there’s likely power steering and brakes. Ford made them standard in ’87 on F-150. TBI made the 305 a lot more responsive and fuel efficient. Nice looking errand or shop truck.

    Like 5
  2. jwzg

    Lot’s o rust hanging out in those rockers. A personal inspection is in order before handing over $11k.

    Like 8
  3. HCMember

    You’re not going to find many survivor, Square bodies for much less than what this seller is asking. Especially, in driver condition. I’m not crazy about its 305 or first year, fuel injection. I bought an 85 C10 from a friend who dropped a 350 crate engine in it a few years ago, and glad that he did. Disappointing that seller didn’t include engine pics.

    Like 2
    • HoA HoAMember

      Hi HC, I respectfully disagree. The hype on these is off the scale. I bought mine, a ’77 GMC, Colorado truck, almost no rust 5 years ago for $1400, sold it 2 years ago for $2200, and had several offers in that range. I sold it to a neighbor who then tried, in vain, to sell it for $3500, and not one offer. He eventually sold it for an undisclosed amount, but wasn’t 5 figures or anywhere near. I see these at auction with chrome wheel cylinders( cough) that do bring 5 figures, but this is just a basic , USED pickup, and I doubt will sell for half the asking price.

      Like 1
      • HCMember

        Well HOa, I respectfully disagree with you as well. I’ve seen what most of these year square bodies currently sell for. Yes, I got my 85 C10 for $2800, from a friend, but that was an exception. In an open market they bring much more money. Square body Chevy trucks are very sought after these days.

        Like 1
      • GREG HOOVER

        The posting is deleted, so I’m guessing it sold.

        Like 0
  4. Al camino

    The old boring blue,this truck needs another color to it and the stripping along the sides to get it out of the boring look!

    Like 2
    • HCMember

      Yeah a Blue and white combination would look better than this single color blue does.

      Like 1
  5. Russ

    I had an ‘87 Silverado with the 350 TPI/700R4 and had zero problems.

    Like 5
    • Russ

      Correction; throttle body injection

      Like 2
  6. Joe Haska

    In this crazy truck market, this could be, a very good buy. The seller really did him self a favor by not even cleaning it up for the photos.

    Like 0

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