Time can seem to stretch unbroken into the distance until that moment arrives when you realize there isn’t enough to complete a project build that is your heart’s desire. The current owner of this 1969 Chevrolet C10 Stepside Pickup is confronted with that reality, electing to move it on to a buyer who can do it justice. The process may include a faithful restoration, although addressing its few rust problems and retaining the C10 as an original survivor would be a valid strategy. The Pickup is listed here on eBay in Wichita, Kansas. Bidding has raced to $8,100 in a No Reserve auction.
The aspect of this C10 that attracts me is what I would term its honesty. The panels wear a selection of dings and dents, indicating this classic has worked to justify its existence. The Cardinal Red paint has plenty of imperfections, but the seller believes it is original. There is no evidence of restoration or accident repairs, and the untouched nature of the panels and paint may motivate some buyers to consider preservation as an option. There are rust problems requiring attention, which are in the places we’ve grown to know and love. The cab corners are an almost inevitable part of the list, as are the kick panels, lower fenders, and the passenger side rocker. The rest of the vehicle is clean, and the frame is structurally sound. The exterior trim is intact and in surprisingly good condition for a vehicle of this type and age. The glass looks spotless, and the overall condition suggests the new owner could enjoy this classic immediately while devising their strategies moving forward.
Lifting the hood reveals this C10’s six-cylinder engine, backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The listing doesn’t indicate whether this is the 250ci or 292ci version of the six, and I can’t tell from the supplied photos. Hopefully, I’m missing something, and you might be able to provide a definitive answer to that question. If it is the 250, the buyer has 155hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. If the powerplant is the larger six, those figures climb to 170hp and 275 ft/lbs. Neither increase is enormous, but both would be welcome if the bed contained a full load. The seller spent money on the drivetrain of this Pickup to ensure it is mechanically healthy. They sourced and fitted a new radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, belts, fuel pump, master cylinder, carburetor, gas tank, tires, and shocks. The previous owner claimed the odometer reading of 64,770 miles is genuine, but they admit there’s no verifying evidence. The Pickup runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to partake in a spot of immediate classic motoring enjoyment.
The surprise packet with this C10 is its interior presentation. Vehicles of this type and age can look tired, but I suspect the seller may have spent some money on this classic to improve its appearance. The Red vinyl on the seat looks new, with the same true for the rubber floormat and dash pad. The wheel is a later addition and appears to be the only upgrade. The painted surfaces show minor flaws, and the armrests are discolored. The overall condition is excellent for a driver-grade vehicle, but lifting it to a showroom-fresh state shouldn’t take much time, effort, or money.
The owner of this 1969 C10 Stepside is one of many faced with the decision to part with a classic due to a lack of time to tackle their build. They aren’t the first to find themselves in that position, and they won’t be the last. As a project build, it shows promise as a restoration or a custom build. Retaining the vehicle as a survivor is a path some may consider, and it would undoubtedly gain attention in that form. That leaves potential buyers with decisions to make and strategies to develop. What would be your approach? More importantly, does the seller’s decision to list it with No Reserve tempt you to make a play for this Pickup?
I’m going to take an educated guess that the six is a 250. This is a super basic half-ton, I’m guessing bought right off the lot, and you had to *really want* the 292 to get one. I’m pretty sure that most folks who wanted more oomph than a 250 went straight to the 307 V-8.
I’m thinking that you would be correct as the 292 would have been painted green.
This vehicle proves that there are still unmolested gems out there to be discovered. Sensational!
All original with messed suspension
Up
I was thinking the same thing
Not a 292, but 292 was a stump puller ,can not stand low riders
that steering wheel :P
She’s a nice looking truck! I like that color.
I like the trucks in this condition “range”… where it’s all solid but you don’t have to freak out if someone bumps it w/ a shopping cart.
Does it look lowered and if so, doesn’t that mean it’s not “all original”?
Or is gravity just taking hold after some 53 years?
With the popularity of C-10’s , I would expect the bidding to go past the 10 K , where it is now. I have to laugh at the comments on the lowered suspension. Do any of you follow the popularity and classic pick ups? It seems they just keep getting more popular and it’s not because the owner wants an original old truck. The chances of this truck being restored to original are two. “Slim & None.”
I believe you are correct and that’s too bad. Sea of lowered big tired street machine trucks. I walk right by them at car shows, but will really look at stock and or preserved one
Nice truck I say fix the suspension back to stock and just drive it
The base engine in this truck was a 230 six. I owned one that had that engine mated to a PG. It was a former meter reader truck and the tag under the hood and the SPI label in the glove box both read 230.
Wow, the only option other than colors on this truck is the painted rear bumper. I don’t ever recall seeing such a low-option RPO sticker before. It’s pretty cool for that alone!