BF Auction: 1981 Chevrolet Silverado K20 4X4

Seller: Mike D emski

Location: Damascus, Oregon
Mileage: 154,905 Shown
Chassis #: 2GCGK24M1B1111830

Title Status: Clean
Engine: 350 Cui 4 Bolt Main V8
Transmission: TH400

In the 1980s, if you wanted a truck capable on and off the road, the K20 was the truck for you. The third-generation Chevrolet C/K series of trucks has a well-earned reputation for being tough, and K20 4x4s, like the example being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction, are still popular with the off-road crowd. Given that most lived tough lives as work trucks and hunting rigs, finding solid examples is getting tough. This one needs work, but it runs, is well-optioned, and, most importantly, it’s solid. The seller has realized they won’t be able to finish the restoration they started, so they are offering it without a reserve!

This truck was nicely optioned with factory A/C, tilt, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power brakes with front discs, and dual fuel tanks. The seller inherited it from their cousin in 2009. Their cousin purchased the truck new, so the seller has known it since it was fresh from the dealer. During its time with the original owner, it received an aftermarket stereo and 5th Wheel Hide A Ball Hitch & Stinger Style Receiver Hitch. The original owner was a fishing guide in Oregon. They used it to tow a Duckworth Jet boat from The Dalles, Oregon to the mouth of The Deschutes, which is about a 40 mile round trip. While the seller has kept it parked in their shop since inheriting it, the paint was showing its age, so they began prepping it for a fresh coat of paint. Unfortunately, health issues have kept them from finishing it. They have had all the components that were removed for paint reinstalled to make shipping easier. The truck includes all the supplies to paint it in its original color, including the paint and clear coat.

The interior shows a few flaws but is usable as is. The seller notes that the bench seat upholstery has a tear on the driver’s side seat bottom that’s been taped, so you might want to install new upholstery. The dash, steering wheel, and door panels present nicely. The carpets aren’t perfect, but they are usable. It’s currently equipped with a gun rack and a cowboy hat holder.

The seller believes this is the factory original engine. It’s a 350 V8 with a 4-bolt main, which was rebuilt by Eastco Machine in Gresham, Oregon. The seller notes that a new Edelbrock carburetor and intake have been installed, as well as exhaust headers. The radiator was replaced in April of 2023, and the oil and filter were recently changed. The heater core leaks, so the seller has bypassed it to make the truck drivable. Also, the cruise control isn’t hooked up to the carb, and the muffler has a hole that’s been patched. The TH400 transmission is said to shift well and is equipped with a shift kit. The few minor issues this truck has shouldn’t keep it off the road, but fixing them would improve its driveability.

This truck needs cosmetic work, but it seems like a great project for anyone looking for a classic 4×4. The body is straight and rust-free, the chassis has surface rust but is solid, and the engine is said to run great. The inclusion of the paint supplies and spare parts will help keep costs down. With a fresh coat of paint, it would be a great-looking truck that will be fun on and off the road! If you’d love to have it, be sure to bid below. And leave any questions you have for the seller in the comments.