- Seller: Christopher B (Contact)
- Location: New Durham, New Hampshire
- Mileage: 44,000 Shown
- Chassis #: CE431P104914
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: Small Block V8
- Transmission: Manual
Not every classic truck fits neatly into a category, and this 1971 Chevrolet C40 is a good example of that. Listed as a Barn Finds Exclusive out of New Durham, this one stands out as a pickup conversion built from a medium-duty platform, showing just 44,000 original miles according to the seller. It’s not your typical half-ton cruiser, and that alone makes it worth a closer look for anyone who likes something a little different.
The seller explains that they purchased the truck as a partially completed project, have taken it further along, and are now ready to pass it on. As it sits today, it’s described as a running and driving truck, which is always a key detail when dealing with something that started as a project. That suggests much of the foundational work has already been completed, though there may still be room for finishing touches depending on the next owner’s plans.
Power comes from a small block engine, paired with a manual transmission. The listing notes a few updates under the hood, including swapping out the original two-barrel carburetor for a Holley 600 cfm unit, along with a new intake and HEI ignition. Those are common upgrades aimed at improving drivability and reliability, especially on older setups that may have sat or needed attention.
The brake system has also been rebuilt, which is another important point given the size and intended use of a C40 platform. Trucks like this were originally designed for heavier-duty work, so having the braking system addressed is something most buyers will appreciate.
Beyond that, the seller mentions 22.5-inch Alcoa wheels with adapters, which adds to the truck’s presence and likely contributes to its distinctive look. Inside, a “very nice” bench seat has been installed, giving the cabin a more finished feel compared to many work-based builds that are left more utilitarian.
As for functionality, the seller states that everything works except the turn signals. That kind of detail is helpful, as it gives a clear picture of where things stand without overpromising.
This isn’t a factory-original configuration, and it’s not trying to be. Instead, it feels like a personalized build that blends medium-duty hardware with pickup styling. For someone who wants a truck that stands apart from the usual C10 or K-series crowd, this could be an interesting direction to explore.
With the heavy lifting already done and the truck said to be roadworthy, the next owner gets to decide how far to take it. Keep it as a unique cruiser, refine the details, or push the build even further?
This could be an interesting build, with a custom flareside tubbed out bed…Big Jim indeed.
Outrageous and cool truck-could’ve been a grandparent to a Kodiak.
To which the new buyer might consider locating the bed from a Kodiak and using it instead! Finding more interesting stuff all the time, Elizabeth 😁👍🏻
GLWTA
The Chevy Kodiak “C” 4500, 5500, 6500 and the GMC version pickups were not equipped that way from the factory. All the trucks left Flint Michigan as “cab Chassis” . The very popular “pickup” beds were custom built by Monroe Truck Body. I know because not only had I been to the assembly plant. (Not used anymore thanks to the union) And ordered/sold many in the GMC version. The bodies “looked” like standard “step side” beds. Because they were perportionate sized to the truck. But were in fact completely different. They were 9feet long and the sides were taller than a standard bed. AND the cab to bed side was not even close to the same as a standard truck.(as found out by people wanting to install a slide in camper. I wish I had a quarter for every C4500 pickup I sold. Wait a minute, I do! (lol)
A ’67-’72 C-series fleetside bed with the step side/dually fenders added would pull this together well, in the style of the squarebody 3+3 duallies, but with matching body contours. Some tweaking of the cab step and step side step could match those up, if they don’t from the get go.
I agree. Extend the running board to include the bed area. (Maybe even use 2 additional cab running boards to the bed. That way it does not look like something someone had just lying around and tossed up there. AND naturally paint it the same color as the cab for the same reason.
I’d Convert that box into a dump bed. Because that’s the only way you’d reach anything you put in there.
Nice findin and writin Elizabeth. I thought it said Beverly, MO on the side…My ADHD was kicking in and was almost in the truck on the way to check it out!
Nice looking rig here. Just maybe a little too big for weekend runs to the Home Depot? I saw an old Mack model B with a pickup bed on it once. The owner had an excavating business and used it to pull a trailer with one of his bulldozers on it. That way he didn’t have to tie up a dump truck.
Nice build and definitely a great idea. They did a good job lining up the rear fenders over the axle too. This would be great to run around town in.
Hmm, missed this, sometimes new posts get stuffed in, or go by fast. This is,,,,pretty silly, I can only imagine our British cousins rolling their eyes, “Silly Yanks”, this is or was, a short lived fad, as to who could have the biggest pickup truck, and not go the semi truck route, although I’m sure some have. This is merely the biggest truck that is still civilized enough to mount a box on the back, purely for decoration. I think of the mundane use this truck originally had, and now this. It is pretty cool, and in true American fashion, just screams EXCESS!!! I’d have to think the novelty would wear off pretty quick. Might want to check local regs on those pointy lug nut covers. Some states say they can’t exceed the wheel well. Back wheels too, I believe. I think an ambitious trooper would have a field day with this.
agreed. Only use as is – a 5th wheel (I’d use the ‘hidden’) in the bed (also a 12v under the hood mated to an alison). I think this is what we’d have called a ‘top kick’ in the day, ruined here (C60?). Is best used, as is, as how most p/u trucks today are – an ego toy, commuter rig, DD.
I’d like to see it (as I seem to all vehicles – only ‘sleeper’ mods – modern upgrades that are less obvious) in it’s full original dress – it is a fine (& adaptable) rig. Workin a job, any job, rather than this.
https://tractorzoom.com/equipment/1988-chevrolet-kodiak-c70-refuse-truck-2e801bc5-2185-4562-8586-1c1503b8dcda
I’m an ol stick in da mud, no? Workin w/dogs now, I feel the same. Y have a border collie stuffed ina city apartment, ona couch all day. It needs (at the least) agility training or other 3, 4 Xs/wk. The ol dodge power wagon ona suburban driveway – U needa l a r g e property to work the vehicle correctly. I say something out of my pain on observation~
Rant over…
(“Hey! @ least they’re preserved, Chad.”)
i personally would widen the box out but i think it’s a cool build. this stuff always pops up to far away to check out in person.
Driving a new C4500 GMC crew cab with the custom built pickup bed. 4 of us went to lunch at a casino. We pulled up to valet parking and got out. The valet person ran up and said, “cool truck! What do you tow with that?” My reply was, “thanks!, anything I want to tow.”
Cool truck, I like it, but I think it would look better with 19.5 rims and tires. It would be a cool project to finish
I drove a C-50 Chevy with a longer wheel base dump truck/ Stake body of this era. It drove great, fuel mileage sucked. Could haul a heavy weight trailer with a back hoe on the trailer. I can’t say that I would want to re-explore the experience with this truck but, it might be fun. The insurance hit would not be pleasant.
I don’t have the microgenitalia problem that would lead me to express my manhood with something like this, so unless someone has some great need for an oversized toy or has a serious working need for it…. Remember the fuel mileage issue as the cost of fuel may require one to really REALLY have a need to own this as time will tell where the costs are going.
Spiked wheelcovers are STUPID.
I think this rig would look better with a small dump box or stake rack. It suits its dignity better than a morphidyke pickup box. That said, I do love Chevies of this era.
An exclusive Barn Finds offering with just FIVE pictures? I read where it has a nice bench seat added and how much of an improvement over the stock configuration it is. Where was the sun when taking pics of the interior – one; and of the engine compartment – one. Where is Scotty when more pictures are needed?
Looks terrible.
I’d need an air seat in that. The ride would destroy my back. I liked someone else’s comment for a dump bed. It would be useful.
Very cool truck, but I’m not a fan of the pickup conversion. If I bought this truck, I would convert it to a dump truck. I would also replace the gawdy alloy wheels and ridiculous spike lug nuts with stock steel wheels and regular lug nuts.
A man after my own heart. That would look great with a proper dump box, say 4-6 yard rated, and with proper wheels. Back in the day there were lots of these rigs around towing trailers with backhoes for small excavating contractors, now everyone is doing it with pickup trucks towing dump trailers and hauling mimi excavarors with pickups towing f lat bed trailers.