- Seller: Curtis T (Contact)
- Location: Ione, Oregon
- Mileage: 90,000 Shown
- Chassis #: CCL248J166325
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 350 V8
- Transmission: TH400 Automatic
UPDATE – The seller has lowered their asking price!
Classic Pickups always represent excellent project candidates. Enthusiasts can choose between a faithful restoration or a custom approach from mild to wild. That makes this 1978 Chevrolet C20 worth a close look. It undeniably needs love, but the small-block under the hood and range of desirable options could form the perfect base to create something genuinely special. The owner feels it deserves a new home and a second chance at life, listing the C20 exclusively with us at Barn Finds.
Chevrolet’s Third Generation C/K range hit showroom floors for the 1973 model year, enjoying an extended production life that saw the final examples roll off the line in 1991. The first owner ordered this 1978 C20 in Sky Blue, and although the paint shows deterioration, the indications are that this could be a relatively straightforward build. The owner confirms that there is cab rust, but the bed is solid. Repairing rust in these old classics is not difficult, because replacement steel is readily available and relatively affordable. The owner also has another bed they will negotiate on if the buyer wishes. The trim appears intact and in nice condition, while the rear step bumper and hitch receiver are practical features. I can’t spot any significant glass issues, and the aftermarket alloy wheels should respond well to some work with a high-quality polish.
The first owner ordered this Pickup with Chevrolet’s iconic 350ci V8. They teamed the small-block with a three-speed TH400 transmission and a 14-bolt full-float 4.10 locking rear end. Its performance would have been very competent with 155hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque on tap. The owner indicates that this gem ran well when parked around four years ago. He pulled the transmission to replace a leaking front seal but never finished the work. However, with a new dual exhaust featuring 40 Series Flowmasters, a new radiator, and new shocks, the foundations are there to return this C20 to active service as an accomplished load carrier or tow vehicle.
This Pickup’s interior is a surprise packet because it appears it would need very little to present well. A deep clean would be an excellent starting point, while replacing the tired Blue vinyl seat cover could be the other piece to this puzzle. The rubber mat is in respectable condition, and the dash has no glaring faults. The C20 rolled off the line with a few welcome creature comforts. The owner confirms that the cruise control is inoperative, but the power windows, power locks, and the tilt wheel work as they should.
If you have been searching for a classic Pickup as a project candidate, this 1978 Chevrolet C20 deserves a close look. Its mechanical components are among the most bulletproof you will find in any vehicle of this type. At the same time, the first owner’s decision to add a selection of interior options will help it to provide a comfortable motoring experience. It quickly falls within the affordable category, making it ideal for enthusiasts considering a first build. It undoubtedly deserves a second chance at life, and this is the opportunity for you to not only provide it but to slip behind the wheel of a classic that will attract attention wherever it goes. That must make this C20 virtually irresistible.
Really not much rust cosidering how quickly these square bodies cumbled, gotta wonder why he never put the tranny back in, makes me a little leary, 4k tops.
Probably hauled a few cord of wood 🪵 back in its day 🪓
Would have been an honest work truck in its day. Ordered with function in mind. I can understand air but power windows on a Custom Deluxe. There you go. Someone swapped out that seat but I can’t quite place from where.
The seat came factory in this pickup
I had one of these in the C10 version (305 V8, 3 on the tree). It was a beater, but I got it for $300. Had to immediately rebuild the engine (which was a cool project). I didn’t have an engine hoist at the time (and couldn’t afford one anyway), so I used 3 pine trees with a come-along to get the engine out (left the tranny in). I did have a cheap engine stand (still have it with a 454 on it right now) and discovered that the block was cracked. I found a block for $100, had it bored out .030. Whole rebuild cost around $750. I put another 100K on it and finally sold it to a car/junk buying company for $400 (with title). Truck owed me nothing. The ex-wife hated riding in it, even though her side of the seat was in fine fettle. I put some helper springs on it. I put a ton or so of gravel on it regularly without it complaining. There was the day though, after pulling the brick facing off of my house and into the bed of the truck, I took it to the local landfill (2 tons on the scale) and it made moaning noises all the way. A workhorse like y’all have said.
A truck used properly. Good job. Pretty rare nowadays.
Right. Since becoming the defacto full size car.
I never see a 1980 GMC for sale on here,, I like the bigger grille,like to a 3/4 ton 4×4, anyone see them around I don’t
We are finishing up on a 76 GMC 3/4 ton 4×4 now. Going to put it up for sale soon.
We are finishing up on a 76 GMC 3/4 ton 4×4 now. Going to put it up for sale soon.
With the stupid high price square bodies have been going for in kinda surprised this is still available. Built when Chevrolet knew how to build trucks heck you can fix the leak if not already done install the transmission shoot it with some blue paint and some other bits and probably double your total investment.