While this 1978 Chevy C10 pickup was already quite sweet with its lowered stance and deep-dish wheels, it gets better: this is a desirable “Big 10” edition, which at one time was claimed to be one of the fastest American-made vehicles on the streets. It trailed the Corvette of the same year by a few tenths of a second, and even had its mettle tested in grueling endurance run over the punishing terrain in Baja, California, with only a single blown tire to show for damage. This is a cool shop truck, and one that looks ready to enjoy. Find it here on eBay with a $7,500 Buy-It-Now.
In terms of window dressing and marketing ploys, the Big 10 edition actually provided consumers with some decent hardware: 454 V8, Turbo 400 transmission, locking rear end, and decent fuel economy – a surprising feature in the ugly days of gas shortages and over-zealous emissions standards. This listing provides relatively few details about the truck, which has clearly been lowered and appears to have had staggered wheels and tires added. You could spec a Stepside or Fleetside bed; this one is the latter.
The interior is in excellent condition, with handsome plaid seating surfaces, clean carpets, and an un-cracked dash. The door panels look crisp, too, and the recorded mileage of 127K shows that this is no low-mileage garage queen. The craigslist ad for this Big 10 mentions that the interior is custom, but it remains restrained enough to pass for stock.
Now, the listing says this truck has a 5.7L V8, which I don’t believe is correct – but I’m sure our Chevy truck experts can correct me if I’m wrong (and please do). The seller would be wise to include more details on how this Big 10 has been maintained, and the same craigslist listing at least says “mechanically sorted,” which I typically interpret to mean it’s had the basics gone through. I love the stance of this C10 and hope the next owner doesn’t change much other than to track down some period-correct Big 10 side-stripes and “Chevy Sport” lettering.
Thanks, I have absolutely no reservations on asking $3 for mine now. That’s a 350, mine is not this nice, but it’s the same truck.
Howard, thanks – has it been swapped? The literature I scanned seemed to indicate a 454 was standard.
“Big 10” was not (directly) a performance package, it was was a way to get 3/4 ton brake, spring and suspension parts in a 1/2 ton chassis in order to achieve a 6,000+ lb GVW, which allowed GM to bypass emissions restrictions. This light-duty truck is a C-10 but with C-20/C-30 bits, thus a “Big 10”. Kinda like the Heavy Chevy. It appears that the magazine got crafty and ordered theirs with a 454 for maximum power, but you could get the 350 and maybe even a six if you wanted an actual work truck. Dodge would later officially pull the same trick and make performance the focus with the “Little Red Express”, which was the fastest American vehicle from 0-100 you could buy in 1978.
What exact parts of C-20/C-30 may have been used? This example looks like a standard 1/2 ton Chevy .
Did you read the post above? The “Big 10” used heavier brakes and springs than the standard 1/2 ton trucks. My family had a 76 with the larger components, though it didnt include “Big 10” decals.
Was just asking for specifics ( ”exact” parts )…
Jeff, Here’s what I see.
Nice truck but looks rusty. Bottom of drivers door pretty Punky as well as behind the rear wheel. Parts are readily available obviously but you couuld end up pretty deep on this after body, paint and drivetrain. Pics seem to be a bit “strategic” and would like to seen undercarriage specifically body mounts and floors. I have an 83 c10 that is a one repaint never rusted truck and I have had others that morph quickly into high dollar projects. This one may disappoint the person that is waiting for the car carrier to show up
Agreed. I don’t think it’s a solid as the pics suggest. Looks great though, and that’s certainly a SBC in the pic. not a big block.
I had this exact truck, bought from my father, who purchased it brand new from Henna Chevrolet in Austin Texas. Still have the window sticker, factory paper dealer plate, and original registration paperwork my dad filled out at the dealer.
My dad was always fond of telling us kids, that the truck he’d actually purchased didn’t show up when expected and got delayed at the factory for various reasons, so the dealer made him a “deal” on their demo, which is identical to this truck listed. Here also proudly told us, that this particular truck was a rarity for that year, because the only factory options it did not come with, were the clock in the dash and a power seat. It had A/C, power windows and locks, and even a dealer optioned toolbox painted and pinstriped in black to match the truck.
Many great memories of that truck, which my younger brother still owns. It has been through at least 2 350 rebuilds, one 6.0 LS swap, and back to the original 350, and best as we can figure, has right at 500k on the odometer. My brother is in the process of frame off restoring it.
It’s a small block!
I had a 79 heavy half. It had a 350 engine and tranny. It is my understanding that the front springs were 5/8th ton springs, thus the term heavy half or big 10.
And there was an extra leaf added to the rear springs as well.
If it has 3/4 ton springs and brakes, why does it sit lower and have five lug wheels?
Anyone who lowers a pick-up like this needs to be horse whipped for being so stupid! What are you going to do with it now? You don’t have any ground clearance to use it for what it is intended to be used for! Oh yeah, because it looks cool? NOT!
your opinion! besides why would you put a classic truck to work like it was intended for? lowing the truck is for cruising and retirement for both truck and owner
The BIG 10 option package didn’t involve stripes. The only decals tied to that package are what you see on the box sides. 454 engines could be ordered but were not standard with the BIG 10, same for the posi rear end. 5 lug wheels were correct.
This truck has been messed with. the original dash has a chintzy cover over over it, the door panels look like cheap repro custom deluxe versions. The grille is an aftermarket replacement. Lowering it does not look good at all IMO.
My dad and uncle each ordered new 1978 Big 10 Silverado shortbox 2WD’s at the same time from the same dealer. One was blue on blue cloth inside with a 454 the other was dark brown with tan vinyl inside with a 350 and posi. Remember them well. They rode very stiff!
Apparently, Wrong Way likes his stupid high which it generally useless for what they are supposed to be used for! Just like a drag car or a street car, they are built for a purpose. Most of the high lifted, tricked out, over-chromed trucks never see the dirt.