One as common as blades of grass, a multitude of Third Generation Chevrolet C/K Series trucks still roll down the roads today, firing up at the twist of a key and doing the work expected of them with complete disregard for numbers on the calendar or odometer. This 1977 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne in Harrison, Ohio still runs, but needs some work according to the description here on Craigslist. Highlights include a running 454 “big block” and factory air conditioning, presumably not working. The interior is rough, some panels show rust, and the odometer showing 12,000 and change has rolled over at least once, but cheap and plentiful parts paint a promising picture for continued roadworthiness after a modest investment. The $6500 asking price suggests a premium for the running rat motor, but 26 days into the listing, a decent offer might seal the deal.
Mid-’70s horsepower numbers may seem comical compared to today’s 3/4 ton trucks, but the 454 cid (7.4L) V8 makes bountiful torque. As a young driver I remarked that a similar 454-powered C20 was the first vehicle I’d ever driven with an automatic transmission I could tolerate. When not towing, the three-speed automatic would climb any hill in third gear, and despite the smog-restrictions, you could boil the tires from a 20 roll. Don’t try that on the test drive, folks; the seller admits this one needs some TLC.
Save your green if you don’t like the color, because this rig’s green inside and out. The Cheyenne package adds wood trim and more bling all around. Credit the seller for showing the driver’s seat, a critical picture that should grace every listing. I’ve had at least one GM car reach almost 300,000 miles with a nearly perfect driver’s seat, but pickup trucks aren’t known for having an easy life.
Heavy duty axles and eight-lug wheels equip this 2WD work horse to haul heavy payloads and sizable trailers. Flaking paint on the wheels could be touched up with a rattle can, and the oversized BF Goodrich tires show decent tread. Missing tailgate trim should be easy to find on the Internet or any junk yard that hasn’t gone crush-happy.
Chevrolet stopped engine callouts in the grille after 1975, so nobody in traffic needs to know about the extra grunt under the hood on this ’77, except from a heavy right foot. While the ubiquitous small block 350 tackles most jobs, for torque and bragging rights, the 454 is king of the hill. Would you pay a premium for this big block pickup considering the premium price of fuel?
That man behind the wheel doesn’t look very happy.
He looks like Gregg Allman. Is this an old picture?
Oh no, Todd, this is CLEARLY a low mileage truck,,( cough), I know, you’re thinking, Howard bump his head again? Maybe, but just for comparison now, a squarebody C20, 4×4, WITH a plow, 10 times better than this, advertised for $5500, and it sits. That was like the 4th example in my town, including mine, where I just don’t see these kinds of numbers, especially for this. It bums me out, someone creates a false market for something, and everyone thinks it’s gospel, well it isn’t. Sorry, this is one of the worst examples of these to come along. 454s, its only merit, are hardly rare.
Hey Howard A. Personally I’d look for a lest rusty Southern version. The 2WD 454 C20 from my past was a Trailering Special belonging to my girlfriend’s farm family. Her brother and I are friends to this day. I had a boatload of fun in that truck, some of which should not be retold in public. One interesting adventure was driving it down and then back up a good 3/4 mile or more of a shallow creek, something modern off-roaders wouldn’t try without 4×4, locking hubs, and a lift kit. Anyway that history may lead to some bias toward optimism. Pricing wise, for years there was a rule of thumb that a running truck depreciated down to $1000 per drive axle, i.e. you could snag a 2WD for around $1000 or a 4×4 for $2000 regardless of age. Similarly a tractor would go down to $2500 or $3500 and stay there. Thanks to the Internet everyone thinks old = valuable. Before the Internet the 454 would definitely command a premium, because your small-town classifieds might only see one a year. The world is a different place! I do think someone could pay full price for this rig and get 10 years out of it on the cheap. I’d hold out for the big block for nostalgia, but the frequent fill-ups would sting. Thanks for your comments as always!
I’d suggest that buying any plow truck wouldn’t be 10 times better than this on its best day.
This featured truck might be an industrial-grade beater, but I’ll bet it doesn’t need its entire front suspension replaced and its transmission rebuilt from pushing a heavy plow into snowbanks all night long.
Old plow trucks live hard lives. VERY hard lives.
Quick, bigfoot’s stealing the truck!
The OHIO plates make this avoidable.
2500 truck imo.If she was tuned ,fluids, new brakes filters etc and ready to roll with solid brake and fuel lines 3500.She’s got Rotted quarters and weak cab corners.Bet the rockers are weak too.Need better pics.
The yellow 69 Chevy P/U, brings back memories on my Uncle teaching how to drive 3 on the tree! It built my Biceps & Triceps driving without power steering.Miss the old gas prices for Driving those old trucks.
I’ve never understood all the hype over these, the worst trucks they ever made, the 67-72s were much better in every way. These things rusted like there was no tomorrow. I’m surprised the hood isn’t buckled.