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Camper Special: 1978 Chevrolet C20 Scottsdale

This 1978 Chevrolet C/K pickup is a desirable Camper Special model that remains in respectable drive condition and still wears old-school California blue plates. It really looks like the perfect vehicle for exploring the Muir Forest, and given it’s located in Northern California, perhaps that’s exactly how it’s been used. The Camper Special models weren’t exceptionally special, but some additional options were included that are useful regardless of whether you’d ever throw on a camper shell and go exploring. This example is listed here on eBay with bidding just over $2,200 and no reserve. Thanks to Barn Finds reader local_sheriff for the find. 

The color is great, resembling a burnt copper with the long bed and mismatched bumpers (front is chrome, rear is unpainted). The wheels don’t strike me as being original but they still look good, and the ride height sits nice and even. The seller notes that the Camper Special came rated for 8200 GVW, and other features not mentioned in the listing typically included various tie-downs and hook-ups for a camper shell, along with a front sway bar and wiring for a second battery. While the package inherently makes the most sense for someone who will actually go camping, the front sway bar and additional cargo capacity is useful to almost anyone.

The interior appears to be in great shape, with minty door panels and an uncracked dash. Carpets also look quite clean, and the lower panels are colored to match the exterior paint job. The blanket covering the bench seat is hiding some ugliness presumably around where the driver sits, but the passenger side is in solid condition. If this truck has resided in Northern California, it likely hasn’t been exposed to the relentless sun of the southern part of the state, but the seller still notes some fading is present. All of the A/C components remain attached and the idle still surges when turned on, but the compressor does not turn on and obviously does not cool the cabin.

The 5.7L V8 is said to start with some gentle coaxing and has already passed California’s stringent smog testing, with an active registration through October 2020. The engine bay is super clean, and I don’t see much in the way of evidence of new parts – but that’s a fairly subjective observation in terms of importance. The seller describes it as well maintained, but it’d be great to get some insights on what recent maintenance has included. These are certainly robust trucks, and it’s crying out for a period-correct camper shell to be added (don’t you dare put some shiny, new shell in the bed.) Would you convert it into a proper camping rig or just use it for everyday hauling?

Comments

  1. Avatar geomechs Member

    Nice unit! I would take it as is and put it back to work. Of course, the wheels would go and I would source out something that looked more original, if not find some original types. Depending on the GVW this truck could be running a TH 350 or a TH 400. Both work well although the 400 is better suited for towing. The Scottsdale package is one off the bottom, starting in 1975. GMC’s equivalent would be the Sierra Grande (my ’79 is a Sierra Grande). A/C is great in this period and usually requires very little servicing. The bearing and clutch on the compressor sometimes goes out and I’ve had to change the odd shaft seal; the major problems were usually low on freon. I would use R-12 substitute and NOT convert it to R-134. It was designed for R-12 and works the best with R-12…

    Like 10
  2. Avatar Howard A Member

    Oh, oh, what happened to the $7,000 dollar square body? Dang, got to be quick before the bubble done bursts. That’s ok, mine is not for sale. Looks like a good ol’ truck, much more in line with what I think these should go for. Judging by the general mechanical condition, keep your toolbox handy, and you’ll get to know the auto parts person by 1st name. It looks just like mine, and I had to replace everything on the motor. This, with all the extra garbage looks like a nightmare compared to mine. It does get to a point, where mine is now, it’s totally worth it, remember, these were some of the best trucks you could buy in the 70’s.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    Looks like a fairly nice, clean rig. I like the chrome wheels; I’d certainly keep them. The new owner would just have to replace the rusty center caps. It needs a few odds and ends freshened up, especially the A/C system, but overall it looks ready to be enjoyed. I would think it will go for a fair price with over 60 folks watching the auction.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar PaulG

    These were built for a full size cab over camper, not merely a “shell or topper”.
    Robust trucks that where no road salt was used survived well.
    Recently sold my 79 K20 on eBay, brought over 15k.
    This is a bargain if it doesn’t climb too much higher. Good luck to buyer and seller…

    Like 4
    • Avatar SteveTheD

      Big difference since a ’79 K20 was a 4 wheel drive and this is a 2 wheel drive.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar art

    Nice truck. Judging from the bed setup, this puppy pulled a 5th wheel trailer.
    Because of that heavy duty use, would be nice to know if the seller has the service records. Very often, back when, the optional rear step bumper was rarely chromed, especially if the truck was going to be used as a truck. Chromed rear bumpers were more for show than go. Base level trucks almost always had a painted front bumper, too.
    The paint color is unique and so much better looking than today’s blah blacks and dark silvers, in my opinion.
    With some detailing and new hoses, belts, fluids, shocks, tires, brakes(?), this may be one nice truck to have around.

    Like 2

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