Creampuff! 1985 Chevy Silverado Shortbed

Years ago, I wrote a series of posts for Barn Finds on “honest” pickup trucks. You know, the ones that look nice but not perfect, probably have some “patina”, and aren’t priced ridiculously. The seller of this 1985 Chevrolet Silverado pickup describes it in the ad that is listed here on eBay as “…an all-around honest, straight, dry truck.” In my opinion, this truck is way better than that! This fine machine is located in Mason, Michigan (after spending most of its life in North Carolina), and bidding is currently at $10,511, but hasn’t met the reserve.

Just look at that! It makes one wonder if the truck was ever actually used as a truck. It was repainted once under warranty, about 30 years ago, after the original paint started peeling, which is a known quality issue for this generation of “squarebodies”. The seller includes several underbody pictures as well; this truck really is that clean! I’m pretty sure our 2025 crossover looks worse than that underneath already. Truth be told, it’s hard to believe this truck has over 120,000 miles; it must have really been babied.

I can’t tell you how many of these I’ve seen with the thin aluminum trim panel here looking like it’s been run over, with scratches and dents being the norm. That’s a NOS “sport” bumper that has been fitted, although the original (described as being in excellent condition, of course) is included as well.

If I were bidding on the truck, I’d have to see what the period three-wheeler in the back would add to my purchase price. For those readers who know them better, I think it’s a Honda–I’m sure you experts can tell me exactly what it is in the comments.

As you might expect, given the rest of the truck, the interior looks very nice. It’s hard to tell from this picture whether or not there’s fading on the carpet, but even if there is, you can source a brand-new molded set for less than $200 here. Yes, that’s a 4WD shifter on the floor.

While a lot of folks would prefer a 350 in this truck, I’m fine with the 305-cubic-inch V-8; it’s not like you are going to do any serious towing anyway! I like this truck, with its automatic transmission, four-wheel-drive, cold air conditioning, and it doesn’t need anything done to it! We’ve had a rash of mechanical issues here at the homestead, and I’d love to have a vehicle that doesn’t have an active recall and doesn’t need anything restored, replaced, or refurbished! Would you like to own this fine short-bed squarebody as I would?