The Silverado nameplate has adorned Chevrolet’s series of full-size pickup trucks since the mid-1970s. Two bed configurations were offered, Fleetside (flat panels) and Stepside, with the latter applying to the seller’s 1977 Silverado. It’s a ½-ton pickup that we’re told has been 80% restored, which excludes the interior. With a 350 V8 engine and floor-shifted 3-speed manual transmission, this truck can be found in Salida, California, and is available here on craigslist for $9.000. Another Bow-Tie tip from Rocco B.!
Since the advent of the F-Series of Ford trucks in the late 1940s, Chevrolet has typically occupied the second spot in the sales race. The C/K Series of trucks were designed in 1973 and that platform would remain in play until the 1990s. The seller’s version of the Silverado looks to have newer paint, though it doesn’t seem to have a great deal of luster to it. If there was any rust, we’re not sure if any remains today (these 1970s trucks were subject to corrosion; my neighbor’s 1974 rusted away in the driveway).
The seller may be this truck’s third owner as we’re told the restoration work we see was begun by the second owner. We’re not sure where the 80% calculation comes from as the engine compartment isn’t particularly clean. The body and interior look fine, but the interior will need an extreme makeover. We assume the Walmart seat cover is hiding worn-out upholstery and the door panels and dashboard are going to need work (especially the dash).
According to the seller, this is a “super rare truck”, but why? Perhaps it’s because of the “granny gear” shifter instead of a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. Whatever the case, you might find yourself with a nice truck that you could drive as-is and then take it off the road for a couple of weeks to redo the passenger compartment.
3 on the tree is a great anti theft device
It’s not a column shift.
Looking at the CL photos it’s a four-speed floor unit. As was the case with serious trucks back 50 years ago, low gear was marked L not 1. Second was 1, and you were to start in it.
L was to do with 2wd what a low-range transfer case would do. It was a crawl gear…”Granny gear” some called it.
It’s “super rare” (I believe) because most V8s were paired to an automatic. The 3+L transmission was for work. The standard 292 six was for work, also, and could use the granny low to maximum benefit.
No matter. Nice truck. Given the market, nice price. But I choke on how a 47-year-old work vehicle is now “reasonably” priced at $8k.
My bad, skimmed the article too quickly. I had 3 on the tree on the brain because the last 2 old cars I have looked at had that setup. One was a 1963 full sized Pontiac, which I thought was odd.
Floor is transfer case
Not a transfer case.
Look at the ad photos. It’s plainly 2wd.
A friend has an 81 with a 400 4 barrel 400 auto. Maroon inside and out. Could’ve bought it for $3,500.00. Looking at prices today, should’ve picked it up. Oh well. Live and learn.
the only tree i see is one in the back ground….lol looks like a floor shifter to me !!
Silverado, formerly Cheyenne Super, was the top trim level back then (which this certainly isn’t) not the truck’s model name.
This makes me want to watch “The Driver” with Ryan O’Neal again.
First vehicle great grandfather’s baby blue 250 six cylinder with 3 on tree . Couldn’t get it in gear to pull up driveway when he asked .Snuck it out and got caught and learned to drive it .
He died and my grandfather called and said that truck you like to drive is up beside house your great grandpa left it for you .
Interesting squarebody. I used to like the rally wheels on corvettes and camaros, maybe even chevelles and el caminos. Do they have to be on every Chevrolet?
Ok someone named Ed mentioned correctly that before 1989, a Silverado was the top trim level in the U.S. market. As I’m unable to get a closer look it hard to accurately tell what the trim level badge at the bottom of the B roof pilar says. But the bright wheel trim, behind the cab, mirrors and bumpers, plus the map pockets in the doors, plus the wheels at least tell us it’s at least a mid level trim.