Are you a Fleetside or a Stepside person? I must admit that I find myself on the Fleetside side of the coin, if only for its front-to-rear styling continuity; however, if a truck as clean and stylish as this 1964 Chevy C10 came along when I was looking for a truck, I’d gladly change my mind. Barn Finds reader Jack M. snapped up the link from craigslist in Hastings, Michigan, where the seller is looking to get $16,500 for a truck that will “go anywhere without worry” and look great doing it.
The Chevy is equipped as so many were back in 1964, in a fairly spartan manner: There’s no power steering, no power brakes, no automatic. The engine looks like the basic 230-cubic-inch six, a fairly new addition to the Chevy engine lineup, having replaced the old Stovebolt in 1963. Dubbed the “High Torque 230,” it made 140 horsepower (120 net) and 220 lb.-ft. of torque (205 net). As is typical of six-cylinder truck engines, the torque peak comes in at a low 1600 rpm. The standard rear axle ratio in the C10 was 3.73:1, so this is a two-lane hauler by modern standards, but the seller says that it “runs and drives perfectly.”
The interior appears to have few of the “custom options” shown in the dealer sales materials, but does have “easy to clean vinyl upholstery.” It’s hard to tell in these pictures, but it most likely has a rubber mat covering the floor as well. It does have a Custom Autosound stereo, so you’ll be able to have a soundtrack for your summer rides.
The bed of all Chevy trucks was made of wood, and the Stepside bed was 50 inches wide. Fleetsides had the same width bed between the wheel tubs, but widened out to 72 inches everywhere else (and had double-sided walls). On the other hand, you have to admit that a Stepside looks sporty, especially in its shortbed configuration. This truck is a trim 186 3/4 inches in length, just a few inches longer than a Corvair.
Painted light blue with contrasting white wheels and hubcaps, this ’64 looks as if it just rolled off the assembly line; of course, it’s not perfect, but the seller says that it is “absolutely perfect the way it is.” Given its condition and the general popularity of this bodystyle, I imagine that this truck won’t be up for sale long, and who knows—maybe you’re a Stepside person after all.
Love it!!! One of my favorite generations of Chevy and GMC trucks. I’d enjoy this one exactly as it is. Straight 6 3 speed on the column, manual steering and brakes. I wouldn’t be running this old workhorse on Route 80 every day, but for local runs around town its perfect. And Aaron, with these trucks, I’ll take either a step side or a fleet side, especially in such nice condition as this one. Heck, I even like the color. ( although turquoise is one of my favorites in these). I like the spare mounted up high on the bed too. Thanks for the write up Aaron and finding this gem Jack M.I enjoyed it.
I sure wouldn’t kick this one off my driveway; this is one NICE truck! The only one I liked better was the ’61 with its “Eyebrow Hood.” This style of GM was one of the best ever. Truth be known, I liked this style better than the two that followed it.
The 230 engine is one of the best engines ever made by anyone. Easy to work on; easy to get parts for and cheap to build and run. I had a 230 in my ’69 Chevelle and even though I harbored a dream of repowering it, the more I ran it, the more I decided to leave it alone. I would love to have it back…
The seller said it best. And it’s perfect because it’s not perfect. This is a truck meant to be used as a work truck but like every real professional that works with tools it was well taken care of. Some might balk at the price but the real value is in the way it’s been treated.
Stepside or Fleetside choice? How about Option 3:
”It doesn’t matter as long as it’s Myside of the driveway”!
Having been a career mechanic, I got to see the entire spectrum of owners/drivers and it was quite a revelation to see who looked after their vehicles and who didn’t. There were those who maintained to the nines and those who read the “Maintenance Free” decal on the battery and thinking it applied to the whole vehicle. I had a few who drove 20 year old vehicles and other than a little bit of road rash, they looked new.
The latter group I always went to bat for if I felt they deserved warranty on something that failed prematurely. And most of them didn’t expect it whereas the majority of the first group regarded warranty as an insurance policy for abuse.
And we’re going to disagree as to whose side of the driveway this should be parked on…
“.. and those who read the “Maintenance Free” decal on the battery and thinking it applied to the whole vehicle.”
That’s hilarious and incredibly true way too often than not.
As to the driveway bit-😆👍🏻
Aaron and Jack…NICE!!!.. I really love and appreciate the original condition of this truck. I would take this truck over a six figure restomod any day.
I’m like you geomechs, I prefer the 60/61 with the eyebrows but, this truck is a beautiful ride!!!
I’d love to own this nice pickup but I’d be looking to place a 455 Buick or Pontiac motor in it to improve the pulling ability. LOL.
I drove enough of these 6 bangers back in the day to not want to do it today.
This is a very nice truck!!! Thank you Aaron for the writ up.. I would take it in a heartbeat.. This truck will make someone a great daily driver / weekend work horse that he can take to cars & Coffee and be a hit. I also like the side mount spare on the step side bodys.
You’re welcome! I also like the spare tire; score one for the Stepside. :)
nice looking truck. don’t see them like this anymore