I like to keep an eye on pickup truck prices as I’m still amazed at the popularity that they have amassed over the last ten years or so. Early ’50s Fords, as well as those made in the late ’60s, are always a hit but there’s also a big movement with ’67-’72 Chevrolet & GMC half-tonners too. Today’s find fits that latter category, a 1971 Chevrolet C-10 long bed. It’s a bit “distressed” but it’s still worth giving it the once-over. Residing in Silver Spring, Maryland, this two-toner C-10 is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $2,800. There is a make-an-offer option too.
Have it your way is how Chevy offered up its light truck fleet for ’71. There were three different wheelbase sizes (115″, 127″, and 133″), three different lengths, three different carrying capacities – half, three-quarter, and one-ton ratings, and two body styles, a Fleetside, such as our subject truck, or a Stepside. In our case, we have a half-ton, 127″ wheelbase frame supporting a 98″ cargo bed.
Mechanically speaking, as with so many Chevy trucks from this era, this one originally sported a 250 gross HP, 350 CI V8 but it was given the bum’s rush somewhere in the past and it’s now relying on a 283 CI V8 of unknown provenance. The seller tells us that it’s wearing a 350’s cylinder heads and feeds itself via a Holly four-barrel carburetor. It’s a non-smoking runner, three-on-the-tree style, but according to the seller, it’s not a stopper, “left caliper sticks, right rear drum/hardware missing“.
This truck is claimed to be a top-of-the-line Cheyenne trim (that explains the front disc brakes) and that package included the optional two-tone paint scheme, chrome plated front bumper, full cab carpeting, a nicer than standard-quality vinyl upholstery with full foam support, color-keyed headliner with bright trim, stainless foot pedal trim, dual horns and appropriate badging. Bucket seats and a center console were available but the original orderer of this truck decided to ixnay that option. Regardless, rust seems to be the order of the day, 51 years after the fact. The seller adds, “Truck is obviously rusty throughout the body, but the frame is good with just surface rust and no rotted cross members (see pics). Suspension arms are rusty also but look reusable with new bushings/paint“. What’s not shown is the cargo bed, I’d be curious about its condition.
The inside is rather ratty – bare rusted floors, rotted through in places and patched with some sort of hardware store patch panel, and a bench seat that gives you an up close and personal of that Cheyenne full foam support. No worries about a split dash pad as the entire thing is missing. Beyond these observations, it’s difficult to discern much else. Of course, the good news is a C-10’s cab is a rather confined area so it doesn’t take much to return one to its original clean and functional condition.
The price for this truck, and the seller’s willingness to negotiate, are what originally caught my attention. In spite of this being a long bed version, there’s still a steady demand for these “Action Line” trucks regardless of size and carrying capacity. Now that I have seen it in the steel (and rust), I understand the ask. If so inclined, I’d probably keep looking, how about you?d
Bottom of the barrel,,
You know if you really want to do the work most everything you need is available to put this old truck right. Be a labor of love and may not make financial sense. But price is negotiable and be a good bonding project for family. Yeah old thinking.
Like Cadman said–get the parts and fixer up. Personally I dont get the whole rat rod thing, but I admire the imagination and craftsmanship in them. These were really great trucks. Bottom of said barrel, but finished is a beauty, especially with 3 on the tree.Every handyman, carpenter or plumber had these and the F100’s. Fixerup, welderup, and gitter done!
Cheers
GPC
Rat rod= cobbled together hoopty P.O.S thats probably not safe to drive and was thrown together with whatever parts could be found laying around grandpas back 40.
Man, that thing is rough. Certainly better candidates for restoration exist. Hard pass from my perspective
Top of the line? Holy crap I can not even think those words looking at this disaster!
I had a ‘71 C20 Stepside with 350 4 sp, 2wd. Notorious rust buckets, solid motor and drivetrain. The rust got so bad that every time I closed the door, rust would fall. Got about 12 mpg, empty or full.
The prices for these old farm or work trucks just amazes me. They can be found about anywhere in any condition in the western mid west and literally bring a few hundred dollars. I sold a runner just a couple years back at a local auction sale for $425, twenty-five more than I paid, and it went to a bone yard for maybe parts. It was pristine and running in comparison to this junk heap.
As rough as this truck is I think an offer of $200-$300 would be a fair value. From the photos this one is going t56o need a lot of bodywork due to all the rust. Add to that all the brake work, and possibly motor overhaul may be needed as mileage is not specified. Used and abused.
71 GM was the first year for Dic brakes standard on a half ton pick up and GM went to a 5 lug wheel bolt pattern.
Leave it as is. Love my three on tree action but even better all factory configuration with a big block. Rather be different than same like everyone else.