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TBI-Equipped Survivor: 1987 Chevy C-10

This 1987 Chevrolet C-1o pickup combines a few different desirable options, including the short-box bed and factory 350 engine with Throttle Body Injection, otherwise known as TBI. The seller notes that 1987 was the only year that the squarebody trucks came with TBI, and this one is said to run quite well despite needing some minor sorting. The truck wears factory paint with light patina and is still equipped with functioning factory A/C. Find it here on eBay with bids to $8,900 and no reserve.

The short-bed trucks will always find favor with enthusiasts because Chevy nailed the proportions. This truck just looks right with these dimensions, and the nicely-dished Rally wheels complete the look. Chrome bumpers look tidy and although the seller’s description of the paint wearing a light coating of patina indicates some wear and tear is visible, it’s not immediately obvious in pictures. The cab corners and lower edges of the bed show no signs of the rot-through I’m accustomed to seeing in old trucks here in the Northeast.

The interior still looks quite nice and the seller notes that the dash pad remains uncracked. The seats show no signs of rips or tears, and aside from some sagging of the storage pockets, the door panels appear sound as well. The flaws noted with the truck reside in the interior, as the seller notes a previous owner has bypassed the heater core, which is likely due to a leak, and should be replaced. The factory radio was also removed at some point and the speedometer is inoperable.

Under hood looks to be in good order, and the seller notes the truck is a strong runner with no disquieting sounds or rattles. The 350 is paired to a 700R4 overdrive transmission, so this C-10 should cruise for days without issue. While Chevrolet made a lot of these trucks, the appeal comes down to the condition and options. Since many were treated like the workhorses they are, the ones that escaped daily abuse and fitted with the right equipment will rise to the top, as this one should.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A Member

    I think we’ve burnt out the squarebody comments. I’m telling you folks, and maybe they are figuring this out, don’t spend a lot of money on these, $5g’s for a nice one should be it.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Tyler

      I agree, prices on squares have gotten out of hand. I sold a red one just as nice 2 years ago, with power windows, door locks, perfect interior, & cold air for $4400.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar Tyler

    87 was NOT the only year for the TBI engine in a squarebody truck. California got them in 86, & the Blazers, Suburbans & 1 tons continued the body style through the 91 model year with the TBI engine.

    Like 4
  3. Avatar geomechs Member

    Actually the TBI system was well in use (Federally) in ‘86. Still a lot of carburetors as well. I liked the TBI system; it was one of the simplest out there, and reliable too. Yet there were old-school people who went to a lot of trouble to put the old stand-by carburetors back in place…

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Comet

    Job one: Replace drivers door hinges.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar FordGuy1972 Member

    This ’87 Chevy C10 looks like a nice pickup with a lot going for it. It’s a desirable short bed with the tried-and-true 350 and it’s also got the must-have A/C. The original paint is pretty tired and apart from whatever is going on with the leading edge of the hood it seems to be rust free. If the claimed low mileage is true, there’s a lot to like here. These trucks are going up in demand and price so if you’ve always wanted a clean one, this might be a good time to pull the trigger. Who knows what this trucks will be worth 10-20 years from now.

    Up here in the Northeast, “rust free” and 30+ year-old pickup rarely go together.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Stevieg

    Hard to verify the low mileage when the speedometer is inop. But with that relatively bulletproof drivetrain, it shouldn’t matter.
    I’d rather drive a well maintained high mile vehicle than a neglected low mile “creampuff”.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Little_Cars

    Blah white squarebody. They are everywhere down here in Tennessee. IIRC, the heating and AC are tied together in GM cars and trucks of this era. So beware if you set the temperature on cold you may still get nothing if the heater core was removed. If the fan electrical remains for heat, you might just get a rude awaking (sounds, crashes, burns, smells or all of the above). Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar james boyd

    I think these are under the radar money. A friend had one probably 15 years ago and a Chevrolet dealership offered him $10,000. Not a trade offer either. 10 G’ s. His was low miles and looked like it was new.

    Like 0

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