Barn Finds is fortunate to have readers spanning all corners of the globe, and we attempt to feature vehicles that would appeal to all tastes. It can be challenging, and some cars seem more nation-specific than others. Many might consider that valid for Pickups, which are a staple of the North American market. However, history proves they have far broader appeal than some may think. This 1970 Chevrolet K10 Short Bed perfectly demonstrates that. It isn’t perfect, but it is a two-owner survivor that has attracted thirty-eight bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Lander, Wyoming. The spirited action has pushed the price to $6,100, which is below the reserve.
At its peak, Top Gear UK enjoyed a worldwide audience of over three hundred million viewers. Many waited eagerly for the show’s annual special, where the presenters would be given a challenge. These included riding the length of Vietnam on cheap motorcycles or traversing Southern Africa in old cars unsuitable for the task. The first of these was what became known as The US Special, which aired in 2007. The producers handed each presenter $1,000 to buy a vehicle suitable for a road trip from Miami to New Orleans. Richard Hammond didn’t hesitate, slipping behind the wheel of a 1991 Dodge Ram D150, demonstrating the appeal of classic Pickups beyond the North American borders. This Chevrolet K10 is older, but it is a genuine survivor. The seller is the vehicle’s second owner, although it is unclear when they purchased it. It would have turned heads in its prime, courtesy of the Dark Green and White paint combination. Those days are far behind it, with the paint looking tired and rust rearing its ugly head in several locations. It has emerged in the bed, passenger-side rocker and door corner, and the cab supports. The problems aren’t insurmountable, and the photos suggest the Pickup is structurally sound. The new owner will need to tackle the problems eventually, but none appear to require immediate attention. The trim is in generally good order, although some pieces have been roughly screwed into place. There is no evidence of glass problems, and the bed-mounted hitch for a gooseneck trailer enhances the Pickup’s versatility.
The K10’s interior continues the “rough and ready” theme set by the exterior. It was quite luxurious in a 1970-context, trimmed in Green cloth and vinyl. The original owner added a factory AM radio but decided that air conditioning was unnecessary. The interior is complete and serviceable, with a radio/cassette player the only significant aftermarket addition. The seat looks surprisingly good for a vehicle of this type and age, although there may be holes developing in the cloth on the driver’s side. I see no issues with the factory rubber floor mat that couldn’t be cured with a deep clean, and the dash looks tidy. A meticulous new owner may tackle defects to improve the appearance, including replacing the badly cracked pad and dying or replacing the armrests.
K10 buyers in 1970 faced a vast selection of engines to power their new purchase, with this Pickup’s first owner selecting the bulletproof 350ci V8. The remaining major mechanical components include a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power steering. The small-block should produce 255hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque, making the K10 an effortless workhorse. It should comfortably cruise on the open road at 70mph, while heavy loads and rough terrain should present no obstacles. The seller confirms the first owner meticulously maintained the vehicle, and it recently received new tires. They say it runs and drives exceptionally well, making it a prime candidate for summer adventures.
Some classics leave lingering doubts about their desirability, while others demonstrate that characteristic loudly and clearly. The bidding history for this 1970 K10 proves that people like what they see and are willing to put their money where their mouth is. The end of the auction is within sight, which usually means that the interest will intensify. Are you tempted to join the party, or will you join me as a fascinated spectator?
One of the world’s greatest pickups.
The short beds are prettier, no doubt about that, but a full sized bed is what a work truck needs. These made great work trucks, esp with the standard 350 and a four speed. 4X4, even better. I have had both Dodges and GMC pickups, and I found the GM variety to be the best in many ways.
The days of these being real work trucks are long gone so might as well get the pretty one.
Something definitely looks odd with the wheelbase not matching the fender wells.
It looks like it’s on the wrong wheelbase chassis???!
A little bit of a stretch to call this one a “survivor”, IMO. Engine replaced; repainted, with all side trim removed and the holes filled; and seat redone in generic materials.
So the entire exterior, the main piece of the interior, and the main piece of the drivetrain, are all not original and NOT survivor.
Would be a great truck to restore though! But not cheap to do it either.
It’s air conditioned. See that split rear window?
Don’t forget the wing windows for enhanced AC.
Yup! My 66, yes different truckbut, had the manual floor vents as well. The truck had factory air(built & bought in Atlanta) but it wasn’t really needed.
This unit has potential and since every part is available, a proper refurbishment shouldn’t exceed $30k. That is a value today.
I know it says K10 on the fenders. But those are NOT K10 axles. Half tons had 6 lug 15 inch wheels. Those are 8 lug rims from a 3/4 or 1 ton. Many half tons came with 350 heavy duty 4 speed combo, but that was also popular on the heavier trucks as well. Now I’m wondering if they swapped the axles and suspension from another truck. I wonder what the deal is with this truck.
Im wondering the same thing. It also looks like the wheelbase of the body is shorter than the wheelbase of the frame, as if its an older body on a newer frame.
Notice the half ton spare tire in the bed?
Looking at rear differential it is still a 12 bolt, but I agree the hubcaps look like 3/4 ton. I think the wheels might be 16″ which was pretty common in Wyoming, Montana, Dakotas because they buck snow and mud better. I have often had 16″ on my old pickups and I think it pretty common to even order the pickups with them. I even have a 1971 2 wheel drive here with factory 16″ wheels on it. This truck is pretty hammered out, if not for being a shorty it’d be just another old work truck. But I think they are going to need a new box if they restore it. Big thing I noticed, is that a Blazer gas tank in the back??
With the gooseneck ball in the bed I wouldn’t be surprised if the owner didn’t put the heavier axles under it
Wonder why the clutch pedal looks so far from the brake pedal?
I had a lifted 69 with a 292 6 cylinder back in the 80s.
Was the best truck I ever had.
It looks like the frame was swapped out for blazer frame of the same Era, anybody notice the wheelbase issue ,they are much closer to the rear of the front and front of the rear, check it out?
I look at this and think, “Rode hard and put away wet.” I’m thinking that there’s been some swapping going on with the chassis. To echo a couple of thoughts further back on this page, I’m thinking that the axles and springs have been transplanted from another truck. No harm, other than I don’t think the springs fit, and the spacing of the axles is wrong for both ends. If this truck came my way I’d definitely want to fix that. Probably end up taking it down to the frame and building it back up.
Looks like a liberal amount of bondo on an ill-prepared surface on the RH side. I think whoever gets this is going to be a good customer of places like LMC…
I’m gonna accent the positive.Dad had a 70 longbed blue on blue. Three on the tree. 350. Virtually indestructible. Trust me, I know.
Hub caps are a later type ’79-. 1960s thru ’72 I believe had white painted metal dog dish hub caps that were similar to these, and with blue bow ties in center for 2wd and gold bow ties for 4wd.
Have a Long/Fleetside 69 same colors as truck in Ad. I also have a 70 Chevy Pickup, Short, Stepside, lifted, Huge tires, .06″+ 396, RV cam, Holley, Headers. My family has had Chevy Trucks since the early 60’s, family is gone now, but I’m keeping up with the Chevy’s, 5 Trucks now, + a vintage 59 Camino , 3 are 4×4’s.
Looks like everybody from my area of knowledge caught all the flaws , in Particular the rt. Bedside showing the shortened wheelbase and tight gap at the top where bed meets cab. The real question? Axle installed wrong? or loose 5th wheel using the truck to stop? Measure frame to be sure!