1976 Chevrolet Chevy C/K 20 K20 Barn Find Low Mileage Original Pickup Truck

This auction is for an original, unrestored 1976 Chevrolet K 20 (3/4-ton, Four-Wheel Drive) pick-up truck with less than 22,500 documented miles.

The truck was originally ordered in North Dakota for use on a farm. When not in use, it was stored indoors in a machine shop. It was primarily used was for hauling hay seed -- which is why it was ordered with the wood bed. If you look closely between the wood slats, you can still find a hay seed or two. Key options include 400 cubic inch (6.6L) "small-block 400" motor, three speed automatic, full time four-wheel drive, power steering, power brakes and vent windows.

I purchased this truck about 10 years ago. It's fairly uncommon to find one of these that's original and unmodified with mileage this low. Because it was purchased to do actual work on a farm, there are various scratches, scuffs and dents. In my opinion, the level of patina aligns well with the truck's character -- perfect for any enthusiast who fits into the "preservationist" (unrestored/original) category.

At the time I purchased it (2006), it'd been used exclusively on the farm. In order to make it more useable on public roads, I replaced all of the body mounts, radiator mounts, transmission mounts, engine mounts, suspension bushings - basically everything rubber that was under the car -- with a combination of NOS (where it made sense) and top-quality replacement parts. For example, most of the mounts are NOS and all of the suspension bushings are new parts. The shocks were replaced with Bilstein units, the carburetor was rebuilt and the tires were replaced with ones having the same "agricultural" specs as the original. The brakes were rebuilt and an NOS master cylinder installed. All fluids were flushed and replaced - along with the associated gaskets and seals. Details that were preserved included keeping the original "shiny" wiper arms (only the wiper inserts are new).

Everything on this truck works as it should: gauges, brakes, four-wheel drive system, floor-mounted high-beam foot switch, etc. Even the original AM radio with single speaker in the center of the top of the dash works perfectly. So does the heat, fan and defrost -- including the driver side adn passenger floor vents. Bottom line is that everything works, functions and drives as it should. If you've previously owned older vehicles, you can appreciate the level of effort that goes into making a 1970's vehicle drive and ride like it did when it was new -- and to get rid of every squeak, clunk and rattle that can come from dry-rotted rubber parts - while preserving its originality.

In terms of cosmetics, clear shield was applied to the leading edge of the hood. And "Carwell" has been applied to the undercarriage and into the body panels. One of Carwell's best features is that because it stays oily, you can "see through" it to the condition of whatever's underneath. Why bother doing this to a fair weather weekend toy? Because the Northeast is significantly more humid than the Dakotas where the truck came from.

One of this truck's nicest features is the excellent condition of its original velour upholstery -- which shows minimal wear and no sun-fade (testimony to it being stored indoors). Another is that the wood bed is intact including much of the original green paint that was applied to the wood at the factory. A few factory crayon markings under the hood and on the frame rails are relatively rare finds - as is the paper decal on the back of the driver sun-visor (describing operation of the four-wheel drive system) and the intact cardboard parcel shelf (behind the seat).

I've accumulated a very nice stock of NOS parts for this truck that will be offered to the purchaser at my cost. Any that aren't wanted will be listed in later auctions.

I've done my best to take a representative series of pictures. If there's something I've missed, just let me know.

If you're interested in a no-excuses truck that you can make an occasional trip to Home Depot in, this is it. This is truly the nicest example of a third generation C/K series that I've ever seen -- and the Scottsdale is a really nice trim package. If you're a tire-kicker just interested in talking about C/K series trucks, I don't mind sharing what I know. Either way, please feel free to e-mail, text or call 315-882-4610. The sale terms are "as is" given that I'm not a car dealer. $2,000 deposit is due within 24 hours of end of auction. Balance is due within 10 days. Robert