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1981 Chevy C-10 Custom Stepside Pickup

Condition: Used
Make: Chevrolet
Model: C-10
Type: Standard Cab Pickup
Trim: Custom
Year: 1981
Mileage: 123,456
VIN: 1GCCC14D3BB132829
Color: Blue
Engine: V-8
Cylinders: 8
Fuel: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual
Drive type: RWD
Interior color: Blue
Drive side: Right-hand drive
Vehicle Title: Clear
Item location: Bridgewater, Virginia, United States
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Private seller
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Description of 1981 Chevrolet C-10 Custom
The Beast is ready for a new home with someone who'll appreciate her and maybe take the next few steps towards a total restoration. She has been fun to own, but the wife needs her parking space, and with 3 antique cars in the stable, I need to thin the herd. She says I have too many toys. What do wives know about man-toys anyway??
Here's the good news and the bad news. First, the good news:
• She's a dad-gum STEP-SIDE! Let's face it, there's no point in buying a slab-side truck. At least not if you have any self-respect. Slab-sides are like belly buttons - everyone has one. And they are just totally un-cool. The step-side truck is the one you were looking for.
• This truck has a 350 motor with a 2 bbl carb. I've tuned her up and had the carb rebuilt just 100 miles ago. She starts on the first crank and runs strong.
• She sports a "Three on the Tree" tranny! After you stall it out a few dozen times, you'll amaze your friends with your column shifting ability. 3-speeds are the best. They're reliable and versatile. Automatics are for dorks, and 4-speeds are for pretenders. The old 3-on-the-tree is the real deal. I had the linkage rebuilt and she shifts wonderfully. The clutch is strong.
• This truck was a Vo-Tech project and sat inside for many years. The students took care of all of the rust issues - I can find no rust on any of the body panels and the floors are great. The rear fenders appear to be new. There is one significant scratch on the left rear fender. I wish I could say my wife did it, but in truth I was backing up and grazed my mailbox. I was pretty embarrassed as you can imagine.
• She has a new-ish paint job. More on that later.
• Brakes and front end are firm and strong.
• Brand new tires! These puppies cost me over $150 each, and they have about 100 miles on them. They are aggressive all-terrain tires and they look really cool on those 80's turbine magnesium wheels.
• That blacked-out grille looks NASTY!
• Parts for these trucks are readily available from multiple suppliers, even local auto parts stores. This C-10 model had interchangeable parts for about 5 years, and you won't be hunting for NOS stock like you would for a 50's or 60's car.
Now the not-so-good news:
• The interior is baked. The door panels are in poor shape, the seat has a cloth cover on it over the foam, and other than the padded dash being in decent shape, there isn't much about the interior that is great. But a badass truck should have a rough interior. It's part of the overall vibe.
• The speedo stopped working a few miles ago - not sure if it's the gauge or the cable. Don't fix it. It can really work to your advantage with the local cops. A sure-fire way to beat a speeding ticket. "Honest, officer... it just went out this week!" And I really don't know how many miles are on this thing. Kind of irrelevant with a replaced motor and the body work done.
• The driver's door needs to be adjusted - you have to give it a wicked slam to get it closed firmly. But when you slam it, everyone will turn and look at your awesome step-side and be jealous.
• The driver's window goes up and down fine, but it rattles a bit on the tracks. Not sure what that's all about. Probably a simple fix.
• That new paint job... well... it is a Vo-Tech job. Looks fantastic from 15 feet. From any closer you will see why these kids were learning the fine art of auto painting. There are some missed spots, some chips, etc. But heck, most of your friends will be standing 15 feet away, right?
• There is a radio in the dash, but it must have cost $11.99 at Radio Shack. I have never seen such a cheap piece of crap in a fine truck in my whole life. But if it were me, I'd leave it. Somehow it just seems to belong there in that manly, beat-up interior.
• The bed was re-done at some point with oak panels. But they weren't shellacked very well and I guess it sat outside long enough to warp them a bit. You'll want to redo or replace them. But there's no rust in the bed.
Old Cars Report price guide says that these trucks are worth between $9,000 and $14,000 restored. There are some slab-sides (not as valuable or as cool) that are selling for nearly $20,000 on Ebay. With the rust taken care of and a reliable small block, you are well on your way to restoration and a big pile of cash. Or you can just sit on this investment and look really cool.
I can't think of anything else to tell you. Come take her for a spin (if you can drive the legendary "3 on the tree"). I'd like to get this thing gone to preserve my marriage. And if you have any interest in a nice '57 T-bird, maybe we can work out a "two-fer". The wife is right - I really have too many toys. But don't tell her that I admitted it, ok? If you do, the price goes up $500.
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