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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Moderators, I think I can do this as a premium member, but let me know if I need to delete this thread.
I sold my 1966 C10 about 4 months back, Now I am looking for a daily driver 73-80 C10 short bed fleet or step side. I am surprised by the difficult time I have been having finding a solid truck. I have been looking for a 67-72 shortys as well but the prices seem to be way too high for those. I have apparently missed that boat in my desired price range. At least that has been my experience so far? If you guys can help me by keeping your eyes peeled for a solid truck, here is what I am looking for in the Charlotte, NC area (+/- 150 mi). I would greatly appreciate any leads you can send my way. I am looking for a 73-80 C10 short bed, either fleet or stepper is ok. Truck should be as stock and original as possible. Rust free or nearly rust free. Any engine trans configuration is ok, even 6 cyl/3 speed trucks. Any color, all trim levels considered. I want a good driver at minimum, no project trucks. Truck must run and drive. I am not interested in any trucks that have been hot rodded, lowered, air bagged, customized or rat trucks. The more stock the better. Price range is $8K or less. Thanks for looking at my thread, and thanks in advance for any leads you can forward my way. I am in no rush, I will wait to find the right truck. If anyone has any interesting or maddening truck hunting stories I would like to hear them as well. In my hunt so far I have seen some very badly described trucks, that were total wrecks when I got there to see them. I have driven 2 hours and only looked at the sellers truck for 5 minutes only to get back in my car and leave... bummer. What is so hard about sellers providing an accurate and honest description of their trucks?? LOL later, )bone(
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past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB |
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#2 |
I know the pieces fit
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MONTGOMERY, AL
Posts: 5,523
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
At that price you'll find one, just have to be watching and be ready. Might be more of a drive than you like, but watch ATL on craigslist, lots of C10's pop up there.
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Thanks for the tip, I will watch Atlanta Craigslist. it will have to be a real cherry for me to spend the whole $8K... Ha
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past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB Last edited by bonehead; 09-29-2015 at 10:04 AM. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Louisville,Ky
Posts: 5,811
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Have you tried http://www.searchtempest.com/ it will search all craigslist adds any distance you want.
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Yes thanks, I have been using the search tempest. I does make search Craigslist in multiple cities or out to a given distance very simple.
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past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,188
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
I also suggest craigslist, but focus your search on the desert southwest. You won't always find rust free out here, since many trucks came here with their owners from the rustbelt. It should only cost about $800 or less to have one transported to your location.
I would try the big city craigslist postings: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque. I would stay away from cities on the water, like Huston. It seems like areas with high humidity get rust, even in the sunbelt (like Florida.) You will want to hire someone to inspect the vehicle. Most auto repair shops will do this for $200 or less. You can have the owner drive the truck to the local repair shop for an evaluation once you decide on a possible purchase. Also, you will likely find a forum member who will check it out for you and take some pictures of the underside and look for obvious rust. What I most often find are trucks that are rust free but have dented boxes and fenders. The frames and suspension will almost always be rust free. You can get aftermarket sheet metal cheap, and you can get used OEM sheet metal at the junkyards for even less. I have seen very good boxes which sell for $250 + $50 for the tailgate at a local pick and pull. I would also look for utility box trucks. They usually have good sheet metal and you can buy a used box as a replacement. Have somebody throw a used box in the utility bed and have it shipped with the truck. The downside: expect to find totally shot interiors. The desert sun eats dash pads and interior fabric quickly. Aside from the dash pad, all of this is relatively cheap to replace. If you are handy, you can't go wrong buying a rust free truck and restoring it yourself. You will be well under $8K if you take that route, as long as you don't demand absolute factory OEM correctness on all of the parts. 350 engine replacement, or even 6 cylinder replacement, crate motors and rebuilt transmissions are not very expensive and worth the investment. So, buy a builder and get what you want. If you just want a beater that runs, those trucks are everywhere at cheap prices. Good luck. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,188
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Examples (long beds are more plentiful and cheaper, it you would entertain that idea.)
https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/5198680814.html long bed: https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/5239888035.html long bed round body: https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/5226033199.html long bed, no pic: https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/5224427809.html long bed round body: https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/5211023385.html long bed: https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/5173217745.html Phoenix area: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5195715834.html https://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/5231179943.html slammed, but could be undone: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5179478112.html |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Thanks for the input, many good points to consider. I have built a bunch of trucks and cars from the ground up, but at this time I do not want a project, no time to devote to it. I don't mind doing minor mechanical work at this time.
I have always loved long bed trucks, but this time I have my heart set on a shorty.
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past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB |
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Clovis, NM
Posts: 2,705
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Quote:
Here's another cheap one https://albuquerque.craigslist.org/cto/5239770449.html
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2018 Audi S5- wife's ride 1980 Chevy Scottsdale http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543511 1981 Chevy Silverado- in pieces 1964 Chevy c10 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 4,557
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
I know of a truck you may be interested in here in Phoenix. I don't want to post the details since someone else might scoop it up. Send me a PM if interested.
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AZPartsLocators on Instagram 1972 Cheyenne Super Short Bed big block "Blackie" 1977 Crew Cab GMC Short bed with 4BT Intercooled Cummins Diesel and a 4L80e "The Junkyard Dog" 1985 Crew Cab Chevy dually with 5.9 Cummins "The Big Dog" This is what my dad liked to be called by the grandkids before he passed so it seems fitting for his old truck. |
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#11 |
driving is in my blood
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Mesa AZ
Posts: 5,720
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Jesus $8k price and you can't find anything? Take the trip to AZ and drive an amazing 73-80 for that price, rust free.
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-78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me. |
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#12 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 1,335
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Here's a decent original SWB '80 here in Phoenix. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/cto/5240815481.html
And a '79 short step. http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5181117503.html |
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#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Saskatchewan, Canada
Posts: 91
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
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#14 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA
Posts: 931
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Quote:
Hey J LEE, I sold you a 73-80 dash pad a few years ago right? Indian Land Walmart parking lot. At least there are lots of people around here that love trucks! ![]()
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PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed ![]() ![]() |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 3,188
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
I know you don't want to do the restore yourself, but you will get a much better result if you supervise the restoration by a local guy in your area on a rust free southwest truck.
The problem with buying a "restored" old truck is you don't know how it was restored. Many, if not most, rebuilt engines and transmissions are not well done and not much better than old original equipment. Just read the posts here of guys who had rebuilt ones that have failed or don't run well. Stripping off the sheet metal and removing the cab on an old square are probably 4-5 hours work for someone who knows what they are doing. Cleaning and repainting a frame requires no special skills. Most mechanics can drop in a crate motor 350 and factory rebuilt transmission in a day or two. Brakes, shocks, etc. are a one day job at any discount brake shop and are cheap. Suspensions can be rebuilt for cheap at the same discount shops. Good paint will cost a lot of money, but around here a pretty good complete paint job in urethane if your truck is disassembled is less than $2K. Having rebuilt trucks, you already know all of this. But even if you don't have any spare time to devote to the project, just lining up other people to do the work for you is not time consuming, and you control the outcome. Likely you already know local mechanics who are trustworthy. Getting a truly rust free truck and having it shipped to you for $2-$3K puts you in the driver's seat rather than taking pot luck on a mystery truck. Of course, if you want show quality OEM, you need to be looking at Hemmings and about double your $8K budget. ![]() |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Cunningham, KY
Posts: 351
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Around here you can find a completely restored square for around 8 grand. Now, I don't really know how good of a restore job they are, but they have been restored.
I looked for 2 years off and on to find mine and my budget was less than half what you are looking to spend. I ended up getting really lucky with the one I bought. It was posted 18 minutes before I saw it and I was on the phone with the guy 19 minutes after. When I talked to him 2 other people had already called....one had already looked at it and one was coming at 1 pm....I got there at noon. By the time I got there two others had called and another called while I was there. Knowing he had that much interest that quickly he didn't come off the asking price much but he did drop it by 200. I ended up with an 87 4wd with very little rust and a motor and transmission that are in pretty good shape. The interior is really good with a perfect dash and a seat with one small cut in it.....as I said I got lucky. Be patient man, with your budget you should be able to find a damn nice truck that you shouldn't have to put much money into other than personalizing it. Good luck and be sure to show it off when ya find it! |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Marshville, NC
Posts: 173
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Bonehead,I'm just southeast of you in Monroe and keep an eye on craigslist for squares all the time. I feel your pain, in this area if it's a decent truck people think they are worth $12k and up! Finding a stock one isn't easy either, heck finding one that has shiny paint rather than a primer paint job is tough enough.
A while back there was a mid '80's 2wd lwb truck for sale on a lot here in town that the guy wanted 10k for. I talked with the owner of the lot and he told me the seller originally wanted like 15k and was told they would attempt to sell it for him at 10k. It was a nice truck the owner just picked the wrong truck to restore. Last edited by J Lee; 09-29-2015 at 10:22 PM. |
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Quote:
__________________
past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Hemet, CA
Posts: 129
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Definitely search the desert areas in the southwest, you'll find a solid one in your price range. Take a week or two vacation out here to search for one and drive it back.
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Louisville,Ky
Posts: 5,811
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
They do have a point,You could fly to the south west buy a truck and drive it back for about that 8k or less.
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Central, IL
Posts: 201
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
[QUOTE=bonehead;7323538]
I am looking for a 73-80 C10 short bed, either fleet or stepper is ok. Truck should be as stock and original as possible. Rust free or nearly rust free. Any engine trans configuration is ok, even 6 cyl/3 speed trucks. Any color, all trim levels considered. I want a good driver at minimum, no project trucks. Truck must run and drive. I am not interested in any trucks that have been hot rodded, lowered, air bagged, customized or rat trucks. The more stock the better. Price range is $8K or less. bonehead: What you are looking for is a "hard find". To meet your criteria (if I read it correct) you are looking for a lower mileage truck that has not been modified. Since the higher the mileage the bigger the chance that someone down the line has modified it in someway. Seems to me that the majority of truck owners want to change things from the factory way of doing things. If you look at the current values of original trucks at Hagerty and NADA you will have to bring up your money to find/buy one. It seems that shortbeds are more prone to be modified than longbeds. Of course this is JMHO. Larry ![]() |
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#22 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
[quote=77 ChevySport;7324673]
Quote:
I agree that short beds may be modified more than long beds; or it may be that they made 3 times more long beds so it will take a lot longer to modify them all. Thanks for your thoughts and insights, all are welcome.
__________________
past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Marshville, NC
Posts: 173
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
DBLSPRT, yep that pad is going into a '77 K20 shortly. you still have that extended cab square? I saw one on craigslist a while back and wondered if it was yours.
'73-'80 are especially hard to find here that aren't clapped out rags but have seen 1 or 2. I come across '81-'87 trucks in decent shape for reasonable money more frequently. Jeff |
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Crossville, TN
Posts: 142
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
I know this is a bit of a budget-buster, but in the long run, could be a heck of a deal if it truly needed nothing:
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...238269259.html He doesn't live too far from me (about 45 minutes), so if you talk to him, were interested and wanted somebody to go eyes on for you, let me know. Jerry |
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 516
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Re: WTB 73-80 C10 short bed driver, why so hard
Quote:
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past trucks: 1980 C-10 Silverado SWB 1961 C-10 custom cab LWB 1966 C-10 custom cab LWB |
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