1969 C-10 opinions (restore or not)

[Hobbs81]

So I was lucky enough to find a stone stock, totally rust free 69 C-10 stepside. My initial plan was to resto-mod (big block, fun stuff), but I have since discovered that the engine / trans are matching number and all options are still present, with nothing extra added. (except the hideous huge mirrors and the wheels are incorrect.) It is a very low option truck, but does have well functioning factory AC, and the gauge package, radio. 307 V8 w/ TH350. Two knowledgeable body work peeps have inspected and say the paint is original. Even has the original wood in the bed, in good condition.

As I still want a resto-mod truck, but am not willing to chop up this survivor, I'm trying to decide whether doing a minor engine restoration (stop the leaks) and sell it as is, or do a complete factory restoration. Basically which would yield more return on value? The labor cost of the paint and body work need not be considered, I have that covered separately.

Thanks

[truckster]

As someone else on the board said, they're only original once. Truly original trucks in good shape are pretty rare.

[engineer_gregh]

More pictures would help. Can you post pictures of the SPID, under the hood, bed, etc.?

[toolboxchev]

An AC stepside in my humble opinion would be worth more in the long game as a restoration.

Someone will pay you in your retirement for something that has held its place in time.

Although its fun to do burnouts!!!!!

[Hobbs81]

Sure, I'll post some more pix later. I'm curious what the wheels and caps should look like on a non-optioned truck. These are some kind of baby moon things somebody added...

[engineer_gregh]

The SPID might tell us what hubcaps were installed. The SPID is on the inside of the glove box door, just in case you're new to these trucks. Factory air on a 69 short bed step side is pretty rare. It looks like a very nice truck.

[cericd]

If that white bumper is original, which it appears to be, and you having stated that it is a "low option" truck... the image below shows what the original wheels would have looked like.

[Hobbs81]

I wonder how hard it is to find those wheels and hubs? Rally wheel etc are easy, some of this base stuff is harder I am finding.

[briank]

5 lug easier than 6...are those 6 luggers on yours?

[Hobbs81]

6 lug

[Tquillen]

I've got a set of six lug drum brake wheels that were original to my '69 fleetside. I also have a set of center caps, although if I remember correctly, one looked a little different than the others.

I was gonna scrap them this week until I saw this thread. If you need them, send me an email at travis@quillenmotorsports.com, and I'll make you a screaming deal on them......

In the end, your truck may be worth more as a restoration. But, it's your truck.....and good trucks are hard to find. Do with it what will make you happy!
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[Hobbs81]

Ya! Don't dispose of them, I'll contact you after work. (I shouldn't be on here now)...

[yuccales]

That's a nice truck.

[Hobbs81]

Some pics...

[Hobbs81]

Don't know why the pix are sideways... the dash pad isn't cracked, everything works, except radio for some reason. Old owner said original seat covers, but I don't think they are, they are some kind of velour. Armstrong steering and manua brakes.😳

[Hobbs81]

SPID. Interestingly it also still has the factory jack. Even more interesting is it has T-3 headlights. Doubt the T-3s are original but the previous owner was not in any way a collector, so why are they still there's?

[Chevyland]

I wouldn't paint that original of a truck if it were me(I would be keeping it though)
I'm not sure why it has a v8 in it
If nothing was listed on the spid it was a 250 from factory
Also it would have 350 emblem from factory under c10 emblem if it came with 350
The only time there was no engine size emblem is if it was 250
I bet that engine is not original to the truck
Although, it looks very correct, from your pictures

[Hobbs81]

I will have to try and further research the engine. It still has the remnants of a 307 sticker on the valve cover... didn't the 6 cyl come stock with he powerglide? If the engine isn't original that changes my thinking a but...

[Chevyland]

Hopefully some other guys that are knowledgeable will chime in on this
And correct me if I'm wrong in above post.
That way you can truly find out what you have there
It definitely looks to be a very original truck
Good luck whatever you end up doing

[Hobbs81]

I just read that the "C" in the VIN means V8. Maybe cuz the 307 is the standard V8 it doesn't reflect on the SPID...

[68bowtie]

cool truck. it would be a shame to touch the body. but go crazy with mods you can undo.

[Hobbs81]

Sorry...the E in the VIN means V8...

[FRCvette]

Sweet truck. I wouldn't do a thing to it but drive it as is.

[Mike C]

I have pretty much the same truck. '69 short step with original paint. Not a lot of options but interesting ones. Mine is a leaf spring truck with HD leafs. Power steering, gauges w/out tach, and positraction.

But the reality is a low option '69 short step isn't exactly a high value truck like a '72 Cheyenne Super big block AC bucket seat truck. Numbers matching, IME, means nothing with the trucks because first there was so many of them made, and second there just weren't "rare" versions of the powertrains. All big blocks got the same motor, no aluminum heads, high rise intakes, Holley carbs, etc.

I have lowered mine with a disc kit and have built a '69 Corvette 390hp 427 for it. Next step is buy a TH200 4R and drive it!

If you like the truck and want an original paint resto-mod which is what I wanted, keep it and build it. Not like all those parts can't be swapped back. I've found even with my '64 Corvette, if it's not a rare car (solid lifter, fuelie, etc.) then resto-mods can bring as much as a resto.

[sircrunch]

a nice original truck that would make for an EASY and ENJOYABLE restoration? Restore it.