BaT Auction: 1971 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed

This 1971 Chevrolet C10 is a two-owner, two-wheel drive pickup which spent its life in Texas until approximately two years ago. Originally a long bed model, the truck was converted to a short bed as part of a cosmetic refurbishment in 2014 and is now powered by a period-correct 350ci V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission. The seller purchased it for use in his wedding and has since taken it to regional shows, the Woodward Dream Cruise, and an invite-only event at the Milford Proving Grounds where it was selected as best in show by then-President of GM North America Mark Reuss. Recent mechanical work is described below and the truck is said to be reliable. It is sold with records from the last two years along with a clean Michigan title.

Sheet metal looks straight and has been repainted in its original two-tone scheme of yellow and white with good shine in sunlight. Exterior cosmetics benefit from climate-controlled indoor storage, with flaws reportedly limited to minor stress cracks in the tailgate along with a chip in the hood picked up during a recent cruise. The seller has been unable to find evidence of exterior rust and no bubbling is visible in photos. Rhino Liner has been applied for protection of the all-steel shortened bed.

Factory wheels wear period covers which present well along with thin whitewall radials showing plenty of tread. Stock-looking aftermarket mirrors feature LED directional indicators that are only visible when activated and are shown in the gallery. Factory badging is retained and all other bright trim is said to be original including re-chromed bumpers, an unbroken eggcrate grille, and polished aluminum side moldings with clean black banding. Glass is clear and looks free of cracks and weatherstripping looks fresh throughout.

The cosmetic refurbishment extends to the interior, where the bench seat was reupholstered in a period-style tuck and roll pattern matching the paint colors. Door panels are clean and wear similar upholstery, while modern beige carpeting shows some staining around the gas pedal. The body-colored steel dash presents well with some small flaws and the large factory steering wheel has been given a two-tone treatment which is flaking in places. Vents and other hardware have been painted white and remaining bright metal trim presents well.

Clear factory gauges are set off with body-colored rings rather than the stock black and surrounded by a bezel painted white in lieu of a metallic finish. A new speedometer cable has been fitted and switchgear appears complete. An older cassette deck feeds modern Pioneer coaxial speakers in each door, one of which briefly cuts out on occasion. Factory air conditioning is equipped with an older compressor supplying fresh-looking lines and fittings.

The truck’s original inline six has been replaced with a 350ci V8 bearing a TAX code stamp identifying it as a 1970 block. A period look is maintained underhood with a notable absence of dress-up parts and a factory air cleaner wearing a period displacement decal. Shortly after its delivery to the seller the truck was gone through by restoration shop Motor City Solutions, who performed approximately $3,500 of mechanical work to ensure its readiness for the road. New battery cables, fuel lines and ignition parts were installed as well as chassis and suspension work described below. A Turbo 350 3-speed automatic has replaced the original 2-speed Powerglide transmission and received a fresh filter and gasket.

Power brakes were replaced and fitted with new lines by Motor City, who also installed new front wheel bearings. Fresh inner and outer tie rods were installed for the power steering system and a corresponding alignment was performed. Suspension received new ball joints along with polyurethane bushings throughout. Rear suspension was via coil springs for C10s rather than the leaf springs fitted to heavier-duty trucks, with variable-rate items fitted here.

The half-ton chassis looks to have been shortened just forward of the rear kick-ups, with appropriate reinforcements according to an inspection by the seller. A partial hitch receiver has been welded in just aft of the differential. Corrosion appears negligible under the black paint worn by frame rails, floors and chassis components. Little evidence of leakage is visible underneath although the truck is said to occasionally seep trace amounts of oil and power steering fluid after use. The seller has driven the truck approximately 800 miles and calls it a reliable cruiser which is comfortable at freeway speeds.

The truck is thought to have just under 102k total miles and documentation is available for the work performed during the seller’s ownership, including the most recent service in August 2016 to replace a faulty distributor coil. Original and reproduction owner’s manuals in plastic pouches are included in the sale along with a period 1971 Chevrolet Pickups sales brochure.