• Seller: Scott W illiams
• Location: Moline, Illinois
• Mileage: 41,975 Shown
• Chassis #: 1GCDC14H5FF418526
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 5.0 liter (305) V8
• Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic

Selecting an appropriate project candidate is often challenging, and it is easy for buyers to feel overwhelmed by the seemingly endless choices. Two of the most significant concerns revolve around cost. The first is the initial purchase price, and the other is how large the project budget needs to be to achieve a respectable result. The easiest way to reduce the latter is to adopt a DIY approach wherever possible. This 1985 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed ticks that box because a competent new owner could address most of its needs in a home workshop. It runs and drives well, allowing the buyer to tackle the build at their leisure. The current owner feels the time is right for it to head to greener pastures, listing the Pickup with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

This Pickup would have been a striking vehicle when it rolled off the lot. The current owner holds a selection of documentation tracing its history, including the original Build Sheet. It confirms the first owner ordered the vehicle in a winning combination of Black over Silver, and with the sparkling chrome and Rally wheels, it would have turned heads. The second elderly owner performed a refresh, removing the rear bumper, installing a rolled pan, and eliminating the two-tone combination with Black paint. The current owner admits the work quality is poor, and a cosmetic restoration is required to recapture the Pickup’s former glory. This process needn’t be complicated because this gem is rock-solid. It has never seen adverse weather or salt, allowing the C10 to remain virtually rust-free. The only penetrating rust is in the lower cab corners, which is typical and easily addressed. Any other problems are limited to dry surface corrosion, which the winning bidder could tackle while leaving the grinder and welder in the cupboard. The trim looks excellent for its age, and the tinted glass has no visible issues.

Powering this C10 is the 305ci V8 that produced 160hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. The first owner’s decision to order the Pickup with a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes would have made the driving experience a breeze. The current owner confirms that the vehicle runs and drives well and has served as his daily driver from spring to fall for the last eight years. He bolted on a new Holley 650 carburetor three years ago, adding a new battery in 2022. Otherwise, it has been regularly serviced to remain in a roadworthy state. The V8 is tired, burning oil that shows out the exhaust. He planned a Crate Engine transplant because he had never intended to part with it. Unfortunately, changed circumstances meant this never transpired, leaving the winning bidder to choose between an engine change or a rebuild. They don’t need to rush their decision because the C10 is a turnkey proposition.

If you’ve ever questioned the merit of slipcovers, one look at the C10’s interior should remove any lingering doubts. Its seat wore a cover since Day One, allowing the original Charcoal cloth cover to remain in astounding condition for its age. There is slight deterioration on the lower vinyl, but this isn’t set to become holes in the foreseeable future. The door trims are scuffed, but the dash looks nice. There is no headliner or carpet, although the lack of the latter allows a clear view of the floors to confirm the Pickup’s absence of significant rust. The previous owner fitted a replacement pad, but the installation quality isn’t the best. However, that is an easy problem to rectify. The interior feature combination is fascinating because while the first owner selected air conditioning and a tilt wheel, they didn’t opt for a radio. This hasn’t changed, with the plastic blanking plate intact. The current owner serviced the air conditioning in April, and it blows ice-cold. There is no cab light, although the remaining features work as they should.

Wading through the vast selection of classic Pickup projects in the current market is daunting, with many potential candidates in unknown quantities due to a lack of information and relevant photos. There are no such issues with this 1985 Chevrolet C10 Short Bed because the current owner is candid about its condition and needs. It would be a rewarding project, and reinstating the factory paint combination would guarantee favorable comments. An engine transplant would be easy, but so would refreshing the existing V8 as part of a faithful restoration. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery because it perfectly tells this classic’s story. I won’t be surprised if you are irresistibly drawn once you’ve done so. Submitting a bid would be the next step, and then you could take this promising project home.

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• History (7 bids)