Stump Puller: 1979 Chevrolet 454 C-10
Last week we reviewed this rather roachy looking ’71 Chevrolet C-10, a member of Chevy’s “Action Line” (’67-’72) of trucks. Today, we’re going to move a generation forward to the “Rounded Generation” (’73-’87) or what many refer to as the “Square Body”. While maybe not as popular, from a collectibility perspective, as the Action Line, these have come into their own and possess a dedicated following. Pat L found this 1979 C-10 for our consideration, it’s located in Cathedral City, California, and is available, here on craigslist for $12,900.
So the big news here is that this long bed is equipped with the “Trailer Special Package” and is utilizing Mr. Big, a 454 CI Turbo-Jet big-block engine, to provide the grunt. Other parts of the package include a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission, a 3.40:1 rear drive ratio, and heavy-duty suspension. Before getting too wound up about the powerplant, it’s helpful to remember that it only slings out a rather feeble 205 net HP, though the 335 net lb. feet of torque may help in the stump-pulling department (I still can’t get used to a Chevy big-block engine being painted corporate blue!). The seller adds, “This is a very nice running, great driving classic“. Additionally, the seller mentions that the rear springs, the brakes, and the shocks have all been replaced.
The two-tone paint job, in beige and brown (or is it copper?), accented by faded stripes looks like 1979. There’s plenty of finish fade, but the overall presentation is good. The seller mentions rust holes exist behind the rear wheels as well as in the front inner fenders but the lack of detail realized from the distanced photos isn’t revealing. The seller tells us that he’s replaced the door seals and windshield gaskets along with the trim rings, and wheel center caps; the rally wheel have been refinished. As for the cargo bed, it has obviously been used for its intended purpose but it still shows well.
The interior is where the most improvement has occurred as the seller tells us that the headliner, carpet, seating upholstery, armrests, and sill plates have all been replaced – and it looks it. In spite of 99K miles of use, the interior, an environment usually worked hard in a pickup truck, is bright and clean. I was expecting a split dash pad but that, thankfully, doesn’t appear to be the case.
So, there you have it, a nice representation from the Square Body era, and it’s equipped just right. This one’s in nice shape but it’s certainly a driver so it can be used as such without fear of a mishap. And with 99K miles on its clock, and assuming proper maintenance, it likely has a good deal of life to still live. Price-wise? Probably about right, maybe just a bit high, what’s your thought?
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Comments
It’s Bronze but , yeah , it’s brown . This truck with the Big Block is worth the asking price . I’m sure someone will cam it and slam it .
I had a 454 Silverado, I think it was a 77. Nice truck, but not very rugged. Traded it in for an 81 454 dually Silverado that would rotate the earth and haul the moon if you needed it to. Great piece of equipment.
Good looking truck, but the big block is a real gasser /gas hog.
I have 79 c10 heavy 1/2 Stepside I bought new.
400 miles I put headers & duel exhaust & ran a 14.21 at the drags. That
235 supposed hp was the fastest production vehicle that year. My truck still runs hard to this day.
Believe me this truck is worth every dime. My truck gets 10 mpg pulling a trailer or not.
Could someone please tell me just WHY sellers like this
have to hide/remove license plates?
If I were going to steal pictures to scam people with,I’d
use ones that don’t show the plates.
The grille is a 1980…very nice truck.
Although horsepower numbers were down, those big blocks were still torque monsters.
3,2,1, I feel obligated,,nay, compelled to respond to every squarebody post. This too shall pass, but right now, I revel in the fact, every time one comes up, I don’t have to deal with that truck or the classic car hobby anymore. This is an okay one, big block way to go, you don’t gain anything with a 350, trust me. It’s got some options, probably included in the “Big 10” package, but not overdone. I think GMC had the “Gentleman Jim” equivalent. You could option these to the nines, but someone had a shred of sense. $12,900, that’s a paltry $10 grand more than I sold mine for. That’s TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS, in case the physical number has lost all meaning. I simply can’t approve of this activity. They aren’t that nice, although modern hype will say otherwise.
Gentleman Jim was a Black/Gold Chevy, Beau James was the Blue/Silver GMC version. Plushy trucks for the time. Pretty sure both were 1975 only.
They were both GMCs, I own one of each. You’re right about being built only in 1975 though. Around 1500 of each were built.
Thank you Mecom/Barrett Jackson!!!!!
It just makes my one owner big block low mileage 79
Worthless more $$$
Remember this
They’re not making them any more!!!!
Classic car values may have leveled off but classic truck values are going up, 65-76 half and 3/4 tons are becoming rare, I see very few on auction blocks, many on pinterest but not for sale.
If i had the money id go grab this truck right now. Miss my 78 dearly.