Short Bed: 1986 Chevrolet C10
.Clean square body pickups are hard to come by. They were popular when new and even more valuable now. This short wheel base 1/2 ton C10 is a stunning example of the great lines and utility of a nicely designed pickup. The truck is located in Lexington, South Carolina. It is listed here on eBay with 2 days remaining in the auction. Currently, the truck is bid to $15,000 after 27 bids.
The interior looks stock and the truck is equipped with power windows, power locks, tilt steering and air conditioning. The cloth on the door panels appear faded but usually we see much more wear and some tears on the fabric. The map pockets in the doors show the usual effect of age and use. The seller has installed new carpet, an aftermarket radio, dash pad and seat upholstery. I owned a 1985 GMC truck similar to this Chevrolet. It had a sliding back window as this truck is optioned with which I thought was really cool back in the day. Now the rear windows are power!
The original 305 cubic inch V8 engine has been replaced with a 350 cubic inch V8 crate motor. Most potential buyers would find this to be a plus. For while the 305 cubic inch V8 engine was reliable, it did not produce much power. This engine is fed via a Holley 4 barrel carburetor and the radiator is new. The factory air conditioning is said to blow cold and the truck is said to run and drive great.
At some point, the truck has been repainted. The seller stated the paint is older. The windshield is cracked and the truck still rides on its factory 15 inch rims. The bed is coated in spray liner and the headlights have been upgraded. This truck has great curb appeal and should make a nice driver. I would not be surprised if the bids go up to $20k on this one.
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Comments
For the money, I think I’d just buy a cheaper GMT 400 (1988-1999) or GMT 800 (1999-2006) body style. The GMT 400’s were all fuel injection and the 800’s were more reliable than the rest, but no 350, they all had an LS motor. I like all of them, but I can’t see paying 20 grand for a used truck. I don’t see an 86 as a “classic” yet, but I guess it technically is.
I kick myself for not buying the truck my father in law sold 15 years ago. It was an 86 3/4 ton 4wd “custom deluxe” with a 4 speed. Mice had gotten into the wiring and he sold it to someone else for $1500. I didn’t know he was selling it, but I guess I could’ve asked. Back then it was just a used truck, money was tight, and I didn’t really need it anyway. I’d like to have it now, though!
I see the gmt 400 “new body style” trucks are getting expensive now too. At least the 4wd variants that are in good shape are getting salty.
It’s 37 years old. To put that in perspective, in 1986, a 37-year-old vehicle would have been a 1949 model.
It’s old. I get that. Just not all that special. I’ve got no problem with someone paying whatever they want to for it. I just don’t see it as being a real head turner classic. Not around here, anyway. Up north they may have rusted into oblivion and be a rare sight. Here, I could find one of these (although possibly not as nice) in the Wal Mart parking lot Saturday.
Hi,Guys I love these square body trucks.Yes I would buy this one right up that 350 is pretty much bullet proof.If it had a 307ci.I would say no way but 350 ok.That shows somebody was not afraid to spend some dough ramie.
The 307 was built from 68 to 73.I had one in a 68 Belair and a 73 chevelle.They were good reliable engines.
Remember when the roads were littered with the side trim off Silverados? I think the factory used Elmers glue to stick it on.
With the missing CCC Carburetor, it won’t pass emissions any any state that checks. The chopped up fuel line and plastic filter is a fire hazard and a good reason to vapor lock. MPG’s will be even lower than the average 10-12 with that Holley installed.
Oh, and it needs brakes. (Low fluid level in master cylinder indicates all the fluid is in calipers due to worn pads.)
Short bed square body trucks are going to be expensive, probably more than they should be, because that’s the truck everyone wants to fix up and hot rod. The same thing is happening with the GMT 400(88-98) pickups and 2 door SUVs (Blazer/Tahoe/Jimmy/Yukon). Nicer short bed 800s are getting pricey too….
Most states have some sort of historic/classic vehicle designation in their license plate and registration programs. I live in Texas, and here, you can get a “classic” or “antique” license plate for any vehicle 25 years old or older, as long as you are at least 25 years old (basically this keeps kids from getting old cars and “hot rodding”). This means that my ’97 Chevy one ton pickup is a classic, and my ’99 Chevy Suburban will be on January 1st 2024….
This is another thing making older models more desirable. Also, vehicles from the previous century are usually a little easier for the average car enthusiast to maintain and fix up…..
But, Texas antique plates come with restrictions. Can’t use it as a daily driver. Only to be driven to club meetings, shows, and to a shop for repairs. Within a 300 mile radius of where it’s registered. State Troopers will stop you and ask questions. Local fuzz don’t seem to care. Bonus; you can register plates from the same year as vehicle. I have 1972 plates on my bike and car.
What you pay for a new truck, it’s worth it .
If if not for you, don’t buy it ✌🏽
At 15k-20k I think it’s a good buy with all that’s been done to it. Have to take a closer look though.Sharp looker with great body and interior colors.glwts.
$20 K for a 37 year old truck? Someone’s got more money that brains. I need a truck, but not that bad!!!
Surprised that you follow this website, you clearly don’t understand classics. Might I suggest you visit the motortrend website? They have lots of new cars and trucks there for you.
This truck just supports how popular trucks are becoming and I don’t think it is going to slow down anytime soon. I laugh at the naysayers who don’t get it and say how stupid it is and why would anyone want a 2-WD , short box pick up. You would have to be crazy to want one of these trucks. Do any of these people believe in automotive history. I am old enough to remember the early fifties and beyond. The same thing was being said about early Fords (1932-1948). I was part of that and still have my HOT ROD to drive and my short box 2-WD Truck, I love them and drive them both all the time. Whatever critics say it not going to change.
The thing is, a 2wd 1986 Ford or Dodge isn’t bringing $20k…
“But it’s a square body, ooohh.” I don’t necessarily get it, and I’m a GM truck fan. Agree, prices are what they are and will continue to be whatever people are willing to pay. I just don’t see the price of this 1986, typical 2 wheel drive Chevy truck rivaling the price of the 70’s Mercury Cougar convertible listed elsewhere on this site, for example. I’m not mad about it. I’m just not on the “ooh, square body” bandwagon.
Scrapyard, I get what you are saying. I agree but it is all over this collector car hobby. We say there are no rules, but there really are and you figure that out when you say its not true. Because when you go to buy or sell and the light bulb goes on, and that is just the way it is. Money talks and B.S. doesn’t.
Just dont see 20k really.would probably be cheaper to just shorten a long bed nowadays.good fabs you can’t tell the difference.theres no indication in the vin# whether a truck is a long or short bed.a cloned short bed can be just as nice.
I get what some are saying, they don’t feel an 85 is classic are vintage or classic. But they are esp shortbed C10s. It’s all relative to what age bracket you’re in today. Bought a friend’s 85 C10 and have done alot of restoration upgrades. I get it, to me a vintage Chevy truck is a 1965, but check online and see what the 85 shortbeds are selling for these days.
Love the square bodies..wallet don’t..for that price 4+4 a MUST
This 86 C10 sold for $16,100. With a fresh 350 crate engine, a repaint, newer tires, and working AC, that’s a deal IMO. Love the square bodies.