Solid Shortbox: 1966 Chevrolet C10 Stepside
Chevrolet’s C/K Series of trucks debuted in 1960 and would run in some fashion through 2002. Its main competitors would be the Ford F-Series and Dodge D-Series. This 1966 edition is said to be able to run for short distances but needs some tinkering as well as some love shown to the body panels. But, overall, it looks like a solid survivor with a potentially bright future. Located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, this old workhorse is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $5,995 OBO. A sweet tip brought to us by “Lothar… of the Hill People”.
In GM-speak “C” stood for two-wheel drive wheel while the “K” was for four-wheel drive. The first generation of these vehicles was built through 1966, which would include the seller’s Shortbox/Stepside which was usually sold as a work truck. Some features from auto production would find their way to the C/Ks to help extend their functional nature. Over the seven-year run, annual changes to these vehicles were minimal.
We get the impression that the seller’s truck has not been in regular service for a while. We’re told it runs, drives, and stops but shouldn’t be driven home unless you live in the area of the sale. Under the hood resides Chevy’s long-standing 250 cubic inch “High Torque” inline-6 paired with a “3-on-the-tree” manual transmission. There’s no indication of mileage or whether either unit has been gone into over the years.
While the pickup presents well for its age, there is some rust in the rocker panels and lower fenders. To compensate for that, the seller is throwing in replacement sheet metal. The glass is good, but the front bench looks like it will need to be recovered. The radial tires are described as “modern” (does that mean they’re not too old to use?) and a bed-mounted spare is included. A custom toolbox is part of the deal, too, and the seller will consider a trade for a 1957 Chevy 2-door (post or hardtop?).
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Comments
I always liked the SWB Stepsides. Just nice trucks to have. I don’t think I would vary this one from what it left the factory with back in ‘66. Restore and drive…
When I first moved to North Carolina in the early 70’s, I spent years searching for a 62 to 66 SWB Chevy or GMC truck with a 6 Cylinder engine with a 3 on the tree transmission. Met a lot of farmers who would sell theirs to their neighbors for $300. For me they wanted $1300!! Finally found a 64 with the 250 cid engine and a 3 on the tree. Problem was it was a 3/4 ton long wheelbase stepside with 2 piece rims. The price was right so I took it. Was told the engine had recently been rebuilt……..yeah right! Every week I had to fill it with oil and check the gas! It did have power steering and an AM radio. The truck had been painted 4 times and not primed between costs of a different color. However, it started and got me to work! With the help of co-workers I found a nice Chevy 292 cid with a 3 speed manual transmission. The wood bed was shot, but it got fixed with treated 2×4’s. Someone swapped me a set of painted while deep dish Chevy rims for my 2 piece rims. Even found an FM converter to help with music. I drove that truck for about 10 years til a man who made granite footstones made me an offer I could not refuse! I had about $750 in the truck and he put $4000 cash in my hand! Told me he had been looking for a 3/4 ton with a V8 but would be happy with a 292! I still miss that truck and occasionally see it. He painted it brown and painted his company logo on the doors.
Few vehicles that are easier to deal with the rust. All replacement panels are readily available and cheap. I know rust scares most of us but finding a C10 with zero rust is nearly impossible (mine is a close as you get and still has a bit ) Price is more than inliine with market from all I’ve seen shortbeds are $$
Decent truck. Making my palms itch…
Decent truck. Making my palms itch…
This old dog has me thinking damn.but this close to Christmas l gotta pass.
A day late for me unless you’ll trade for my $6500 2009 outback with 130k. Boy would that be the deal of the century!
I had this same truck for 6 or 7 years in the 80s. Rebuilt the engine and installed a black leather Eldorado seat. Kept my tool box on the passenger floor and took my now wife of 36yrs on our first date in it. Started my junk business with it. Brush painted it red with a white grill and white around the rear window,7.50 x 16s w/ dogdish caps and trim rings. Yeah, I miss it, the Queen does not!
Side mount, step side.. This truck is checking some of my favorite boxes!
this one (’68 K10) I ran the fields and woods cross fencin a neighbor’s thoroughbred fields with board’n post. Great rig, only got stuck once. Plow frame hung up on a rock that came off w/the bottle jack anda fence board…
Fine engine too, just wish I hada 292 right now (40 more cubes than this’un). Been playin with the 300 or ford one (& it’s lill brothers) 20 yrs now. Never been at one of those. Like to compare..
A little rust? Look at the picture of the steering wheel. You can see day light thru the floor board. Might not want to buy this site unseen.