Collector Worthy: Chevrolet C-10 Pickup
If you're looking for a vintage pickup, it's hard to go wrong with a Chevy C10. They're great drivers, parts are readily available and they're easy on the eyes. Plus, the C10 played an important role in the history of Chevrolet trucks, eventually leading to the creation of the Silverado. With that said, Farm Boy Garage takes a deeper look into the truck that paved the way for the future of light-duty and heavy-duty pickups.
What is a Chevy C10?
The Chevy C10 was the half-ton two-wheel drive model within the C/K line of trucks that originated in 1960. Originally available in a 6.5-foot bed with a 115-inch wheelbase and an 8-foot bed with a 127-inch wheelbase, the C10 was a new truck for Chevrolet. The C10 had improved weight distribution thanks to the increased load capacity of the front axle, as well as a larger cab and bigger windshield. The Stepside featured rear wheels located on the outside of the truck bed and had a step mounted between the wheel wells and the cab.
First Generation Specs
The first generation C10 was equipped with independent front suspension, utilizing trailing arm suspension with coil springs in the rear of the truck and strong torsion bars for the front. In 1963, the C10 torsion bar front suspension was replaced with coil springs and the previous six-cylinder engine options were swapped out for new 230-cubic inch and 292-cubic inch options. That same year the grill was redesigned. In 1964, a curved windshield replaced the dogleg windshield found on the previous Chevy C10s. The next big change for the Chevy C10 didn’t arrive until 1967.
Second Generation Specs
The C10 received a new shape in 1967, introducing the second generation, sitting lower to the ground for easier access. For the exterior, updates included a double-walled pickup box made of steel and rust-resistant body and sheet metal. The C10 received an independent coil spring trailing arm for the front suspension. In 1971, the trucks were given an egg crate grille and tailgate trim. The interior got some upgrades as well: increased padding and insulation, carpet, chrome trim, and the option for an AM/FM radio. The front drum brakes were ditched for disc brakes, and the Cheyenne trim package became available.
Third Generation Specs
In 1973, the 'Rounded-Line' Generation (or third generation) debuted. Sporting a new body style that incorporated rounded corners around the wheel well in addition to a rounded windshield and door frames, the third-generation C10 trucks had an entirely new look. Larger and wider, the pickups looked more box-like, which is why they were coined the “box-body” trucks. With longer wheelbases, the Chevy C10 with a 6.5-foot box had a 117.5-inch wheelbase while the 8-foot bed had a 131.5-inch wheelbase. The third generation Chevy C10 also used rubber control arm bushings, providing the truck with a more comfortable ride. For the rear, the truck featured leaf springs rather than coil springs and finned rear brake drums.
The last year for the Chevy C10 was in 1987, as the 1988-1998 fourth-generation Chevy C/K trucks took on a new naming structure with the 1500, 2500, and 3500.
Let's Find and Restore Your Dream Chevy!
If you're looking to get your hands on a vintage Chevy C10, we can help you find one! We can also fully restore it to its original/super modified glory. We run a one-stop-shop here at Farm Boy Garage, and all restoration services are done on site, meaning your car doesn't leave our garage until it's completed to your satisfaction! So, what are you waiting for? Let's find that Chevy you've been dreaming of!
What is a Chevy C10?
The Chevy C10 was the half-ton two-wheel drive model within the C/K line of trucks that originated in 1960. Originally available in a 6.5-foot bed with a 115-inch wheelbase and an 8-foot bed with a 127-inch wheelbase, the C10 was a new truck for Chevrolet. The C10 had improved weight distribution thanks to the increased load capacity of the front axle, as well as a larger cab and bigger windshield. The Stepside featured rear wheels located on the outside of the truck bed and had a step mounted between the wheel wells and the cab.
First Generation Specs
The first generation C10 was equipped with independent front suspension, utilizing trailing arm suspension with coil springs in the rear of the truck and strong torsion bars for the front. In 1963, the C10 torsion bar front suspension was replaced with coil springs and the previous six-cylinder engine options were swapped out for new 230-cubic inch and 292-cubic inch options. That same year the grill was redesigned. In 1964, a curved windshield replaced the dogleg windshield found on the previous Chevy C10s. The next big change for the Chevy C10 didn’t arrive until 1967.
Second Generation Specs
The C10 received a new shape in 1967, introducing the second generation, sitting lower to the ground for easier access. For the exterior, updates included a double-walled pickup box made of steel and rust-resistant body and sheet metal. The C10 received an independent coil spring trailing arm for the front suspension. In 1971, the trucks were given an egg crate grille and tailgate trim. The interior got some upgrades as well: increased padding and insulation, carpet, chrome trim, and the option for an AM/FM radio. The front drum brakes were ditched for disc brakes, and the Cheyenne trim package became available.
Third Generation SpecsIn 1973, the 'Rounded-Line' Generation (or third generation) debuted. Sporting a new body style that incorporated rounded corners around the wheel well in addition to a rounded windshield and door frames, the third-generation C10 trucks had an entirely new look. Larger and wider, the pickups looked more box-like, which is why they were coined the “box-body” trucks. With longer wheelbases, the Chevy C10 with a 6.5-foot box had a 117.5-inch wheelbase while the 8-foot bed had a 131.5-inch wheelbase. The third generation Chevy C10 also used rubber control arm bushings, providing the truck with a more comfortable ride. For the rear, the truck featured leaf springs rather than coil springs and finned rear brake drums.
The last year for the Chevy C10 was in 1987, as the 1988-1998 fourth-generation Chevy C/K trucks took on a new naming structure with the 1500, 2500, and 3500.
Let's Find and Restore Your Dream Chevy!
If you're looking to get your hands on a vintage Chevy C10, we can help you find one! We can also fully restore it to its original/super modified glory. We run a one-stop-shop here at Farm Boy Garage, and all restoration services are done on site, meaning your car doesn't leave our garage until it's completed to your satisfaction! So, what are you waiting for? Let's find that Chevy you've been dreaming of!
Are you ready to create the muscle car or classic truck of your dreams? Let us be your one-stop-shop! Visit our website to check out some of the recent projects we've completed and to learn about the vehicle restoration services we offer.
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