How many American trucks do I need? N+1 obviously! 1977 C10
Discussion
When I bought my '66 El Camino a couple of years ago, I was sorely torn between getting an "Elk" or a 1970's Chevrolet C10, example as below:-
In the end the choice was made by the right car turning up at the right time and price - it happened to be the Elk and the rest, as they say, is history.
El Camino
As happy as I still am with the Elk, whilst I continue working on it with a view to getting it back on the road "eventually", I was left with a C10 sized itch that just wouldn't go away.
The recent sale of my Z4 coupe meant that space and cash became available simulaneously, finally allowing that itch to be scratched.
Because I wanted a short bed stepside, my budget would run to a solid example of a third generation '73-'87 "Squarebody" rather than the earlier '67-'72 second generation models that are more sought after and would need at least another £5k in the pot to get something in distinctly average condition at best.
The other (surprisingly sensible for me!) criteria being, with the Elk in bits, the last thing I needed is another major project, so I wanted an example that is up and running and ready to be enjoyed straight away - although minor tweakage is always permissible!
After looking all over at what was available, I ended up back on Jim's "Rock and Roll Motors" Facebook page, looking at his stock list. I didn't really want to wait weeks watching a container cross the Atlantic this time (interesting though it was at the time!) but he had a C10 that was already here in the UK and had just been MOT'd and UK registered.
There was only one catch - it was, now how can I put this tactfully? A bit sad looking.
Now in my opinion, the seventies was without doubt the era that (in the US car industry) style and performance pretty much forgot. Yet in my (probably quite warped) view, sat low and wide with a little rake, a mid-seventies C10 can look pretty damn good!
Unfortunately this example had none of those apearance enhancing attributes, instead combined skinny wheels and high suspension with tired paint and interior and quite possibly the world's ugliest topper.
On the plus side, a rock solid California car with a healthy 350 is a good basis for a "bit of minor tweakage". Plus Jim had been using it himself a bit as (in his words) it was good to drive.
His detailed description was largely positive, and having dealt with him before I was happy that he would paint a very true and fair picture. So I bought it, unseen!
At this point, Dear Reader, I don't think you will tolerate any more text, so I'm going to have to show you what it actually looks like!
Just keep the word "potential" in mind...
In the end the choice was made by the right car turning up at the right time and price - it happened to be the Elk and the rest, as they say, is history.
El Camino
As happy as I still am with the Elk, whilst I continue working on it with a view to getting it back on the road "eventually", I was left with a C10 sized itch that just wouldn't go away.
The recent sale of my Z4 coupe meant that space and cash became available simulaneously, finally allowing that itch to be scratched.
Because I wanted a short bed stepside, my budget would run to a solid example of a third generation '73-'87 "Squarebody" rather than the earlier '67-'72 second generation models that are more sought after and would need at least another £5k in the pot to get something in distinctly average condition at best.
The other (surprisingly sensible for me!) criteria being, with the Elk in bits, the last thing I needed is another major project, so I wanted an example that is up and running and ready to be enjoyed straight away - although minor tweakage is always permissible!
After looking all over at what was available, I ended up back on Jim's "Rock and Roll Motors" Facebook page, looking at his stock list. I didn't really want to wait weeks watching a container cross the Atlantic this time (interesting though it was at the time!) but he had a C10 that was already here in the UK and had just been MOT'd and UK registered.
There was only one catch - it was, now how can I put this tactfully? A bit sad looking.
Now in my opinion, the seventies was without doubt the era that (in the US car industry) style and performance pretty much forgot. Yet in my (probably quite warped) view, sat low and wide with a little rake, a mid-seventies C10 can look pretty damn good!
Unfortunately this example had none of those apearance enhancing attributes, instead combined skinny wheels and high suspension with tired paint and interior and quite possibly the world's ugliest topper.
On the plus side, a rock solid California car with a healthy 350 is a good basis for a "bit of minor tweakage". Plus Jim had been using it himself a bit as (in his words) it was good to drive.
His detailed description was largely positive, and having dealt with him before I was happy that he would paint a very true and fair picture. So I bought it, unseen!
At this point, Dear Reader, I don't think you will tolerate any more text, so I'm going to have to show you what it actually looks like!
Just keep the word "potential" in mind...
Good to hear you're still playing with Yank stuff 99t, I remember posting on your El Camino thread about some of my dad's stuff, we are just at the point of putting his 77 Power Wagon back on the road. Sadly it failed its MOT on Friday on some really quite trivial stuff but never mind, unfortunately it doesn't qualify for the exemption at the moment either as it's on a Q plate. Dad is planning to write to the appropriate people and get a verification of its year so that we can get an age related plate etc on it. Should look far better.
Still retains that fundamental American 'simpleness' but actually works quite well, even with a little 318 it'll sit at 70mph no problem at all. Pretty huge on British roads though!
Still retains that fundamental American 'simpleness' but actually works quite well, even with a little 318 it'll sit at 70mph no problem at all. Pretty huge on British roads though!
H20DJY said:
Bags of potential! I can't wait to see it without the topper, lower and on different wheels. Which I imagine is whats going to happen!
How big is it, in real world terms? Say compared to a "normal" 4x4.
How big is it, in real world terms? Say compared to a "normal" 4x4.
It is quite wide but not that big compared to a lot of modern stuff, fits reasonably comfortably in a sensible-sized parking space.
Munter said:
On the plus side. You need not fear ruining it by "having a go" at fixing something.
This is very true! 
LewG said:
Good to hear you're still playing with Yank stuff 99t, I remember posting on your El Camino thread about some of my dad's stuff, we are just at the point of putting his 77 Power Wagon back on the road. Sadly it failed its MOT on Friday on some really quite trivial stuff but never mind, unfortunately it doesn't qualify for the exemption at the moment either as it's on a Q plate. Dad is planning to write to the appropriate people and get a verification of its year so that we can get an age related plate etc on it. Should look far better.
Still retains that fundamental American 'simpleness' but actually works quite well, even with a little 318 it'll sit at 70mph no problem at all. Pretty huge on British roads though!
Lovely that. Still retains that fundamental American 'simpleness' but actually works quite well, even with a little 318 it'll sit at 70mph no problem at all. Pretty huge on British roads though!
Funny thing is, compared to the American cars of the same era, the pickup trucks in many cases seem to drive as well if not better! No wonder the Yanks go for them in such numbers!
Lots of potential there! Can I be rude and ask how much you paid? I live in Mexico and these kinds of trucks are all over the place, some are in good condition, some....less so...... 
Many can be picked up for 1-2k, but I suspect you'd have to spend 3-4 in order to get looking nice and up to passing a UK MOT, hence my question.
Many can be picked up for 1-2k, but I suspect you'd have to spend 3-4 in order to get looking nice and up to passing a UK MOT, hence my question.
Nice 
Back in the day, when the yanks still used to let you on the base and you’d get pissed with them ( Mildenhall being the best) we would often pick up a C10 Fleet or Stepside.
We did run over the timing lights one year at a Garys Picnic at 2 in the morning in one with a 454 in it. Happy days.
Used to be a decent American breakers on the roundabout just before the base, handy place for truck parts, or used to be.
Back in the day, when the yanks still used to let you on the base and you’d get pissed with them ( Mildenhall being the best) we would often pick up a C10 Fleet or Stepside.
We did run over the timing lights one year at a Garys Picnic at 2 in the morning in one with a 454 in it. Happy days.
Used to be a decent American breakers on the roundabout just before the base, handy place for truck parts, or used to be.
Geekman said:
Lots of potential there! Can I be rude and ask how much you paid?
I'm always a little reluctant to discuss prices of larger purchases on an open forum as there is usually someone, somewhere who will pop up and say "you bin done mate, I coud 'ave gorrit for 'arf that..."!! 
Obviously if you are prepared to source and ship yourself there are savings to be made at both ends of the process.
£1-2k to buy a truck sounds extremely cheap as that'll hardly buy you more than a pile of rust in the UK at the moment if any sort of "classic" tag can be attached to said pile of rust! I doubt it would buy much more than that in California these days, especially given the Dollar exchange rate.
As far as I am aware, mine only needed lights and wipers sorting out for the MOT and has driven two hundred miles down from Grangemouth and then commuted sixty miles today without any sort of issue at all. It drives really well with plenty of power and appears rust free beyond the obvious cosmetic bits. It is early days but I already have a feel that this is a dependable old girl!
The advert for it is still a little way down Jim's Facebook page for those that are interested and as a very satisfied customer I'm happy to possibly drive some traffic his way...
https://www.facebook.com/Rock-n-Roll-Motors-549860...
Edited by 99t on Monday 14th May 20:05
FerdiZ28 said:
Do keep the pics coming
Cheers, happy to oblige! First bit of tinkering after removing the topper was to have a go at straightening the bonnet.
Bent bonnets aren't uncommon on stuff from this era, the hinges seize at some point through lack of maintenance and the length of the bonnet versus seized hinges and VERY strong hinge springs means that something has to give - that something usually being the panel itself!
In proper Hillbilly style, I stuck a block of wood between the slam panel and the bonnet to hold it open an inch or so and then proceeded to push down on the middle of the bonnet at the side, hoping it might bend back. Not a chance, there is a hefty strengthening pressing that runs the full length of the bonnet. Whoever bent it must have been large, green and angry!
Got some steps, climbed up and sat carefully on the edge, still nada!
Started to bounce my full weight up and down, carefully at first then with increasing vigour, checking for movement every few bounces. What this spectacle must have looked like to the casual observer, I hate to imagine! Fortunately only the chickens were watching and they don't judge...
It took much bouncing, eventually as high and as hard as my back and arse could stand but eventually
Ok, not exactly Lexus-esque shutlines, but night and day better
It would be fair to say that I am familiar with their work!
Although I prefer it in "muscle-truck" guise..
The C10 first came to my attention perhaps twenty years or more ago, when the next door neighbour of a mate owned a 1970 in Old English White that looked very original and just right. Much coveting for that went on at the time.
Although I prefer it in "muscle-truck" guise..
The C10 first came to my attention perhaps twenty years or more ago, when the next door neighbour of a mate owned a 1970 in Old English White that looked very original and just right. Much coveting for that went on at the time.
99t said:
I'm always a little reluctant to discuss prices of larger purchases on an open forum as there is usually someone, somewhere who will pop up and say "you bin done mate, I coud 'ave gorrit for 'arf that..."!!
Obviously if you are prepared to source and ship yourself there are savings to be made at both ends of the process.
£1-2k to buy a truck sounds extremely cheap as that'll hardly buy you more than a pile of rust in the UK at the moment if any sort of "classic" tag can be attached to said pile of rust! I doubt it would buy much more than that in California these days, especially given the Dollar exchange rate.
As far as I am aware, mine only needed lights and wipers sorting out for the MOT and has driven two hundred miles down from Grangemouth and then commuted sixty miles today without any sort of issue at all. It drives really well with plenty of power and appears rust free beyond the obvious cosmetic bits. It is early days but I already have a feel that this is a dependable old girl!
The advert for it is still a little way down Jim's Facebook page for those that are interested and as a very satisfied customer I'm happy to possibly drive some traffic his way...
https://www.facebook.com/Rock-n-Roll-Motors-549860...
Very interesting - thanks. I almost bought this for £2k and I’m rather wishing I had now. Apart from a poor LPG conversion it was perfect and the engine ran very well.Obviously if you are prepared to source and ship yourself there are savings to be made at both ends of the process.
£1-2k to buy a truck sounds extremely cheap as that'll hardly buy you more than a pile of rust in the UK at the moment if any sort of "classic" tag can be attached to said pile of rust! I doubt it would buy much more than that in California these days, especially given the Dollar exchange rate.
As far as I am aware, mine only needed lights and wipers sorting out for the MOT and has driven two hundred miles down from Grangemouth and then commuted sixty miles today without any sort of issue at all. It drives really well with plenty of power and appears rust free beyond the obvious cosmetic bits. It is early days but I already have a feel that this is a dependable old girl!
The advert for it is still a little way down Jim's Facebook page for those that are interested and as a very satisfied customer I'm happy to possibly drive some traffic his way...
https://www.facebook.com/Rock-n-Roll-Motors-549860...
Edited by 99t on Monday 14th May 20:05
I’d love to get into business exporting things like this to the U.K. but I have little knowledge of the industry and suspect I’d just get scammed in various new and exciting ways.
Looking forward to seeing your progress with the truck.
Ordered a lowering kit from the US.
Plus some door seals and door striker posts to try to stop the doors banging over bumps.
Whilst waiting for that lot, a few more pictures...
Interior, it is all there and hanging together, just about. Seat cover is nasty nylon and feels horrible and scratchy when wearing a skirt (or so I am informed!)
Fixings of cast metal door trim snapped so it continually bangs against the door when driving.
Effected a quick and dirty tiger seal bodge to secure it
The four huge idiot lights are crying out to be replaced by gauges.
Kits to do so are available, at a price. Two aftermarket gauges are fitted, water temperature and oil pressure. The temperature gauge doesn't appear to have a needle and both are entirely hidden when driving! Importantly, the oil pressure looks good, even at hot idle.
Audio and heater controls. Nice that the dash hasn't been cut to fit something less period. Air con doesn't work, no great surprise there.
State of the art aftermarket ICE. I'm sure it would produce some bangin' tunes, but strangely both speaker cables have been cut by the doors. There is also a subwoofer hidden behind the seat!
Nice that the original spec sheet is still stuck inside the glovebox
Switch for swapping between the left and right fuel tanks. Appears it may be operational (fuel guage drops to near zero when switching to the right tank which I've not added fuel to yet...)
Smog era V8, capable of making quite a nice noise whilst converting large amounts of petrol into remarkably little movement! Actually that isn't quite fair, it does have a little bit of poke in the lower gears, combined with a tall first, means it is capable of surprising the odd catatonic OAP away from the lights!
All the California smog gear is still in place, air injection system, smog pump etc.
Original air filter sticker
Air con unit.
Although the compressor doesn't kick in as it should, it has a "remanufactured" sticker on it and all the wiring, hoses and hard lines appear to be intact. I wonder if a regas would get it up and running?
Wooden bed is in solid enough condition, obviously protected by the topper. A coat of Creosote may be needed!
Surface rust on front of roof appears to be 40 years of untreated stone chips. The strange rust pattern on the bonnet is because it appears to have been replaced at some point, left in its black coating until it started to rust and then painted over in blue without further treatment - with inevitable results.
Underside is rock solid, original style single exhaust, bit of surface rust and some slightly tired body mount bushes, but nothing terrible.
Jim replaced the sealed beams with decent halogen units so they aren't too bad at all.
Of course much of the above gives me a dilemma now. My assumption was that the truck would be rough but an ideal canvas for modifications.
However the more I have looked at it, the more I realise how straight and original it is. And I do like originality.
In my mind's eye, I was picturing something like this
But as good as I think that looks, now I find myself wondering whether I should just do a bit of tidying in the original colour, a subtle drop as planned (easily reversed) and a change of wheels plus a few bits and pieces to tidy the interior.
Hmmm....
Plus some door seals and door striker posts to try to stop the doors banging over bumps.
Whilst waiting for that lot, a few more pictures...
Interior, it is all there and hanging together, just about. Seat cover is nasty nylon and feels horrible and scratchy when wearing a skirt (or so I am informed!)
Fixings of cast metal door trim snapped so it continually bangs against the door when driving.
Effected a quick and dirty tiger seal bodge to secure it
The four huge idiot lights are crying out to be replaced by gauges.
Kits to do so are available, at a price. Two aftermarket gauges are fitted, water temperature and oil pressure. The temperature gauge doesn't appear to have a needle and both are entirely hidden when driving! Importantly, the oil pressure looks good, even at hot idle.
Audio and heater controls. Nice that the dash hasn't been cut to fit something less period. Air con doesn't work, no great surprise there.
State of the art aftermarket ICE. I'm sure it would produce some bangin' tunes, but strangely both speaker cables have been cut by the doors. There is also a subwoofer hidden behind the seat!
Nice that the original spec sheet is still stuck inside the glovebox
Switch for swapping between the left and right fuel tanks. Appears it may be operational (fuel guage drops to near zero when switching to the right tank which I've not added fuel to yet...)
Smog era V8, capable of making quite a nice noise whilst converting large amounts of petrol into remarkably little movement! Actually that isn't quite fair, it does have a little bit of poke in the lower gears, combined with a tall first, means it is capable of surprising the odd catatonic OAP away from the lights!
All the California smog gear is still in place, air injection system, smog pump etc.
Original air filter sticker
Air con unit.
Although the compressor doesn't kick in as it should, it has a "remanufactured" sticker on it and all the wiring, hoses and hard lines appear to be intact. I wonder if a regas would get it up and running?
Wooden bed is in solid enough condition, obviously protected by the topper. A coat of Creosote may be needed!
Surface rust on front of roof appears to be 40 years of untreated stone chips. The strange rust pattern on the bonnet is because it appears to have been replaced at some point, left in its black coating until it started to rust and then painted over in blue without further treatment - with inevitable results.
Underside is rock solid, original style single exhaust, bit of surface rust and some slightly tired body mount bushes, but nothing terrible.
Jim replaced the sealed beams with decent halogen units so they aren't too bad at all.
Of course much of the above gives me a dilemma now. My assumption was that the truck would be rough but an ideal canvas for modifications.
However the more I have looked at it, the more I realise how straight and original it is. And I do like originality.
In my mind's eye, I was picturing something like this
But as good as I think that looks, now I find myself wondering whether I should just do a bit of tidying in the original colour, a subtle drop as planned (easily reversed) and a change of wheels plus a few bits and pieces to tidy the interior.
Hmmm....
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff