1965 Chevrolet C10

Description

This 1965 Chevrolet C10 pickup is a great example of bringing old and new together in a way that looks right. With a modern stepside bed out back but a traditional color on its flanks, this neat pickup has a great look that isn't trying too hard and still remains completely functional.

If you have a vintage pickup in need of a bed, grafting on an OEM piece from a late-model is a great way to get a custom look without the extra labor. It's amazing how well the 1990 bed works with the 1960s cab, and with a coat of bright turquoise paint it has a sunny disposition that suits the old hauler just fine. The work was done a few years ago and is holding up well with only very minor signs of use. You'll note good gaps all around, so it's unlikely that this was some beater truck for decades, and the styling details suggest Chevrolet thought that even truck customers wanted more than just a tool with wheels. Check out the neat "wing" detail atop the cab, complete with bright finned trim, the forward-canted windows, and wrap-around character line that defines the center section from nose to bed. White-painted grille and front bumper gives it a traditional working-class look that always works, while the late-model stepside bed offers a chrome bumper and durable bedrails and bedliner, so it doesn't mind a bit of dirty work now and then.

The simple interior has plenty of appeal if you like the utilitarian feel of an old pickup. The cloth bench seat looks quite appropriate for 1965, and most of the interior appointments are the right age. The steering wheel is a neat-looking piece that wouldn't look out of place in an upscale Impala and the flat gauge panel with the needles floating behind it is a long-time favorite for many enthusiasts. A pair of auxiliary gauges under the dash offer a more in-depth view of the mechanicals, and yes, that's a functioning under-dash A/C unit that chills the compact cabin quite effectively. And speaking of blending old and new, check out how neatly the modern Panasonic AM/FM/CD stereo head unit slots into the steel dash, almost like it was supposed to be there. Carpets and floor mats help control noise and heat inside and look great.

In a truck like this, performance isn't paramount, but you do need torque and reliability, even if it's just a hobby vehicle. The small block Chevy 307 under the hood neatly fills the bill, with a 2-barrel carburetor for efficiency and a snarky dual exhaust system that adds some fun. There are several upgrades aimed at improving the driving experience, including the dual reservoir master cylinder with power booster, a modern A/C compressor with R134a refrigerant inside, and front disc brakes. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission feeds the original rear end, which is still hanging on those massive control arms and coil springs, so it actually rides remarkably well. Flashy chrome wheels with baby moon hubcaps are a favorite old-school look, but wear fat 255/70/15 rubber for just a bit of an edge.

This is just a neat old truck with a bunch of smart upgrades. The fact that it also looks great and attracts attention for its great blend of styling is merely icing on the cake. Call today!