1970 Chevrolet C20 Pickup

If you love old Chevy and GMC trucks it might be because you have memories from when you were a kid riding in one of those early models. Or you might just love the classic lines and the way they look. The C series is a line of GM 2-wheel drive trucks, while the K series is a line of GM 4-wheel drive trucks. Beginning in 1960, trucks of this generation were named as 10, 20, and 30 series to represent the 1/2, 3/4, and 1-ton versions of GM’s light truck line. Introduced for the 1960 model year, the C/K series was marketed by Chevrolet until 2002 in the United States, (GMC marketed the series from 1960 to 1987).

Purchased from the second owner in 2019 and now for consignment, a C20 Camper Special Longhorn in heavily used condition with some surface rust, invasive rust, and trim rust on the exterior and a worn interior. But sporting a rebuilt TH350 transmission and a 5.3 LS engine swap, this truck is a partial restomod, partial patina ridden hauler…but any way you look at it, it’s the truck dreams are made of.

Exterior
The factory application of Mist Green metallic still shows through, although now in faded form with the majority of the finish taken over by patina and a heavy coating of surface rust. The cab roof is painted in a faded and surfaced rusted cream white, matching the overall condition of the truck. Invasive rust is showing on most of the lower panels and our consignor notes that the left side cab corner was replaced. The bumpers are hanging in there as well and show in faded, surface rusted and peeling white paint. Stainless trimmings adorns the sides of the truck and are filled with black rubber strips. The grille is also stainless and shows rust staining and patina along with a few dings. Just behind the cab is the bed which has newly installed oak boards and new wheel wells. Bed sides and tailgate are showing a wonderful patina with scratches and dents. Silver painted steel wheels adorn the corners and are wrapped in nearly new 265/75R15 Cooper radials.

Interior
A swing of the doors and we see Sheridan style embossing on a mid-door black vinyl panel which houses the actuators and cranks. On its upper edge is a strip of accenting wood applique and then some metallic green painted metal sills. Inside your eyes are drawn to worn and torn low back cloth bucket seats. A blanket covers the lower cushion on the driver’s seat and the passenger’s seat is missing the headrest. Also, the steering wheel is black, and it fronts the original dash which is metallic green and has a black textured instrument panel in front of the wheel. The more black for the heat warped dash topper and rubber floor matting in used and soiled condition. Ribbed green metallic steel makes up the headliner and of note are the rocker panels which have severe invasive rusting and poorly made repairs.

Drivetrain
Here’s where things get interesting, upfront under the hood, the original 350ci V8 has been replaced with a modern consignor stated 5.3 Liter LS V8. This mill has been cleanly installed and resides in a weathered and patina riddled engine bay. This mill is fed by EFI with a return style fuel system complete with stainless steel lines and has a rebuilt TH350 3 speed automatic transmission. 3.73 gears in the rear axle get you moving and of note, the accelerator has been adapted over to a fly by wire system.

Undercarriage
Some heavier surface rust is seen throughout, but the frame remains structurally sound with some new under-bed crossmembers and supports. Body hangers are rust-free but invasive rust, as noted above is present on the rockers as well as the flooring. Independent coil springs are upfront and a 3 link with coil springs are on the back. Power drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and a new fuel tank is seen along with a new fuel system from CPP. New dual exhaust with Pypes mufflers is seen ending just in front of the rear axle.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and it ran just great on the test track. Solid braking, and handling like a truck! All functions were working during my drive save for the dealer installed under-dash air conditioner.

A project truck, but a very desirable bodystyle in this day and age. Wearing its battle scars and patina from a life of use but now updated with a late model engine and some undercarriage repairs and upgrades, definitely a worker bee, or is a C, yeah C20!

VIN DECODE
CE240B159422
C-4×2
E-V8
2-3/4 Ton
4-Pickup
0-1970
B-Baltimore, MD Assy Plant
159422-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.