1979 Chevrolet C10 Custom Deluxe review from North America

Heater fan motor at 120,000 miles.

Clutch at 135,000 miles.

Radiator at 139,500.

Engine at 140,000 miles (my fault) .

Rusting body panels.

This truck is a base model with almost no extra options. It was originally a 250 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder with a 3 speed manual transmission. I bought it in 1991 for $1000 from my grandfather, who had owned it for 4 or 5 years before that. It has taken me where ever I've needed to go for the last 10 years. This has been literally the best vehicle I could have possibly owned.

The original engine was extremely reliable. It never once refused to start. This even during the 50 degrees below zero temperatures of a South Dakota winter, without the block heater plugged in. It got good gas mileage for a full sized pickup and had plenty of power for light pulling and hauling.

Unfortunately it died a couple years ago after the radiator sprung a leak and drained of all coolant on a trip. The engine was extremely over heated and I did not notice because of a lack of gauges, but it did not give out just yet. I replaced the radiator and drove it for about two more weeks before it finally broke a piston which I assume was caused by the overheating. Being a stupid kid, I opted for installing a V8 instead of rebuilding the I6. The V8 has gotten me by for now. The truck now has well over 150,000 miles on it, but I cannot be sure of the exact number because of the incorrectly sized tires that had been used for years.

It was horrendously neglected by myself, and still keeps going. My only complaint is the body rust. Other than that, it is a great truck. Parts are very cheap and readily available. I highly recommend one.