1978 Chevrolet C10 Big 10, original 350 and Turbo 350, second owner, clean title

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: the Big 10 was Chevy's heavier-duty half-ton, and this one has the 8-foot bed and the heavy-duty trailer package. The private seller says it still has its original 350 V8 and Turbo 350 automatic, a restored Rochester Quadrajet, and electronic ignition, and that it is driven daily and kept original. The listing states a clean title.

Unrestored squarebody long beds like this are an easy start for a driver build, and at $10,500 with offers invited it sits well under what similar Big 10 and Silverado long beds have brought this year.

The value check

The seller is asking $9,950. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $9,250–$20,250, so the middle of the market is about $14,750. That put this car 33% under.

1978 C10 long-bed drivers sold for $9,250 to $20,250 from Oct 2025 to Aug 2026 (BaT, Hagerty), including a Big 10 at $17,750. At $10,500 OBO this one asks about 29% under the $14,750 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• BaT 1978 C10 Big 10 long bed $17,750 (Aug 2026)
• Hagerty 1978 C10 Custom Deluxe long bed $9,250 (Jul 2026)
• BaT 1978 C10 Silverado long bed $20,250 (Jul 2026)
• BaT 1978 C10 long bed $14,750 (Oct 2025)

What to check

• The listing does not mention rust; check cab corners, rocker panels, door bottoms, the floor under the mat and the bed floor
• Look at the fender bottoms behind the front wheels and the rear wheel arches, common squarebody rust spots
• VIN is not listed; ask for it and confirm the Big 10 (F44/CCL448) build in the VIN and RPO sticker
• 106,100 miles on the odometer; ask for service records on the original 350 and TH350
• Check the rear springs and shackles, which work hard on trailer-package trucks

Making it drive like new

Start with a front disc brake refresh and a dual-piston caliper upgrade, poly bushings and a mild drop, then swap the TH350 for a 700R4 or 4L60E for highway gearing. An LS swap is common on this platform, but a fresh 350 with EFI keeps the original feel.

7 builders make a complete chassis for the 1973–87 Squarebody C10 pickup. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.