New guy from central texas.

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olebluec10

Junior Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2025
Posts
5
Reaction score
24
Location
Waco, Tx
First Name
Glenn
Truck Year
1981
Truck Model
c10
Engine Size
250
My name is Glenn and i am new to the forum. I purchased my 1981 c10 custom deluxe about 3 years ago as a project.

I am the 3rd owner. The first was some rancher who bought it new at a local small town dealer near by. He evidently drove it until he didn't and then just stored it away in a barn. It has about 93k original miles! The 2nd owner found it while doing some work on the ranchers property. He bought it as a father and son project. He did some work on it, got it running. The son lost interest and it sat in his garage until I bought it.

I found it on Craig's list and I was looking for a retirement project. It needed a lot of small stuff but has good bones. It did run and stop but had not been licensed for 20 years.

Since owning it, I have done quite a bit but as always, there is much more to do. I have replaced all the front end pieces, brakes reworked, new shocks, tune up, oil change, new tires as the old ones would not hold air any longer. It is finally Street legal and safe to drive.

It is just the base model 250 six with 3 on the tree, short bed with step side. No air or power brakes. It has power steering and a AM radio that still does not work. I love the simplicity and it is simple to work on. The body has a little surface rust but nothing through the metal.

I look forward to learning from you all and may be able to help some others out with what I have been able to research and learn.

Thanks,
 Glenn
 

Memaloose

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2018
Posts
599
Reaction score
1,803
Location
Bayard, New Mexico
First Name
Tony
Truck Year
1975
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Welcome from NM!
I had an '81 Custom Deluxe C/10, SWB for about 11 years, it was my daily driver. It too had a 250 3 speed on the column, manual brakes and steering. Brown with tan interior. It was probably the most reliable pickup I've ever owned. Most of the years I owned it were in Alaska. It had a block heater. The only upgrades I did to it were to add a leaf in the rear suspension and replace number 1 piston, rings, connecting rod and bearing. I also had to have the head welded and remachined, other than that it was a very simple vehicle.
I wish I had that truck back. You're a fortunate person to have that truck, have fun with it!
 

legopnuematic

Licensed Junk Dealer
Supporting Member
Joined
Oct 27, 2016
Posts
5,145
Reaction score
19,162
Location
MO
First Name
Spencer
Truck Year
1971, 1̶9̶7̶4, 1976, 1979,1̶9̶8̶5, 2002
Truck Model
Dart Swinger, Sierra 10, C10 Cheyenne, C10 Big Ten, Silverado 10, Ram 2500
Engine Size
225/6, 350 c.i., 350 c.i., 5.9l Cummins
Welcome from Missouri.
 

Mr Clean

Super Moderator
Staff member
Marine Corps Moderator
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Posts
11,313
Reaction score
13,886
Location
North East Texas
First Name
Shawn
Truck Year
1982 & 1985
Truck Model
K10 Extra Cab w/ Proper SWB, & 85 K5 Blazer
Engine Size
454 BBC, & 383 Stroker
:welcome:
 

Sad Sack

Supporting Member
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 3, 2024
Posts
2,640
Reaction score
5,506
Location
Nebraska
First Name
Goober
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
C15
Engine Size
305
:welcome: And looks great!
 

jfrchevyguy

Junior Member
Air Force
Joined
Mar 19, 2025
Posts
14
Reaction score
22
Location
Wichita, KS
First Name
John
Truck Year
1976
Truck Model
C20
Engine Size
350
Welcome from Kansas! What an excellent project truck. Kinda what I was looking for in a retirement project but recently picked up my 76 Cheyenne 3/4 ton.
 

86 C10 Shortbed

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 19, 2016
Posts
284
Reaction score
296
Location
Ohio
First Name
Mark
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
C10
Engine Size
5.3L
Welcome from Central Ohio
 

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