1978 Chevrolet C20 3/4 Ton Long Bed Pickup - $5,000 Firm
($500 active Military or veteran Discount Available!)
Location: Oceanside, California (Local pickup preferred; cash only)
For sale: My classic 1978 Chevy C20 3/4 ton long bed (8 ft) pickup truck. Square body style with the original 5.7L 350 V8 engine. I believe I'm the third owner—purchased it a couple years ago and have treated it as a fun hobby project with regular care.
Key specs and upgrades:
- Original 350 engine (estimated ~80,000 miles on the motor; odometer may not reflect true original mileage due to age/history)
- Upgraded to custom-rebuilt 700R4 transmission (custom install and drive shaft) for better shifting and highway cruising
- Tow package included
- Rear axle differential re-geared by a local specialist
- Aftermarket radiator with electric fans
- New carburetor
- Aftermarket headers
- Second gas tank installed (needs fuel selector switch—inexpensive and easy to source online)
- Custom upholstery in the cab
- Aftermarket stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity (pairs directly to your cell phone for music/calls)
- Custom LED light bar integrated with headlights
The truck runs and drives great—I've stayed on top of maintenance: oil changes, spark plugs, coolant flushes, transmission service after the upgrade, etc. It successfully passed California smog last year (documentation available). I also have all receipts from the previous owner plus my own records for labor, upgraded parts, and maintenance—great for history and future ownership.
As a 40+ year-old classic, it shows typical wear: fading paint, some surface rust spots (small cancer area under leftside cabin, but no major structural issues—photos show everything transparently), and general patina.
Recommended future upgrades/fixes to dial it in further:
- Fresh body paint
- New windshield wipers
- Interior detailing
- New batteries
- Possibly tires in the near future
This is a reliable driver and excellent foundation—keep enjoying it as-is, restore it, or plan an LS swap later. Perfect for someone who wants a classic truck with upgrades already done.
I've put real money and time into upgrades/maintenance, but I won't recoup it all—price is fair for the condition, features, and what the next owner gets.
Serious buyers only: Reply here with your personal cell phone number for quicker response (I ignore messages without one due to scammers/fakes). Come see it in Oceanside!
(Photos attached: exterior/interior shots, engine bay, rust areas, smog cert if available, and more for full transparency.)
Thanks—let's find this classic a great new home! 🇺🇸
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