Bagged, Bodied and Beautiful ’84 Chevy C10

Nostalgia and Trends Merge in This ’84 Chevy C10

 Nothing soothes more than a good dose of nostalgia. For Derrick Ramsey of Heber Springs, Arkansas, nostalgia came from his childhood of riding with his grandfather in a Chevy Squarebody.  

My youngest memories were standing on a bench seat of an old farm truck. My grandfather and I went everywhere together. It was a huge part of my childhood.  

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“My youngest memories were standing on a bench seat of an old farm truck,” Derrick says. “My grandfather and I went everywhere together. It was a huge part of my childhood.”

Decades later, Derrick was conversing with a friend and shared his farm-truck memories. His friend told him that he knew of an ’84 Chevy C10 for sale for only $1,500. At that price, it was a no-brainer to scoop up the truck. Luckily, it was only one town over.

When Derrick arrived, he was shocked at how clean it was.

“It was mint, not a single speck of rust anywhere,” Derrick says.

The tail shaft was broken so it wouldn’t drive, but that didn’t stop Derrick at all. He winched the Chevy onto a trailer and took it home. The same day he unloaded it into his garage he began the stripping-down process. Without a clear path towards the level of customization Derrick was going to achieve, he laid out two different paths: It was either a clean, static drop with minor additions; or it was to blow it completely apart and learn as he went.

The decision came down to the flip of a coin, and I think you know which side it landed on.

Big Mission Ahead

With only minor experience in truck building, Derrick had quite the mission ahead of him. The first step was removing the front clip and yanking out the 305 from under the hood.

“I ended up taking that 305 to the scrapyard because that’s where 305s belong,” Derrick says with a laugh.

Derrick went online to several C10 forums and started researching and asking questions. After some in-depth research, Derrick realized that a huge problem with these trucks is that they don’t lay out in the front unless you raise the crossmember in one of three ways. He started looking into options, and people were talking about these new drop members that fixed every issue and would convert the truck to rack-and-pinion. At the time of the build process, only Thorbeck and Porterbuilt were making this drop member. While flipping through an issue of Street Trucks, Derrick saw a picture of Jason Thorbeck’s crossmember in one of the advertisements, and right then he decided that’s what he wanted for his C10. He ordered it along with a new back half and waited like a child on Christmas for it to arrive.

While waiting, Derrick took the frame to Rock Hard Powder Coating in Oil Trough, Arkansas. He found a Stroker 388 locally and a 700r4, which he added to the empty engine compartment. The rolling chassis was assembled, but the problem was that he hadn’t decided on what wheels to add yet.

“I know I’m not alone in this thinking,” Derrick says. “But wheels are the single most influential piece on any build.”

He spent hours looking through different wheels and, once again, turned to Street Trucks where he saw a set of Static 5s on a truck called Family Ties. Once he logged onto the Raceline website, the Jaded 5 popped up and he immediately made the call to order them.

With all the components arriving around the same time, Derrick began the long process. He installed the full air-ride suspension system, bringing the C10 to the ground. For the bodywork, Derrick’s good friend Shawn Stone at Heber Springs Collision allowed him to borrow the tools and materials to complete all the work. The next step was adding paint to the blank canvas by bringing the Chevy to Scott Churchwell for a complete paint job. At this point, Derrick thought he was finished with the build, but he was wrong.

C10, Take 2

While trailering his C10 to a local show in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he laid it out on the wood platform and gave the appearance of a body-drop. After seeing this, Derrick had a whole new mission.

He ordered larger wheels of the same brand and model and 2×4 tubing for the frame. The truck was torn down once again. The rolling chassis was brought to a friend’s shop, and a 3/4-inch frame was built for the 2.5-inch stock floor body-drop. Three days later the truck was once again on the road but now able to be dropped on the frame. To finish the body-drop process, Derrick built the bed floor and upgraded the air-management system.

When he needed extra parts for the C10, he found a donor truck. When he arrived to buy it, the owner told him he had named this truck Becky but thought the name was stupid for a truck.  

On the way to dinner with his wife, Derrick’s transmission went out, so to get the biggest bang for his buck, he pulled the whole motor, added an LS motor, and had it tuned and dialed in.

As a habit, Derrick names most of the things he owns, from cars to lawnmowers. The names, for some reason, always start with the letter B. His last truck was Betsy, his lawnmower is Beowolf, and he has a street bike named Beatrice. When he needed extra parts for the C10, he found a donor truck. When he arrived to buy it, the owner told him he had named this truck Becky but thought the name was stupid for a truck. Derrick disagreed and said, “That’s the name of this truck, I can’t change it.”

That’s her identity now. When anyone meets her at a show, they always address her as “Becky.”

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TRUCK SPECS

OWNER

Derrick Ramsey
1984 Chevy C10
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Club Affiliation: Acrophobia

Chassis

• Front Suspension:  AccuAir Switchspeed suspension, Thorbeck Bros. P51 crossmember, Arms of Mass Construction, Airlift Dominator 2,600-pound bags, McGhaughy 13” front big brake kit
• Rear Suspension:  basic triangulated 4-link, bag on axle, Airlift Dominator 2,600-pound triple-stack bags, two Viair 480s. 5-gallon tank

Drivetrain

• Engine: 2001 5.3L Brian Tooley NSR truck cam, Holley Script coil pack covers, shaved stock intake painted to match, Taylor plug wires, intake painted by Jody Brooks
• Transmission: rebuilt 4l60e by Superior Transmission in Heber Springs
• Rearend: 12 bolt rear end, 3:73 gears, narrowed 4” by Garrison DeArmond in Ozark, Arkansas, Moser axles

Body/Paint 

• Stock floor body-drop, PPG Deltron, DMD 1683 Black. PPG black toner, 2012 Cadillac Escalade Magna Steel center stripe, ’68 Corvette Bronze pinstripe all done by Scott Churchwell, bodywork done by owner, LED headlights, semi-sequential LED taillights from Jason Kingsbury, raised bed floor, factory raised tubs, laser cut sheetmetal floor painted to match, metal stripe for a wood look, painted by Jody Brooks

Interior  

• Dakota Digital VFD gauges, AVS air gauges, Vintage Air A/C, billet steering column and steering wheel
• Stereo:   Retro Sound head unit, two 3.5” speakers under the dash, three 4×10” speakers

Wheels & Tires 

• Wheels: front: 22×8.5 Raceline Jaded 5 with 5” backspace rear: 24×10 Raceline Jaded 5 with 5” backspace
• Tires: front 235/30R22 Lexani LX Twenty rear: 275/30R24 Lexani LX Twenty

Special Thanks

First and foremost, thanks to my wife, Chelsea. She has put up with a lot and supported everything. Thanks to my mom and dad. My mom would stop by the house every afternoon to watch our son so I could get into the garage and work on the truck. My dad would drop what he was doing and come help every time I was ready to give up. If it weren’t for those people, it would have never gotten finished. Mike McElroy and Jody Brooks always came to my aid with electrical issues. Thanks to Shawn Stone for letting me take up space in his place of business to do my bodywork and Scott Churchwell for the paintwork.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the history and significance of the Chevrolet C/K series, particularly the C10?

The History and Significance of the Chevrolet C/K Series, Particularly the C10

In 1960, the Chevrolet C/K series marked a pivotal shift in the landscape of American trucks, setting a new standard for performance and design. Renowned for their robust build and versatility, the C/K series trucks were manufactured in the United States until 1998.

Understanding the Nomenclature

• C: Signified two-wheel drive.
• K: Represented the four-wheel drive models.

The C10: A Spotlight Model

Among these, the C10 emerged as the most prevalent model. It was a half-ton truck available with either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot bed, making it a popular choice for both personal and commercial use.

Evolution and Design

From its inception, the styling of the C/K series trucks remained largely consistent. Minor updates and refinements were introduced over the years, but the fundamental design saw a significant overhaul only in 1997. These trucks were not only utilitarian but also exuded a timeless style that appealed to a broad audience.

Key Highlights

• Durability: Known for their rugged durability and ability to handle tough jobs.
• Versatility: Offered in various configurations to suit different needs.
• Legacy: The C/K series, particularly the C10, has left a lasting legacy in the realm of pickup trucks, influencing designs and standards in the industry.

The Chevrolet C/K series, especially the C10, remains an icon in the automotive world, celebrated for its significant contribution to the development of modern pickups.

 

What types of classic Chevrolet C10 trucks are available for sale?

Classic Chevrolet C10 Trucks for Sale

Looking for a classic Chevrolet C10 truck? The market is bustling with diverse options that cater to different tastes and budgets. Here’s a snapshot of what you can find:

1972 Chevrolet Custom 10

• Engine: 250 c.i. Straight 6
• Transmission: 3-speed manual (3 on the tree)
• Condition: All original
• Price: $7,000

1971 Chevrolet C10

• Engine: Chevy 350 ci
• Features: Cammed and slammed
• Condition: Beautifully redone
• Price: $40,000

1968 Chevrolet C10

• Highlights: Total frame-off, nut and bolt restoration
• Price: $65,000 (Or Best Offer)

1968 Chevy C10 Custom

• Special Note: Motivated seller, price lowered for a quick sale
• Price: $68,000 (Or Best Offer)

1976 C10 Step-Side

• Engine: LS3 Twin Turbos 416 Stroked
• Features: Frankenstein M311 LS3 Boost Monster Cylinder Heads
• Price: $80,000 (Or Best Offer)

1973 C10 Cheyenne Step Side

• Engine: 350 crate engine
• Features: Electric aluminum radiator, newly rebuilt 700R transmission
• Price: $25,000 (Or Best Offer)

1967 Chevrolet C10 Rat Rod

• Style: Custom chopped top
• Unique Feature: Total frame-off build
• Price: $5,000 (Or Best Offer)

1986 Chevrolet C10 LS2 Restomod

• Appearance: Bright, eye-catching color
• Price: $70,000

1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne

• Engine: Chevy 350
• Transmission: Automatic
• Features: Edelbrock components
• Price: $33,000 (Or Best Offer)

1979 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale

• Selling Point: Presented with pride by classic car experts
• Price: $36,000

1968 Chevrolet C10 Factory Short Bed

• Condition: Clean title, 2″ drop spindles, new tires and wheels, disc brakes
• Price: $20,995

1964 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside Longbed

• Trim: Custom Cab
• Features: Chrome bumpers and grill, highly solid build
• Price: $35,495

Additional Options

• Original midwest square body with no rust, original sheet metal and rockers, for $22,000
• Various custom builds and restorations available from different classic car consignment dealerships, starting at $22,900

These classic trucks range from beautifully restored models to unique custom builds, ensuring there’s something for every enthusiast.

 

What are the price ranges for the Chevrolet C10 trucks listed?

Chevrolet C10 Price Range Breakdown

If you’re interested in the diverse lineup of Chevrolet C10 trucks, the listed prices reveal a broad range based on year, condition, and customizations. Here’s a quick rundown to give you an idea of what to expect:

Under $10,000

• 1972 Chevrolet C10: Original condition with a straight six and manual transmission – $7,000
• 1967 Chevrolet C10: Unique custom chopped top rat rod – $5,000 (OBO)

$10,000 – $30,000

• 1973 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne: Step Side with various mods – $25,000 (OBO)
• 1978 Chevrolet C10: Equipped with a 350 Jasper engine and performance parts – $16,000
• 1971 Chevrolet C10: Nicely restored – $22,900

$30,000 – $50,000

• 1972 Chevrolet C10 Cheyenne: Restored with a 350 engine – $33,000 (OBO)
• 1971 Chevrolet C10: Beautifully redone with a Chevy 350ci engine – $40,000
• 1968 Chevrolet C10: Another meticulously restored model – $35,495
• 1979 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale: Pristine condition – $36,000

Above $50,000

• 1968 Chevrolet C10: High-quality frame-off restoration – $65,000 (OBO)
• 1968 Chevrolet C10 Custom: Frame-off build and motivated seller – $68,000 (OBO)
• 1986 Chevrolet C10 Restomod: Comes with an LS2 engine and eye-catching color – $70,000
• 1976 Chevrolet C10 Step-Side: Equipped with LS3 Twin Turbos and high-end parts – $80,000 (OBO)

Summary

Whether you’re looking for an affordable project truck or a fully restored showpiece, the prices for Chevrolet C10 models span from about $5,000 to $80,000. This range includes everything from original classics to highly customized restomods, offering options to fit various budgets and preferences.

 

What are some examples of dealership listings for Chevrolet C10 trucks?

Examples of Dealership Listings for Chevrolet C10 Trucks

1979 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale
A dealership in Kansas City presents this well-maintained 1979 Chevrolet C10 Scottsdale, available for $36,000. This classic model is sure to turn heads with its sleek lines and timeless appeal.

1968 Chevrolet C10
This 1968 Chevrolet C10 comes with a factory short bed and is listed at $20,995. Featuring a clean title, it boasts 2-inch drop spindles and new tires and wheels, along with disc brakes for enhanced performance.

1964 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside Longbed
Offered at $35,495, this 1964 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside Longbed Pick-up is a solid choice for collectors. It includes a Custom Cab, chrome bumpers, and grille, accentuating its classic design.

1971 Chevrolet C10
A worldwide vintage auto dealership has this 1971 Chevrolet C10 listed at $22,900. Known for being one of the largest classic automobile consignment venues, they guarantee quality and authenticity.

These listings showcase a variety of Chevrolet C10 trucks from different model years, offering options for every classic truck enthusiast.

 

What are some examples of featured private seller listings for Chevrolet C10 trucks?

Here are some examples of private seller listings for Chevrolet C10 trucks:

1972 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Original condition, featuring a 250 cubic inch straight 6 engine paired with a 3-speed manual transmission (“3 on the tree”).
• Price: $7,000

1971 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Fully redone with a powerful Chevy 350 cubic inch engine, cammed and slammed for an aggressive look.
• Price: $40,000

1968 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Complete frame-off restoration with meticulous nut and bolt work for a pristine finish.
• Price: $65,000 (Or Best Offer)

1968 Chevrolet C10 (Alternate Listing)

• Details: Custom frame-off build with a motivated seller reducing the price for a quick sale.
• Price: $68,000 (Or Best Offer)

1976 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Step-Side model with an LS3 Twin Turbo setup, featuring Frankenstein M311 LS3 Boost Monster Cylinder Heads.
• Price: $80,000 (Or Best Offer)

1973 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Cheyenne Step Side with a 350 crate engine, electric aluminum radiator, and a newly rebuilt 700R transmission.
• Price: $25,000 (Or Best Offer)

1967 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Custom chopped top Rat Rod with a total frame-off restoration, offering a truly unique appearance.
• Price: $5,000 (Or Best Offer)

1977 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Well-maintained square body, featuring original sheet metal with no rust, and a solid frame.
• Price: $22,000

1986 Chevrolet C10

• Details: LS2 Restomod with a striking color scheme, standing out bright as the sun.
• Price: $70,000

1978 Chevrolet C10

• Details: Equipped with a 350 Jasper Engine, 4-barrel carburetor, automatic transmission, power steering, and fitted with American Racing Rims.
• Price: $16,000

1972 Chevrolet C10 (Alternate Listing)

• Details: Restored Cheyenne model with a Chevy 350 engine, automatic transmission, and Edelbrock upgrades.
• Price: $33,000 (Or Best Offer)

These listings represent a variety of Chevrolet C10 models, each with unique features and pricing to suit different preferences and budgets.

 

What are some popular searches related to classic cars?

Popular Searches Related to Classic Cars

If you’re diving into the world of classic cars, you’ll find some models that enthusiasts can’t stop talking about. Here’s a list of some hot searches:

• Iconic Muscle Cars: These rev up excitement with their power and style.
• Vintage Pickups: Nostalgia and utility make these a favorite.
• Classic Sedans: Think timeless elegance and luxury.
• Historic Coupes: Perfect blend of sporty and stylish.
• Antique Convertibles: For those who love the wind in their hair.
• Retro Sports Cars: Speed and aesthetics from a bygone era.

Classic cars capture the imagination with their unique designs and storied pasts, making them perpetual favorites in search trends.

 

What types of customizations and conditions are noted in the Chevrolet C10 listings?

This Brian Tooley-built ’01 5.3L LS engine has a few upgrades including a truck cam, Holley Script coil pack covers, a shaved stock intake that is painted to match, and Taylor spark plug wires.

The tail shaft was broken so it wouldn’t drive, but that didn’t stop Derrick at all. He winched the Chevy onto a trailer and took it home. The same day he unloaded it into his garage he began the stripping-down process. Without a clear path towards the level of customization Derrick was going to achieve, he laid out two different paths: It was either a clean, static drop with minor additions; or it was to blow it completely apart and learn as he went.

Derrick went online to several C10 forums and started researching and asking questions. After some in-depth research, Derrick realized that a huge problem with these trucks is that they don’t lay out in the front unless you raise the crossmember in one of three ways. He started looking into options, and people were talking about these new drop members that fixed every issue and would convert the truck to rack-and-pinion. At the time of the build process, only Thorbeck and Porterbuilt were making this drop member.

While waiting, Derrick took the frame to Rock Hard Powder Coating in Oil Trough, Arkansas. He found a Stroker 388 locally and a 700r4, which he added to the empty engine compartment. The rolling chassis was assembled, but the problem was that he hadn’t decided on what wheels to add yet.

He spent hours looking through different wheels and, once again, turned to Street Trucks where he saw a set of Static 5s on a truck called Family Ties. Once he logged onto the Raceline website, the Jaded 5 popped up and he immediately made the call to order them.

With all the components arriving around the same time, Derrick began the long process. He installed the full air-ride suspension system, bringing the C10 to the ground. For the bodywork, Derrick’s good friend Shawn Stone at Heber Springs Collision allowed him to borrow the tools and materials to complete all the work. The next step was adding paint to the blank canvas by bringing the Chevy to Scott Churchwell for a complete paint job. At this point, Derrick thought he was finished with the build, but he was wrong.

While trailering his C10 to a local show in Fort Smith, Arkansas, he laid it out on the wood platform and gave the appearance of a body-drop. After seeing this, Derrick had a whole new mission.

He ordered larger wheels of the same brand and model and 2×4 tubing for the frame. The truck was torn down once again. The rolling chassis was brought to a friend’s shop, and a 3/4-inch frame was built for the 2.5-inch stock floor body-drop. Three days later the truck was once again on the road but now able to be dropped on the frame. To finish the body-drop process, Derrick built the bed floor and upgraded the air-management system.

On the way to dinner with his wife, Derrick’s transmission went out, so to get the biggest bang for his buck, he pulled the whole motor, added an LS motor, and had it tuned and dialed in.

As a habit, Derrick names most of the things he owns, from cars to lawnmowers. The names, for some reason, always start with the letter B.

When he needed extra parts for the C10, he found a donor truck. When he arrived to buy it, the owner told him he had named this truck Becky but thought the name was stupid for a truck. Derrick disagreed and said, “That’s the name of this truck, I can’t change it.”

That’s her identity now. When anyone meets her at a show, they always address her as “Becky.”

Derrick’s journey is just one of many unique stories in the world of Chevrolet C10 customizations. The variety of builds out there is truly staggering:

• 1972 Chevrolet Custom 10: Equipped with a 250c.i. Straight 6 and 3-speed manual (3 on tree), this truck is all original.
• Cammed and Slammed C10: Beautifully redone, powered by a Chevy 350ci engine.
• 1968 Chevy C10 Custom: A frame-off build from a motivated seller, with the price lowered for a fast sale.
• 1976 C10 Step-Side: Featuring LS3 Twin Turbos, Frankenstein M311 LS3 Boost Monster Cylinder Heads.
• 1973 C10 Cheyenne Step Side: Includes a 350 crate engine, electric aluminum radiator, and a newly rebuilt 700R transmission.
• One of a Kind 1967 Chevy C10 Rat Rod: Custom chopped top and a total frame-off build.
• 1986 Chevrolet C10 LS2 Restomod: With a color as bright as the sun, 350 Jasper Engine, 4 Barrel Carb, Auto Trans, Power Steering, and American Racing Rims.

These builds underscore the endless possibilities for customizing a C10, whether it’s keeping it original, adding modern powertrains, or creating a show-stopping custom. Just like Derrick’s “Becky,” each truck tells its own story and reflects the unique vision of its owner.

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