1979 Chevy C10 – Michael K.

I first purchased this truck in 2010 after searching for a square body with round headlights. That search led me to this one on eBay. I live in Ohio, and the truck was located about two hours away. It had recently been brought to Ohio from Arizona by the seller. I won the auction for $3,000. My father-in-law and my 10-year-old son made the two-hour drive with me to pick it up.
I owned the truck for about two years, during which time I replaced the interior door panels, installed a new battery, and swapped the stock exhaust manifolds for Hooker headers. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t doing much with the truck and decided to sell it in the fall of 2012 for $3,500.
About three months later, the buyer contacted me to see if I wanted to purchase it back, as he no longer had a need for it. At the time, I passed. By the following summer, while casually browsing Craigslist, I came across the truck listed for sale again. This time, the seller mentioned numerous upgrades, so I called to learn more. During our conversation, he explained that he had invested roughly $5,000 in parts and labor. He initially asked $7,000 for the truck, but I told him I was only looking to spend $4,000, and we ended the call.
I kept an eye on the listing, and about three months later he dropped the price to $4,000. I called immediately and, after some discussion, bought the truck back for $3,900. I ended up paying $400 more than I sold it for, but with $5,000 worth of upgrades included, it was well worth it. I’ve owned it ever since, making only minor updates and driving it roughly 1,500 miles per year.
In 2025, I decided it was finally time to address the rust and bodywork. I first visited a local body guy who provided a reasonable quote but couldn’t offer references beyond photos of previous work. When I hesitated, he referred me to a shop that specializes in older vehicles. After visiting, it was immediately clear the work would be outside my budget. When I explained I was looking for something more affordable, two employees recommended a local individual who restores vehicles out of his home.
After meeting with him and seeing his work firsthand, I decided to move forward. Several months later—after new fenders and inner fenders, metal replacement in rusted areas, and other bodywork—the truck was finished. It was completely rust-free and wore a paint job that looks like it had spent years baking under the Arizona sun—exactly the look I wanted.
Chris did an outstanding job, paying close attention to the details, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Now, every time I look at the truck, it makes me smile. I have a few more plans for it this year and look forward to many years of enjoyment ahead.