1978 Chevrolet C20(bought new, maintenance always up to date)I liked the look of these trucks since they appeared for 1973. In January 1978 I was able to buy a new one for myself. I could not find one that I liked, so I ordered this one. I chose the color because I really liked it when I saw them on the dealer lots. It was beautiful before it faded.
I learned quickly that at around 55 to 60 mph, I could get 15 mpg. At 60-65, it dropped to 12 mpg. Then at 65-70, it dropped to 9 mpg. So, I almost never drove it for long above 60.
This truck was my daily driver until 2008. I changed the oil every 3k miles and kept up with all of the other maintenance.
In 2008 I took over my wife's Golf and retired this truck with antique licensing. Now I change the oil once a year and estimate around 2k miles per year. The speedometer quit at 386k some years ago, so I estimate over 400k miles on it now. The original drive train is still in place. It is a 292 with the granny gear 4-speed and 3.73 limited slip differential.
Apparently a C20 used mostly as a car will not wear out. It's use now is when I do need a truck and do enough driving to keep it running well.
This truck has almost never needed anything other than some minor wear items. However, east coast humidity is not kind to old metal. I have always kept this truck waxed. I like the look of beaded water but I cannot prevent it from rusting from the inside out. Someday something will collapse.
I also have a 1950 GMC Half Ton Panel, 1958 270, 196(6 or 7?) Saginaw 3-speed with Borg Warner overdrive, 1966 12 Bolt 3.73, Hill Holder.
