Would you drive this? 1982 Chevrolet C/K 4x4 w/ 350 V8

Meet what could be one of the cleanest stock 1982 Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks in existence.

The C/K series were the Chevrolet full sized pickup line before the Silverado moniker was used as the model name (as opposed to a trim level). The C/K trucks date back to 1960, when they replaced the Chevrolet Task Force full sized trucks. The C/K was continued until 1999, when the Silverado came to market. The C/K was known for being an affordable, reliable truck with a lot of practical features and a very robust engine lineup.

The C/K trucks were work-focused. These pre-date the time when full sized trucks were optioned up into bro-dozers with massaging leather seats and power everything. They didn't have Denali trim levels or twin turbo engines. They were simple work horses and people didn't really buy them for long distance comfort or for family hauling.

The 1982 model features the 3rd generation C/K pickup bodystyle, which is also known in some circles as the beloved GM "Square Bodies". The 3rd gen C/K could be had with a choice of 6 different V8s and two separate inline 6 motors (250 and 292 ci). Most of the half ton models were equipped with either one of the inline 6 engines, the 305 ci V8 or the legendary 350 ci V8. Some higher end trucks had the 454 ci V8, but most of those were 3/4 or 1 ton models. Transmissions were 3 and 4 speed automatics or a 4 speed manual transmission. Granny gears were offered on 4x4 models along with locking diffs.

A 6.2L V8 Detroit Diesel was offered, but those were mostly on the 1 ton trucks and on the military trucks of the time.

The example here has a 350 V8 with a 4 speed automatic.

Some things to notice:

- There are no airbags and very sparse furnishings. Even the well equipped trucks from this era were very plain and work-focused.

- The headlight brighter switch is on the floor near the driver's left foot (which is a feature that should come back to modern cars that aren't equipped with auto headlights).

- The small block V8 under the hood, with it's pushrod valve gear in the center of the V, is a very compact design despite the large displacement. That combined with the lack of modern power gear and electronics in this example makes it the engine bay look particularly simple. You get the impression that you can maintain this truck with a simple set of cheap, basic tools and a filter wrench. You probably could.

- Exposed screw heads on the exterior lights. Yep. You could change most of the light bulbs without pinching your fingers or taking apart interior body panels. There wasn't very much concern with aerodynamics in those days. The result is a blocky truck that's completely focused on function over form .

- This truck has quarter glass on both sides. These were excellent for opening and directing outside air into the cabin at highway speeds. Not all trucks from this era had air conditioning - including the 1977 model I owned.









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