1979 Chevy Pickup Trucks For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Owning a Classic Square Body pickup.truckstrend.com
The year 1979 marked a significant point in automotive history, particularly for American pickup trucks. Nestled within the iconic "Square Body" generation (1973-1987), the 1979 Chevrolet pickup stands out as a highly sought-after classic. For enthusiasts, collectors, and those simply seeking a robust and stylish vintage workhorse, the prospect of finding a 1979 Chevy pickup for sale is an exciting journey. These trucks represent a blend of rugged utility, timeless design, and a connection to an era of American manufacturing prowess. This guide aims to be your definitive resource, navigating the landscape of purchasing, understanding, and appreciating these automotive legends.
The Enduring Appeal of the 1979 Chevy Pickup
1979 Chevy Pickup Trucks For Sale: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding and Owning a Classic Square Body
What makes the 1979 Chevy pickup so desirable in today’s market? Its appeal is multifaceted. Firstly, the "Square Body" design, with its crisp lines, wide stance, and no-nonsense aesthetic, has aged remarkably well. It embodies a period when trucks were built for work but also began to embrace comfort and style.
Secondly, these trucks are renowned for their legendary durability and simplicity. Built with robust frames, straightforward mechanicals, and easily accessible components, they are often a joy to work on for the home mechanic and relatively inexpensive to maintain. This practicality, combined with a burgeoning classic truck culture, has cemented their status. Whether you’re looking for a weekend cruiser, a reliable farm truck, a foundation for a custom build, or a show-winning restoration, the 1979 Chevy pickup offers a versatile canvas that continues to appreciate in value, especially for well-preserved or expertly restored examples.
Key Features and Specifications of the 1979 Model
Understanding the specifics of the 1979 model year is crucial for any potential buyer. Chevrolet offered a variety of configurations to suit different needs:
- Body Styles:
- C-Series (2WD): C10 (1/2 ton), C20 (3/4 ton), C30 (1 ton). These were available in short bed, long bed, Fleetside (smooth sides), and Stepside (fendered sides) configurations.
- K-Series (4WD): K10 (1/2 ton), K20 (3/4 ton), K30 (1 ton). These offered superior off-road capability.
- Cab Styles: Regular Cab, Scottsdale Cab (extended cab), and Crew Cab (four-door, less common).
- Engine Options: A range of reliable engines powered the 1979 models:
- Inline-6: 250 cubic inch (I6) – a durable workhorse.
- Small Block V8s: 305 cubic inch (V8), 350 cubic inch (V8) – the most common and popular choices, known for power and reliability.
- Big Block V8: 454 cubic inch (V8) – offered in heavier-duty models (C20/K20 and C30/K30) for maximum towing and hauling.
- Transmission Options: Buyers could choose between manual transmissions (3-speed, 4-speed) and automatic transmissions (Turbo Hydramatic 350, Turbo Hydramatic 400).
- Trim Levels: From basic utility to comfortable cruising, the 1979 trucks offered various trim levels:
- Custom Deluxe: The entry-level, no-frills work truck.
- Scottsdale: A step up, offering more amenities and chrome trim.
- Cheyenne: Further enhancements, including more interior comforts and exterior brightwork.
- Silverado: The top-tier luxury trim, featuring plush interiors, extensive chrome, and often power accessories.
Distinguishing the ’79 specifically involves subtle cues like the grille design, which was shared with ’78 and ’80 models, and interior details. Knowledge of these specifics helps in verifying authenticity and assessing value.
Where to Find 1979 Chevy Pickups For Sale
The market for classic trucks is vibrant, offering several avenues to find your ideal 1979 Chevy pickup:
- Online Marketplaces:
- eBay Motors: A vast inventory, from parts trucks to fully restored examples. Use specific search terms like "1979 Chevy C10" or "1979 K20."
- Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace: Excellent for local finds, often at more accessible prices from private sellers. Be prepared to travel for the best deals.
- Specialized Classic Car Sites: Hemmings Motor News, ClassicCars.com, Autotrader Classics are dedicated platforms for vintage vehicles.
- Auction Sites: Bring a Trailer and Mecum Auctions often feature high-quality, well-documented examples, but prices can reflect that.
- Classic Car Dealerships: Reputable dealers specializing in vintage vehicles often have a curated selection, though prices may be higher to cover overhead and reconditioning.
- Live Auctions: Attend local or national classic car auctions. This offers the chance to inspect vehicles in person and experience the thrill of bidding.
- Word-of-Mouth & Local Classifieds: Don’t underestimate the power of community. Join local classic car clubs or check local newspapers and community boards. Sometimes the best deals are found off the beaten path.
- Forums and Clubs: Online forums dedicated to Square Body trucks (e.g., CK5.com, SilveradoSierra.com’s classic sections) often have "for sale" sections where enthusiasts sell their trucks directly.
What to Look For When Buying a 1979 Chevy Pickup (Buyer’s Guide)
Purchasing a vintage vehicle requires a keen eye and a methodical approach. Here’s what to prioritize during your inspection:
- Rust: This is the primary enemy of Square Bodies. Common rust areas include:
- Cab Corners and Rocker Panels: Check inside and out.
- Fenders: Especially around the wheel wells and where they meet the cab.
- Bed Floor and Sides: Look for bubbling under paint or actual holes.
- Frame: Inspect the entire frame for excessive surface rust, cracks, or rot, especially near suspension mounting points.
- Windshield and Rear Window Seals: Leaks here lead to floor pan rust.
- Mechanical Condition:
- Engine: Listen for unusual noises (knocks, rattles), check for excessive smoke from the exhaust (blue for oil, white for coolant), and look for fluid leaks. Check oil and coolant levels and condition.
- Transmission: Ensure smooth shifting (manual or automatic), no slipping, and no excessive fluid leaks.
- Brakes: Test pedal feel and stopping power. Check for pulling or unusual noises.
- Suspension and Steering: Look for worn bushings, ball joints, tie rods. Check for excessive play in the steering wheel.
- Tires: Check tread depth and age.
- Electrical System: Test all lights, gauges, wipers, heater fan, and radio. Faulty wiring can be a headache.
- Interior Condition: Assess the seats (rips, tears, foam condition), dash (cracks are common), door panels, headliner, and carpet. These can be costly to restore.
- Paperwork: Verify a clear title that matches the VIN on the truck. Ask for any service records or previous restoration documentation.
- Originality vs. Customization: Decide whether you want a factory-correct truck or one that has been modified. Modifications can add value or detract from it, depending on quality and taste.
- Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): If you’re serious about a truck, especially one from out of state, invest in a PPI by a trusted mechanic who specializes in classic vehicles.
Understanding the Price Spectrum
The price of a 1979 Chevy pickup can vary wildly based on several factors:
- Condition: This is the most significant factor. A rust-free, fully restored show truck will command a premium over a project vehicle requiring extensive work.
- Originality: Highly original, low-mileage examples often fetch higher prices.
- Engine/Drivetrain: Trucks with desirable engines (e.g., 350 V8, 454 V8) and specific transmissions can influence value. 4×4 models (K-series) typically command more than 2WD (C-series) models in comparable condition.
- Trim Level: Silverado trims generally sell for more than Custom Deluxe models due to their added features and comfort.
- Location: Prices can vary regionally due to climate (less rust in dry climates) and local demand.
- Market Trends: The classic truck market has been strong, with Square Bodies seeing steady appreciation for well-maintained examples.
Restoration vs. Preservation: A Buyer’s Dilemma
When looking at 1979 Chevy pickups, you’ll encounter a spectrum from barn finds to concourse-level restorations.
- Project Truck: Requires significant bodywork, paint, mechanical, and interior work. Lowest entry price, but highest potential restoration cost and time. Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work.
- Driver Quality: Runs and drives reliably, but may have cosmetic flaws, minor mechanical needs, or a worn interior. A good option for those who want to enjoy the truck immediately and tackle improvements gradually.
- Restored/Show Quality: Near-perfect condition, often with new paint, interior, and fully rebuilt mechanicals. Commands the highest prices but offers immediate enjoyment and pride of ownership.
Consider your budget, mechanical skill level, and intended use before committing. Remember that restoration costs can quickly exceed the purchase price, so factor this into your decision. Fortunately, parts availability for these trucks is excellent, with numerous reproduction and aftermarket components available, making restoration a feasible endeavor.
Owning and Maintaining a 1979 Chevy Pickup
Owning a classic 1979 Chevy pickup is a rewarding experience, but it comes with responsibilities:
- Routine Maintenance: Like any vehicle, regular oil changes, fluid checks, and tune-ups are essential. Given their age, pay extra attention to hoses, belts, and wiring.
- Common Issues: Be prepared for potential issues like carburetor tuning, vacuum leaks, power steering leaks, and brake system wear. These are generally straightforward fixes.
- Community Support: The Square Body community is vast and supportive. Online forums, Facebook groups, and local clubs are invaluable resources for advice, parts sourcing, and camaraderie.
- Insurance: Look into classic car insurance providers (e.g., Hagerty, Grundy). They often offer more favorable rates and agreed-value policies tailored to vintage vehicles.
The Investment Potential
While buying any classic car should primarily be for enjoyment, the 1979 Chevy pickup has shown good investment potential. Well-preserved, original, and professionally restored examples have seen consistent appreciation. They are not volatile investments, but rather solid assets that hold their value and often increase over time, especially as the pool of clean, original examples shrinks.
1979 Chevy Pickup Trucks For Sale: Estimated Price Guide
This table provides a general price range for 1979 Chevy pickup trucks based on their condition. Prices can vary significantly based on specific engine, transmission, trim, 2WD/4WD, and regional demand.
| Condition Category | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Key Characteristics |
|---|
