A 1973 Chevrolet C20 with a Twist
Let’s talk about this 1973 Chevrolet C20, but don’t expect the ordinary here. This vintage beauty has been given a heart transplant – and it’s a big one. Beneath its hood lies not the usual engine, but a 12-valve Cummins 5.9L turbodiesel inline-six, the kind of swap that makes car enthusiasts’ hearts flutter with excitement. If you’re envisioning puffing clouds of black smoke as it roars down the highway, you’re on the right track. This ain’t your granddaddy’s pickup.
Exterior With a Flair
Dressed in a lively shade of orange and sporting Highlander plaid inside, this classic truck is a sight to behold. And don’t overlook its exterior features. With Custom Deluxe and Camper Special badging, a solid rear window, and a receiver hitch complete with wiring harness, this is more than just a pretty face; it’s functionality with flair. The seller, responsible for this latest bout of cringeworthy excellence since 2022, boasts of service to the driveline, suspension, and a plethora of other vital systems during its transformation.
The Understated Wheels
Let’s talk wheels; the C20 rides on 16-inch steel wonders paired with bright hubcaps and wrapped in 255/85 Toyo M-55 tires. The setup is amplified with Bilstein shocks and pneumatic rear helper springs. And stopping? Well, it’s got vacuum-assisted front disc brakes partnered with rear drums. Yes, it stops as spectacularly as it starts. Would you expect anything less?
Interior Quirks and Luxuries
Inside, the bench seat is dressed in Highlander plaid thanks to SMS Auto Fabrics, and there’s a custom manual-look shifter. But wait, there’s more! A Bluetooth-capable RetroSound stereo system cozied up with an amplifier, subwoofer, and mid-range speakers – all put together under current ownership – ensures your journey is a musical delight.
Did you know? The Chevy C20’s plaid interior harkens back to an era when bold aesthetic choices ruled automotive interiors. Today, it’s a retro design statement.
Gauge Galore
The instrument cluster features an Isspro exhaust-gas temperature gauge, while a transmission temperature gauge lives below the dashboard. Strikingly enough, the five-digit odometer proudly displays 92,000 miles, with the seller having added around 2,000 of those. However, the truck comes with quirks: air conditioning that’s more wishful thinking, a high-reading oil pressure gauge, and a center seat belt yearning for replacement. It’s all part of the character, right?
Powerful Innards—or: What’s Under the Hood?
What’s under that iconic hood, you ask? Ah, it’s a powerhouse sourced from a 1996 Ram 2500, a 12-valve Cummins 5.9L turbodiesel inline-six with 120,000 miles, introduced in 2020. Equipped with a Bosch mechanical injector pump, an intercooler, electric cooling fans, and a stainless-steel turbo-back exhaust system—it’s a beast ready to perform. This hefty engine shifts power rearward through a 47RE four-speed automatic transmission, bolstered by an aftermarket cooler and a custom driveshaft. Bonus: the rear end was re-geared—a commitment to performance makes this a stand-out swap.
In comparison: Imagine swapping engines between Opel Insignia or, dare I say, Fiat Qubo. The possibilities are riveting, though perhaps not as practical.
State Compliance Puzzles
However, before your imagination runs wild with high-speed chases and cross-country adventures, a disclaimer: This C20 has yet to be inspected by the California Bureau of Automotive Repair or the Air Resources Board. Just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about calling this rugged American icon your own.