1979 Cheyenne Shortbed - Big 10

[FrankC]

Good Morning,

Looking at a 1979 Cheyenne SWB Big 10. It has leather buckets and a console, along with a Big 10 decal in the rear bed. Can anyone tell me about this option combo?

I usually stick to 67-72's, but this truck is interesting.

Frank

[gchemist]

79BIG10 can you tell you more about them. I think a SWB Big 10 was a rare option truck. Does it have a SB or BB? BB would be very cool!!

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Gerardo
1983 Custom Truck
TX Plates: "BAD BOW"

[FrankC]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

It has a SB 350 with 62000 original miles.

Has a rust hole, passenger side, lower corner of the windshield. Typical?? Is there a patch panel for it?

Otherwise, the truck is fine.

Frank

[79BIG10]

That is a rare option. I bet that the seats were taken out and the new ones are in place now. I have a Bonanza Big 10 LWB. I have heard almost all Big 10's being LWB. I have seen 1 short bed stepside Big 10. That was a really odd site. You may have a collector's item if it is a factory Big 10 not a regular truck that just has the sticker.

The Big 10 came out in the late 70's, early 80's as a way of GM sneaking around the Government's emissions laws. If the truck was rated a 1/2 ton then it needed a catalytic converter. If it was more than that (can't remember the GVWR) then it was not needed. On mine it originnaly had the cat. Not sure why but it did. GM's rating on the Big 10's were 5/8 ton. They had a couple more leaf springs in the rear and heavier front springs. This was going on for a few years until the Gov. came in and put a stop to it. That is why these are so sought after.

On that truck that is a great low miles truck. I would get it. You will be glad you did. The rust should be a easy fix. There are tons of part suppliers out there for our trucks. That is normal since these trucks. With one in that good a conidtion is a great find. How much are they asking for it?

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BRANDON
1979 CHEVROLET BONANZA BIG10
350 GM Crate Engine ZZ4,1406 Edelbrock, 1 5/8" Heddman Headers
2 1/2" Dual Exhaust with X pipe and Flowmaster 40 Series Mufflers,350 Turbo Transmission,3.07 Gears

My website for the truck.

[crossy]

Brandon is right on most of what he said . the GVW was like 6200. check that on the title because it can get you around some tests.Especially nice here in NJ now. the heavy springs [Hence the BIG10 name}are pretty rare in an SWB but also a nightmare to the ride quality. Nobody said you have to leave them in though. The buckets ,if original are a rough grained Vinyl not leather but are also a pretty rare option in the truck and add to that 'collector' aura the older trucks are starting to get . it may even have the tach option. that particular rust you mentioned is NOT common. It usually happens when they sit under something like a tree and then debris clogs the drain hole that is UNDER the corner of the rubber windshield gasket. No one makes that part as a replacement panel but should be no trouble to get someone with a sawzall and a parts truck,like me,to cut out what you need. DAVE

[This message has been edited by crossy (edited March 31, 2002).]

[78ondaflr]

I have a 78 BIG10 shortbed, It came stock with a inline six and 4 speed manual trans!
I always wondered what a BIG10 was, and now I know...