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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: Gandalf1969 on July 12, 2010, 09:06:45 pm

Title: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Gandalf1969 on July 12, 2010, 09:06:45 pm
I'm looking at a '73 C10 (SWB/Fleet/2WD) with what is clearly a factory 454. 

VIN starts "CCZ143...."

http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/VIN.htm

Confirms '73 454 but the "1" would be a "4" if it were a Big10.  So this is a 1/2ton with 454.  Does that mean they just didn't fit the 3/4 springs in the rear?

I wonder if any difference in the rear ratio, brakes, cooling etc?  (No RPO code sheet in the glove compartment that I see).

Anyone seen this combination?
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: 79K30_89C7000 on July 12, 2010, 09:28:25 pm
I have one. I have a 1973 Cheyenne Super 10 with the factory 454 with 71,000 original miles. It is not a Big 10. It has a TH400 transmission, 12 bolt rear with I believe 3.42 gears.

(http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee322/wishihada1466/IMG_0656.jpg)

(http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee322/wishihada1466/IMG_0661.jpg)
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Captkaos on July 12, 2010, 09:51:41 pm
trucks with 454's didn't neccesarily come with HD suspension
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Gandalf1969 on July 13, 2010, 12:52:32 am
"trucks with 454's didn't neccesarily come with HD suspension"

I understand that - my question is specific to the "Big10".  I had thought all SWB C10 (2WD) '73-'79 with 454/TH400 were Big10.  This one appears to be different.  Just looking to see if there were others out there who own or know of other non-Big10's with this 454 swb combo from these years.  FYI - This one has "Custom Deluxe" trim.  My last Big10 was a '73 with "Cheyenne Super 10" trim.

Oh yeah - this truck has dual tanks from the factory (just like the red one in this thread.  I thought the swb in '73 did not have that option?

I find these combinations and exceptions fascenating.
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Captkaos on July 14, 2010, 02:19:56 pm
No, all Big 10 was a truck build on the HD F44 Suspension chassis.
In 1978 or 79 you could only get it with a 454.  Prior to that the Big 10 could be had with an inline 6.

Prior to 1980 (1979 was the last year for a BBC in a halfton) the 454 was an option on any model and trim level.

Dual tanks were an option on all 73-87 pickups EXCEPT those with 250 inlines.
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: ccz145a on July 14, 2010, 07:56:40 pm
My user name is from my vin, 75 Regular Cab 1/2ton LWB 454.

BTW, lovin the wood grain, seriously.
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: zieg85 on July 14, 2010, 08:01:23 pm


BTW, lovin the wood grain, seriously.
[/quote]

X2 + stock hubcaps, an awesome look with the camper mirrors even...
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Lt.Del on July 15, 2010, 07:16:35 am
Quote
all Big 10 was a truck build on the HD F44 Suspension chassis.
In 1978 or 79 you could only get it with a 454.  Prior to that the Big 10 could be had with an inline 6.


for what it's worth, my 79 Big 10 came with a 350 4bl th350 3.08 stock.

www.delbridge.net/79truck.html
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Layne on July 15, 2010, 02:13:07 pm
Mine was a 250 three speed heavy half
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Captkaos on July 15, 2010, 02:37:46 pm
Thanks for the note Del.  I was second guessing myself, so I looked it up my notes last night and all of the Big 10's were available with any size motor.
Title: Re: '73 C10 w/factory 454 but not Big10 according to VIN
Post by: Gandalf1969 on July 25, 2010, 10:47:13 am
Thanks guys - great info!  

I bought the truck - she's very original except someone did give her a cr*p paint job in recent years.  A little bodywork in the lower doors/cab but not much at all.  Found the RPO label affixed to the inner drivers fender as another member pointed me to.  Factory 454/400 and she still runs clean and strong.  Factory a/c, 2WD, SWB, Fleetside, 12bolt (not sure of the ratio yet).  Someone added a fabbed 2nd tank and it needs it because it drinks a LOT.  Has the two piece driveshaft and rear suspension has an additional bottom spring that looks to be about 3/4" thick!  Dosn't look to be part of the bound pack.  Looks like it was there since new.  Am going to drop the front and flip the rear so not too worried - just thought it was interesting.  Bed and remainder of body is real solid and original.

Replaced the battery-tray yesterday - was rusted most of the way through but luckily didn't affect anything below it.  Got some headers to go on (so I can loose the smog stuff too) and found some BFG 295/50/15's local this week!

Never knew you could order with any size motor, even 6cyl!  I have also built early Camaros and it seems, like those, you could order almost anything if you could get the sales guy to write-up the order.  

Still curious about the RPO code for the rear:
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=16957.0)