I am about to buy my first truck, need some opinions and information.

[zieg85]

The earlier ones had 16.5" rims.  I don't know when 16" became standard.

[zieg85]

In the states 16" are easier to come by and less expensive to buy.  Either way if you are looking for different rims either size will work as long as they are the 8 lug for our GM bolt pattern.  The new Ford stuff is different.

[1976Scottsdale]

Fear the spray chrome.  That's all I'm gonna say.

[avanti]

thanks again for the replies guys, unfortunately both the ones I posted in this thread were sold before I had time to take a look at them.

I have another question regarding the diesel versions, what is the difference between the 350 diesel and the 350 gasoline? Is the diesel very slow? Is it possible to convert a diesel to gasoline?

[VileZambonie]

The 350 Diesel is like the olds 350 not like a small block Chevy. It's a total boat anchor...

It is possible to convert a gas to a diesel but not very practical

[jonkmbll89]

i think the blue one is a long bed also. if you look closely at the picture you can see what maybe a stake pocket in the middle of the bed. short beds didnt have the center stake pocket.

I think your on to something.

[werewolfx13]

Yep, stay away from the 350 diesels unless you have plans to swap in a gas engine or a 6.2/6.5 diesel almost immediately. Those things are cursed. I've never seen one survive past 80k miles without needing MAJOR work..its an olds engine (BOP bellhousing), gets crappy mileage and is a DOG for power..converting it to gas is not an economical choice either, as you can buy a running 350 gas engine cheaper than you could convert it, especially if you have it done rather than do it yourself. The 350 diesel was designed for passenger transportation only, a pickup with that engine could not be used for towing or carrying more than 500-600 lbs, and if it crapped out on you, they'd tell you you towed with it and void any "warranty".

[avanti]

Thanks again guys for the replies, I really appreciate it! A little recap; both the trucks that I posted in the beginning of the thread have been sold unfortunately, but i am still looking.

If its no problem I have a few more questions. When I started the thread I was only intereseted in a truck to ride around in, but now my needs have changed a bit. I might be transporting up to 3 motorcycles on the bed, so I was wondering what is the "real-life" loading capacity of a late 70s early 80s C10 vs. a C20? I suppose 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton turned in to just a "model-name" after a while?

3 motorcycles, at up to 200kgs each makes a total of about 1.325lbs., would that be OK on the back of a C10?

Also, I would really appreciate if someone had the missing bed measurements (long bed version).

[Dragon]

Thanks again guys for the replies, I really appreciate it! A little recap; both the trucks that I posted in the beginning of the thread have been sold unfortunately, but i am still looking.

If its no problem I have a few more questions. When I started the thread I was only intereseted in a truck to ride around in, but now my needs have changed a bit. I might be transporting up to 3 motorcycles on the bed, so I was wondering what is the "real-life" loading capacity of a late 70s early 80s C10 vs. a C20? I suppose 1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton turned in to just a "model-name" after a while?

3 motorcycles, at up to 200kgs each makes a total of about 1.325lbs., would that be OK on the back of a C10?

Also, I would really appreciate if someone had the missing bed measurements (long bed version).

I will try to get you the dimensions of my bed, and post tomorrow if I have the time.  As for the Motorcylces, you  don't have their dimensions posted, and personally I have only seen two full size Yamaha 250's/450's Moto Cross Bikes, standing up right side by side(properly anchored in the bed), and a stripped down one with both wheels(if not the front forks too) removed at the back of the truck.

[nova801428]

I think it sounds like a 3/4 would be better for your needs.  And, 3 motorcycles in a bed is quite a bit.  The most I have ever had is 2, I haven't seen 3 yet.

[avanti]

Thanks guys, what are the exact limits for load on a C10?

It might not be room for three bikes, they will be sports bikes, not moto cross bikes. So the dimensions will be about 29 inches wide and 81 inches long.

I was thinking about putting them like these, maybe it is too optimistic...

[Captkaos]

Dimension A = Short Bed 72"/ Long Bed 96"
Dimension B = 72" (at the floor)
Dimension C = 50"

There is no way to get that many sport bikes in the back of a long or short bed comfortably.  A standard 4 wheeler ATV will JUST fit in the framerails.  At 8 feet you are looking at only Long beds BTW.  The most I have ever had was 2 and that was motorcross bikes which are narrower.  Sport Bikes are MUCH wider...

[VileZambonie]

Sounds like somebody needs a trailer

[avanti]

Yeah 3 is probably too much. If we disregard the motorcycles for a moment, what is the loading capacities of the C10 and the C20? I am just looking at long bed trucks btw.

Thanks again guys!    I really appreciate all the help you are giving to a truck newbie! This is a great forum, hopefully I will be able to post pictures of my truck soon!

[ccz145a]

The question is really not as easy to answer as it appears. There were lots of packages for the 1/2 ton c10 that would increase it's capacity near that of the 3/4 ton c20. 1300lbs would be too much for a 1/2 ton to carry regularly. That said, I would not hesitate to throw 900lbs in mine a drive across country given the extra springs it came with from the factory. There is a sticker on all these trucks stating the gross wieght, and this number depends on your options.