Unloved Utility: 1972 Chevrolet C30 Stepside – SOLD!

December 20, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Ask most vintage Chevy Truck enthusiasts which version of stepside they prefer and most will reply, “C10 half-ton short bed.”  Unfortunately, the opposite of that is this 1972 One-Ton rated C30 Chevrolet stepside featuring a nine-foot bed originally listed in November 2021 on Craigslist in Fall Branch, Tennesee (Knoxville).  Converted to 350 small block V8 power and aftermarket air conditioning, the seller reports this truck is one only 1,532 and represents the final year GM offered a one-ton stepside pickup.

A driver quality truck offered at $7,500, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their C30 priced exactly at this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $7,500.

Chevrolet and GMC co-manufactured its “Action Line” series of C/K trucks for the 1967 through 1972 model years. As with its predecessor, the second generation C/K line included full-size pickup trucks, chassis cab trucks, and medium-duty commercial trucks.

For the 1971 model year, the Action-Line C/K underwent a mid-cycle revision, distinguished by updated front fascias for Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks. Chevrolets received an egg-crate grille design (with the Chevrolet bowtie emblem returning to the grille); GMC grilles shared the stamping as before, styled with additional blacked-out trim. In a chassis upgrade, all light-duty C/K trucks received front disc brakes as standard equipment. The interior underwent upgrades, introducing an optional tilt steering column (for automatic and 4-speed manual transmissions). Following its usage in Chevrolet cars for several years, the C/K offered an AM/FM radio as a factory-installed option for the first time.  For 1972, the interior underwent minor revisions, introducing molded-plastic door panels with integral armrests (requiring updated door handles and window cranks).  In another change, a rear-view mirror glued to the windshield replaced the previous version that was bolted to the headliner.

The Periscope Film YouTube Channel features this 1972 Chevrolet Promo film for sales personnel to learn how the brand’s line of trucks stacked up against the competition:

The antithesis of the typical light-duty stepside Chevy, this A/C-equipped 1972 Chevrolet C30 is the vintage truck to get if you would like a vintage truck to daily that can actually haul stuff without either you or the truck breaking a sweat.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“EXTREMELY RARE- C-30 9′ bed Stepside. 72 was the last year for the 1-ton stepside, total production 1532.
Owned for 3 years. Most of these had 6 cylinder/granny 4-speed. This one has a 350 with a manifold, headers, and Edelbrock Carb. It also has under dash A/C. Since I bought it, I have done the following:
Convert the manual 4-speed to Turbo 400/
New driveshaft/U-joints
New Starter
Convert to Power Steering
Convert to tilt wheel.
New Alternator/Battery/Belts
Rebuild carburetor 11/20
New A/C Compressor
New Master Cylinder
New Front Shocks
New Stock type Radial Tires.
New tail lights/side markers

For a 50 year old truck, it’s not in bad shape.
Someone has put in a metal bed floor, covering original wood.
Body has had some bondo @ Rockers and rear fender.
Floors are perfect as is cab corners.
There is some “Flaking metal” near the hood hinges on the firewall that has appeared.
The paint is fading in weird patterns. The hood is faded, but not fenders, it is fading in patches,
I don’t understand why.

Truck runs very smooth but maxes out at about 60 (4:56 rear end?)
New tires were a huge improvement.
A/C Blows cold. Has a cassette radio. Not sure if it works, has no speakers
Heater controls are “frozen”. I think it needs a new controller.
Bought new door window cranks and exit levers. No Cracked glass. Mirrors Suck!!
The previous owner was from Georgia. He replaced inner fender wells when he converted it to a 350.

This is a great truck, but I bought a J-20 Jeep, so something has to go.​“

Restore or drive as-is: what would you do with this 1972 Chevrolet C30 Stepside?  Comment below and let us know!