496-Powered 1981 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe Restomod

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1981 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe was part of GM’s third-generation C/K truck series, known as the “Rounded Line” or “Squarebody” trucks. Introduced in 1973, this generation emphasized aerodynamic improvements and modern styling. 

By 1981, the K10 received a mid-cycle facelift with a redesigned front end, lighter body, and improved fuel efficiency in response to the 1979 energy crisis. The Custom Deluxe trim offered a balance of utility and comfort, positioned above the base Custom model but below the Cheyenne and Silverado trims. The K10 was available with a range of engines, including the popular 350 cubic-inch V8. It was built on a rugged half-ton chassis, making it ideal for both work and recreation.  

This 1981 K10 Custom Deluxe was fully and meticulously restomodded prior to the 2025 Autorama in Detroit. From the exterior to the engine and mechanicals to the interior, no detail was overlooked in the rebuild, which was recognized at Autorama with a 2nd Place Award and Outstanding Engine-Truck. 

Highlights 

• Fully rebuilt and customized 1981 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe pickup truck 

• 2005 Autorama award winner 

• Powered by a 496 cu-in big-block Chevrolet V8 

• GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive 

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Exterior upgrades: 

  • Refinished in Porsche India Red paint with clear coat 

  • All door edges and fenders welded and gapped 

  • New chrome bumpers, grille, headlight bezels, door handles, and wheel well moldings 

  • New taillight lenses 

  • New 6-foot box and tailgate 

  • Mini-tubbed bed with custom, red-coated liner 

  • Halibrand chrome wheels  

  • Cosmo Mucho Macho 245/45ZR19 front tires 

  • Bridgestone Dueler H/P 305/40ZR20 rear tires 

• Interior upgrades: 

  • Tan cloth seat cover from a 1994 Chevrolet Old-Body Style (OBS) 

  • New tan seat belts, carpet, door panels, lower door carpet, and dash pad 

  • Column shift tilt steering with 1994 Chevrolet Old-Body Style (OBS) steering wheel 

  • Bluetooth rechargeable speaker box 

• Engine upgrades: 

  • 496 cu-in big-block Chevrolet V8 

  • 2-bolt main block, Eagle cast steel 4.25 stroke crank, GM 3/8 steel rods with ARP bolts, and Keith Black pistons 

  • Crane hydraulic cam, GM 049 heads, powder-coated intake, Quick Fuel 750 carb, and GM HEI distributor 

  • Runs on 93 octane fuel 

• Transmission upgrades: 

  • GM 700R4 four-speed automatic with overdrive 

  • Shift improver 

  • 2800 stall converter (for higher RPM launches) 

  • Custom 3-inch driveshaft and external cooler 

• Cooling upgrades: 

  • Cold Case aluminum radiator and Flex-a-lite dual fans 

  • Runs at 195°F in hot weather  

• Chassis upgrades: 

  • Converted to two-wheel drive

  • Gloss black powder-coated frame and brackets 

  • Grade 8 bolts and energy suspension bushings 

  • Dropped spindles and coils 

  • Monroe gas shocks 

  • Stock disc brakes 

  • Power steering/brakes 

  • GM 8.5 rear end narrowed 4 inches, Moser axles 3.42 ratio with rear disc brakes 

  • Custom 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system 

  • Stainless brake lines 

  • New gas tank with in-tank EFI pump 

Known Imperfections 

• Several minor stains on driver’s side carpet 

• Radio deleted 

Included 

• Truck cover 

• Show awards 

Ownership History 

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1981 Chevrolet K10 Custom Deluxe Resto Mod Show Car in Michigan. The abbreviated report begins 11 December 1996 in Akron, Michigan, and the truck has changed hands four times since.  

Additional Notes  

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com