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How long is a 1980 Chevy truck?

The length of a 1980 Chevrolet pickup varies by cab style and bed length, so there isn’t a single measurement for all models. In general, two standard configurations dominated that year: a short-bed version and a long-bed version. Expect roughly 203–210 inches for the short-bed and about 226–231 inches for the long-bed, with corresponding wheelbases of 117.5 inches and 131 inches respectively.


Overview of the 1980 Chevy C/K pickup lineup


In 1980, Chevrolet’s light-duty and heavy-duty pickups were part of the C/K series. The key determinant of overall length was the bed length (6.5 feet vs 8 feet) and the cab configuration. These factors created a clear split in the truck’s footprint.


Bed lengths and their typical overall length


To help visualize the differences, here are the two standard bed lengths and the approximate overall lengths they produced in the 1980 lineup.



  • Short-bed configuration (6.5 ft bed): approximately 203–210 inches in overall length; wheelbase around 117.5 inches.

  • Long-bed configuration (8 ft bed): approximately 226–231 inches in overall length; wheelbase around 131 inches.


Note: Exact measurements can vary slightly by cab type (C10, C20) and by drivetrain (2WD vs 4x4). For precise figures, check the specific vehicle’s door tag or VIN documentation.


Practical notes on measuring and variants


If you’re trying to determine the exact length of a particular 1980 Chevy truck you’re looking at, measure bumper-to-bumper or consult the owner’s manual and the VIN plate, which can indicate wheelbase and other dimensional data. While the two bed lengths cover the vast majority of 1980 pickups, special editions and four-wheel-drive variants may have minor dimensional differences.


Summary


For the 1980 Chevy C/K pickups, length depended mainly on bed size: short-bed models ran roughly 203–210 inches long with a 117.5-inch wheelbase, while long-bed models extended to about 226–231 inches with a 131-inch wheelbase. Always verify the exact measurements for a specific truck by checking the VIN and door jamb data, especially if the vehicle is a nonstandard variant.

How long is a Chevy truck in feet?


The smallest is 5 feet and 8 inches long. The middle option is 6 feet and 6 inches long. Finally, the longest option is 8 feet. The Chevy Silverado 1500 exterior measurements depend on which bed and cab configuration you select.



How long is a 1978 C10 long bed?


1978 C/K Pickup Differences

ModelCurb WeightOverall Length
C10 Short Bed3,615 pounds191.5 inches
C10 Long Bed3,779 pounds211.4 inches
Big Ten Short Bed3,716 pounds191.5 inches
Big Ten Long Bed3,881 pounds211.4 inches



How wide is a 1980 Chevy truck?


(base), 4.8L, Leaded Petrol, 3 SPEED AUTOMATIC

DimensionMetricImperial
Chevrolet C30 Width2021 mm6 ft 8 in
Chevrolet C30 Length6083 mm19 ft 11 in
Chevrolet C30 Wheelbase4051 mm13 ft 3 in
Chevrolet C30 Turning circle17.10 m56 ft 1 in



How much is a 1980 Chevy truck worth today?


A 1980 Chevy truck's value varies significantly, but a "good condition" C10 1/2 Ton typically ranges from approximately $13,000 to $17,000, while a similar C20 3/4 Ton is around $14,000. However, condition, mileage, and specific model (e.g., C10 vs. K10) greatly influence the final price, with exceptionally well-maintained or rare examples fetching much higher prices at auction.
 
Typical price ranges

  • 1980 Chevrolet C10 1/2 Ton: Around $13,304 in good condition with average specs. 
  • 1980 Chevrolet C20 3/4 Ton: Around $13,967 in good condition with average specs. 
  • 1980 Chevrolet K10 1/2 Ton: Around $16,825 in good condition with average specs. 

Factors that increase value
  • Excellent condition: Trucks in excellent, concours, or near-perfect condition can command significantly higher prices. 
  • Desirable features: Undesirable features or modifications can lower the value, while desirable ones like certain trim packages (Silverado) or rare options can increase it. 
  • Low mileage: Lower mileage trucks are worth more, especially if they are in good condition. 
  • Special editions: Models like the "Big 10" or other special editions may be worth more due to their rarity. 

Other considerations
  • Lowest price: Trucks in poor condition, especially those needing significant repairs, can be sold for as little as $7,500 to $10,000, though they often sell for less and are considered projects. 
  • Highest price: The highest-selling prices are usually for exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications, with some C10s fetching over $40,000 at auction. 
  • Market fluctuations: Prices can fluctuate based on market demand and the specific features of the truck. Auction sites and classic car sales platforms can offer a good overview of current market prices. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.