My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Hi all,


I bought a 1970 C20 Longhorn, which I drove home on Saturday, I flew up with a return ticket in my pocket just in case, I hoping it was going to be drivable, it was.

I set off on return trip at 10 am, it was 505 miles, took me 10 hours including 3 fuel/rest stops.

I was by myself so a couple of stops were required to stay alert.


Truck performed well, all gauges including tacho, oil pressure, coolant, speedometer, odometer and fuel worked and were pretty accurate.

It is a 350 V8 4brl with 4 speed trans, I think I have the Eaton rear end, it was doing 3400-3500rpm at 65mph indicated, it has 8.75r16.5 tyres, so I think it will be the 4.56:1


Fuel gauge was accurate, it was reading exactly half a tank and took 39.5 litres to fill (10.4 us gals)

I was doing between 55 and 65mph most of the way, normally closer to 60mph as I didn’t know how old the tyres are, I pulled up several times to check everything out, it all felt fine.


I averaged 15.3 mpg for the trip, once it went over 65 mph, fuel use went up at a fair rate, but given its age I was pretty happy with it.


It came with all the original paperwork, including build sheets, dealer order, warranty cards, owners book, original California registration, in its envelope with receipt.

It still has a build sheet behind the springs on the bench seat.

I also have the order and brochure for a new slide on camper he bought in 1971, an 11ft slid on from ANZA Camper Sales, in Garden Grove Cali.


I had plans on modifying this, fitting headers, manifold, EFI or doing an LS swap………..not any more.


It is just too nice to mess up, I need to get the A/C working, it is all there, but has been degassed to come into Australia.

There are some missing vacuum lines and the one of the vent actuators is a bit messed up, but it should be reasonably easy to fix.


So far I am very happy, it drives well, I need to replace the driveshaft support bearing, it decided to start making noise about 100 mile from home, rubber is shot and has ½” play all round.


I have lots of questions, but I will ask them in another thread with a topic specific question so I don’t get too confused

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Great story.... Sounds like a wonderful adventure! Congratulations on your "new" truck. I hope it brings you many wonderful years of enjoyment!

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Pictures please!😎👍

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

I have lots, but service is so poor I can't upload them.
When I am home I will put some up.

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Trying more photos at lower res

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

More

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

That is absolutely awesome! 15+ MPG is Great too. You have a true gem there, as it’s getting very hard to find true “unmolested” trucks, even in the US.

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Love those hand written sales slips. Thanks for sharing and congrats!
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Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Incredible find! In Australia, no less. With all the original paperwork!

And how about those prices! If only now...Lol!

Congratulations, sir. You have something truly special there. Of course it is your truck now and free to do as you will, but I am SO glad you have chosen to keep her stock! Like you said, it's just too nice to mod!

Thanks for sharing!

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Careful with the tires. When I bought mine, they all had plenty of tread but were all over 10 years old and thus the sidewalls were compromised.

How is it driving with the steer wheel on the “wrong” side

Rob

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Thanks for the heads up on the tyres, I am going to get them pulled off and checked for internal cracks, I have a receipt for the purchase only 3 years ago, but they have flat spots I can feel when they are cold.

I have a couple of other LHD vehicles, so it was not too bad.

The caddy is mine, 62 Sedan deVile, one owner AZ car, I have rebuilt the engine and fitted a TH700, disc brakes with hydraboost.
All factory options work. This is a great cruiser for summer.
I have all the original paper work from new including sales invoice and all service history from new until 2006 when the original owner sold it.
we are the 4th owners.

Galaxie is the wifes, or so I get told, 1965, 500, with factory 390FE, auto, steer, power seats etc, sold new to a little old lady from Pasedena CA, we are the 3rd owner (other than importer), have all the paper work for it too.

I need a Mopar

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Welcome to the club.
I’ve got a c20 as well. I drive it nearly everyday and enjoy every minute.
It looks as though you’re onto a good truck there. Enjoy

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Thanks for posting! Big plus to have paperwork from back then, many of us wish we had that type of documentation. Pickups originally bought for recreational use have a much better survival rate and are usually found in much better condition. The ordered trucks are far more interesting than typical units bought off the lot ( dealers stocks what they think sells in the area). Its a base model, but ordered with less common tach, 4 spd and air. It appears some aftermarket "Coronado" west coast type camper mirrors were installed by dealer, a little odd, most buyers would order the larger camper mirrors from the factory. Truck originally had painted steel hubcaps ( no PO1 option listed on invoice ) as seen in photo below, obviously not the 1976 and newer aluminum style.

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

15.3 MPG! I get 7, but that's pulling a 6000 pound trailer up and down hills. You have quite the stable of US made cars there! I'm not a Ford guy, but that convertible is to die for! Beautiful!

Re: My new "Longhorn" is home.
 

Nice find and a nice collection you have!