Great video. My 17-year-old worked this summer to buy a truck and turn a wrench. This is what we found him, 1982. We towed it home with parts in the cab and bed, and now he has it running and takes it to his after-school job. It's been fun for both of us!
I have had my 1973 Chevrolet C10 for 33 years. I was 22 years old when I got it. They was everywhere in 1989 here in Dallas. I'm blessed to have this one so long, love it very much. Lots of parts available for it.
Square body was my first truck and later in life I got back in one it’s my last one! You won’t know the feeling until you sit back in front of the wheel again, from that creaking door, to the fixed seat and no room from the thin steering wheel, to the clack of the door closing, to the gas pedal pumping sound , to the buzzer sound and the ignition wings as you turn the key!!!
And the rust, the loose front end, the doors wanting to fall off of the hinges, etc, how anyone could prefer one of these to a 73-79 ford, is beyond my comprehension.
My mom's first vehicle in 1983 was a 1975 C20 Suburban. I was born in 2002 and she drove me to school every day in it and still drives it to this day, it has over just over 300,000 miles on the clock and just requires regular maintence. She keeps it in the garage and washes and services it regularly.
I bought a ‘86 Chevy C/10 Silverado in ‘97, and I still have it today. It’s Frost White with Burgundy interior, and everything still works on it, it rides and drives better than any truck I’ve ever had! 👍🏼👍🏼
Right on! By 86 the square body trucks had the creature comforts, particularly in the Silverado trim, to be a very comfortable truck to use every day. Hang on the that truck!
It will totally be worth it when its done and even in between now and then. Classic trucks are not only cool but completely usable as trucks which adds a whole nother level of value to the owner. Good luck on your build!
I'm in my late 40''s I've owned 3 of these trucks and just picked up #4, a 77 Sierra Classic K15 for a project, something to do for the next few years. Cheap to work on, easy to fix and an abundance of parts just like ya say. Makes me smile when I see the younger generation driving and wrenching on one of these. Just like the song in the 1980"'s Chevy Truck commercial Nothing works like a Chevy truck Nothing works like a Chevy truck Nothing works like a Chevy truck Tough on the job and easy on the buck Nothing works like a Chevy truck!
I still have the first vehicle I bought. A K20, Cheyenne Super, deluxe camper package. For the price of a new truck in 1975 ($6,400- loaded the same way) I bought my truck and slide in camper. It had a lower center of gravity than ford and dodge. Jeep couldn’t hold 3 adults comfortably. Don’t drive it much now as it needs 93 octane, which back then was regular. Added an auxiliary tank which makes my total fuel capacity 48 gallons. With a 4:10 rear-9-10 mpg, with the camper on. At times would pull a motor boat with the camper. 4-low, 1st gear on a steep ramp at low tide was no problem. Best 3 add-ons were fuel tank, headers and transgo shift kit. Rust over wheel wells were fixed years ago. Hood still has a little bend. Jeans worn while changing fan belts, thrown out(sitting on the batteries). 1973 didn’t have rain gutters, so when you open the door, rain heads right for the seat. Radio dims on am with wipers on. Only broke down once where I needed help to get home. Fuel pump. Chevy did it right with this truck. Gauge cluster is perfect, factory tach. AM/FM/CB. Still have spare points, condenser, feeler guage and distributor wrench in pouch behind the seat. Still have the original sticker, which they put on the front inside wheel well. Back then, you could just pull onto a wide shoulder and hop in the camper and go to sleep. No one bothered you. BLM map kept you on public property. Running beaches on the east coast was $15 ( and proper gear. Pismo beach on west coast was free and empty during the week. National parks were empty after Labor Day. Gas was $52/gal.
My dad drove square body trucks for work, since I've had a driver's license there's been 1, 2 , 3 , 4 of these in the driveway or the back yard currently 2 lol Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, can go anywhere and do anything, and any direction can be taken for a build. I've rebuilt these trucks with a suitcase socket set and spray paint several times , and the actually drive great. I'd say to anyone looking to dive in with even 0 experience, grab a square and let your enthusiasm run wild
I got my first square body when I was 16. I'm eighteen now, but pretty much everything that I know about auto-mechanics I learned from that square body.
Bought my neighbor's '73 C30 with utility box a year ago in October. Driven daily ever since. Love the truck, 350 with SM465 trans. As you said, a guy (or gal) can fix it up while driving it
I have the same 1973 K10 to this day that I learned to drive in at around 12 years old. Years later I was an Abram's tank driver in the US Army and was a natural at it. My theory is that a kid looking over the hood of a square body has to really pay attention to the ruts of the road before you lose visual with it. Driving a tank through periscopes is the same way, you have to remember what you see before the vehicles negotiates the terrain and actually drive through what you already saw but can't see anymore.
My Dad bought a C20 in 86. He passed away in 95, I’ve had it ever since. It has a 4.10 rearend so the TH400 got 8 mpg! Replaced the 3spd with an o/d tranny. Replaced the 350/165hp with a GM Performance 350/357 hp. It runs great and now gets around 16-17mpg 👍
i got mine when most people just thought of them as old clunkers and payed the family about 600 usd and i have no plans on selling out for now just surprised by the value going up so much so quickly as someone offered me 20K or more for mine as is and it needs tlc still that's what got my attention to how collectible they are and the fact i cote someone stippling my rides 🤬🧛♀
I bought my 85 running for $1500 with everything I wanted 3/4 ton, 350 with a 4 speed. The truck fell into disrepair and I just didn't have the time to repair it for a little while with the pandemic going on. I had people stopping by with offers up to $5500, $6500, and one older fellow offered $8500. I didn't sell because it didn't need much and it was generally rust free for being a new England truck. The frame is immaculate and the bed is in fantastic shape. The only issues that are going on is that the previous owner had a lot of crappy splices and a aftermarket radio that didn't work well. Now I still get offers but people see it driving around and usually don't try and stop me just to shoot a offer. But on average I still $3500 to $4000 just because the truck other than having a ratty paintjob, runs and drives fantastic for being the year with the original drivetrain.
My wife lets me drive her late father's 87 Silverado and what a treat it is. I say it's the automotive equivalent of an old pair of boots. Well broken in, comfortable and very serviceable. It had the 5 liter till I overheated it but after getting a rebuilt 350 and twin pipes installed it runs like a scalded dog...
My dad bought an ‘84 off the lot, when i turned 18 he gave it to me and no im 27 and own an ‘86 and ‘87 tbi…. I love my trucks i work on them as much as i can as a hobby and i constantly search for more for the right price
5K to 8K is not a low entry price. We used to be able to pick these up for $500 to $1000 running and in good shape. Thanks to influencers like Hagerty always telling consumers what the next big thing is the price goes up on trucks that should be on their way to the scrapyard.
As a guy with a half-dozen classics in the garage, that's absolutely a low entry price for a running, driving antique. Your argument of "it was cheaper years ago" is correct; but it's applicable to anything. Look in classified ads in vintage Road and Track or Car and Driver mags; you could buy 60s Ferraris for $3k in the late 70s. Cobras for $2k. E-Types for $1,500. Prices go up as age thins the herd, and they become desirable. I snagged my '86 Silverado in NC for $10k. Clean as you could ask, needed an interior, and had some clear peel on the roof. Couldn't be happier with buying a (at the time; she's now 37), solid, rust-free, 34 year old pickup truck that just needed upholstery/dashpad. I've spent more on cylinder head work on some of the cars I have restored...
I agree with what you've said. I bought an '81 Scottsdale stepper in December and have completely restored the interior. Just need the stereo, dash pad and bezel installed. Moving to exterior next.
Thanks for the kind words Inspector Gadget77. Keep on wrenching on that square body. They aren't making any more and when your done you will have something that is unique, cool and will bring a smile every time you drive it
Teaching the next generation owners of a classic car or truckis a car guy or girls unwritten obligation and yes, spending time with your son wrenching on one of what will likely be many vehicles to come is quality time that will never be replaced
Bought My 1973 GMC High Sierra Stepside 4x4 , 4spd , 350 with hubs 4and 205 transfer case "BRAND NEW" and i Still drive it Everyday and ill be 70yrs. Forever young feb.13 that monday 👍👍 in 1999 i installed one tons ,same yr. Thats a Heavy duty 44 Big hubs in front and a 14bolt in back !! Great truck and a Never sell pickup
Had my 84 k20 for 22yrs.for 10 yrs she sat in FL. unmoved when I moved back to VA. Replace the battery 2 rear wheel cylinders and a master cylinder and drove her home 860 mi never missed a beat she will be here when I'm long gone she's the only one that never let me down
I’m 16 now and when I was 13 my dad bought me my first truck. It was a 1986 Chevy C10 which is the truck in my profile picture. I’ve been driving that truck like crazy sense then
I have 4 at the moment my 82 c10 I first built in 1994 to bad I cant post pics. I just did a full frame off and did Good Guys show in Loveland Colorado. Your right you can do any thing to these. I also have a 74 and 75 k5 full convertible and an 87 short wheel base step side build out of spare parts I had laying around. Super simple to work on and so many paths to take on a build.
Love these squarebody Chevys. I’m 18 and have owned two. A maroon 1978 Chevrolet k10 with a flatbed which I sold before buying my current cherry red 1977 Chevrolet k10.
About 9 years ago I picked up a good running 1983 for $900 and hoped to get a summers use out of it hauling sheet goods/dirt/roofing etc. while rebuilding an old house. I considered it short term, near end of life and disposable. I'm still using it today and often get random people commenting on the truck and walking around it. I think it's funny the value has supposedly increased, but I just like driving a simple 40 year old truck.
Chevrolet & GMC produced those third generation C/K series pickups from 1973 through 1987, but only on the 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton regular cab pickups, but the 1 ton regular cab pickups on the other hand were still in production up through 1989 although the fourth generation C/K series pickups were introduced in 1988. In 1987 they changed the C/K series to R/V series & then they changed back to the C/K series in 1988 but just on the fourth generation pickups. From 1988 through 1989, 2 different body styles on the 1 ton regular cab pickups were produced "the R/V 3500s which were the third generation pickups & the C/K 3500s which were the fourth generation pickups." Not to forget the crew cab pickups, Suburbans, K5 Blazers, & Jimmys were also still in production but up through 91.
@@Inlinetodie those square bodies were the first Chevrolet & GMC pickups to come in optional bigger cabs which were the crew & bonus cabs. The bonus cabs were basically crew cabs without the rear bench seat for space to carry cargo. Both bonus & crew cabs were only available on three quarter ton & one ton models & all had the 8ft long fleetside box unlike the crew cabs today which are also available on half ton models with a shorter box. The crew cabs came out in 73 & if I'm not mistaking I think the bonus cabs came out in 75. Also those square bodies were the first to have the Silverado trim level which was in 75. The Silverado trim level replaced the Cheyenne Super trim level. 77 was the first year for optional power windows & door locks. 80 was the first year for square shaped headlamps & last year for round shaped headlamps. The square shaped headlamps came standard on models with the Silverado & Sierra Classic trim levels & optional on the other trim levels. 87 was the first year for gasoline fuel injected motors.
I’ve been trying to find a clean and straight 4x4 square body with a 350 or larger. Preferably long bed. It’s almost like that combination wasn’t sold. I can only find 2 wheel drives
My first truck when I was 16 was a 73 c10 back in 83!! Since then I’ve owned over a dozen c10 and k10s!! Just finished an Ls swap in my 84 k10 short bed!! And it’s getting crazy the prices that they are fetching!!!
I grew up with the square bodies I had a 79 Chevy Blazer. They were popular back then!! We didn't call them square bodies back then. I would like to find another one!!
I just bought a 1984 gmc sierra 1500 long bed 2 tone black and silver i am very happy with it i am throwing a 350 in it soon and restoring it but like this guy said in the video not much to do very easy to restore i cant wait till its ready
I owned a new one in '86. It was not all that great. I traded for a new '88 and it was far better in every way. The T400 ('88-'98) is my all-time favorite truck. I'm not sure who started calling the 73-87's "square body", because GM's official name for them was the "rounded line".
My dad has a 79 Silverado20 it has a camper kit 4x4 has had it for 30years I'm 34 know and he still drives it I started my own collection at 18 with an 83 Silverado20 and got 2 k5s after that love the square body .
I grew up around these trucks my dads 86 Chevy Scottsdale was the truck I learned how to work on my uncle had a 83 Chevy Silverado 4speed 4 wheel drive lifted then I had my square body a 85 gmc long bed and now I have a 86 Chevy k10 4wheel drive got it for 2500 to and very good body to I just love how these trucks drives and everything definitely love driving my k10 with straight pipes I could go on and on lol
Been a fan my whole life, finally picked up my Square Body for Life truck a couple of years ago. 1978 four door dually camper special 10k gross suspension AC and believe it or not cruise control 😄. Last year of external fuel caps, first year inside hood release 🙂 I graduated high school in '77 this was the dream truck for a motor head like me, 454 carbureted, 1st gen electronic ignition. Its a work in progress but soooo rare its worth every dime that goes into it. Thank you, great video 🙂 dave g
i bought a 74 3/4 ton 4x4 for $800, my daily driver, bought an 84 Chevy one ton dually flatbed for hauling my firewood, paid $1800 for it, bought an 88 Chevy Suburban 4x4 for $700 still have all three of them
I have a 87 Dakota in great condition that Im going to put a 360 in and build like a A-12 Mopar. The thing I love the best about these trucks is the simplicity of them.
I luv my old like a rock..1/24 scale metal car ..I saw one at Walmart s I said I had one yrs ago.Ive had 1972 c/10. But the square body were my favorite Ive had plenty fleetside step side etc.my current ride is a 1982 swb fleetside auto air v8 .Everyday sell me that truck. Not now.keep on TRUCKIN
I bought a 87 Silverado for 4K running and little rust and good interior but I put another no motor in it it currently doing the body work and it will be finished
I just picked up a 86 K30 Crew Cab long bed with 90k miles for $7500 here in Alaska. interior is perfect but it needs new rockers, drivers floor pan and drivers rear cab corner. On the fence on whether to fix it or drive the way it is.
I've been saying it way before this trend started. The square body GM was built rite. The price point , had just the rite amount of comfort, drove like a dream, just the rite amount creature comforts. I mostly had 4x4s. They all drove great from a 4x4 dually to several straight axle blazers. I also loved the F series Ford's of the same era , but the GMs drove many times better than the twin I beam, not even a comparison. The doors were easier to shut on a square body Ford than a square body GM tho.
I bought a 1981 Silverado long bed in January 2017 ,it sat in a field for 4 years. I have been doing a frame off restoration. I'm almost done and have had so many people wanting to know if I would sell it. I tell them no. I've done a few updates and upgrades and can't wait to get behind the wheel again
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts I agree 💯. I was so disappointed with my buddy when I saw that he just gave up on the truck and let it start deteriorating and rusting. I had to replace the bed, tailgate,both doors and the hood due to the rust eating them away. I've got a 2" cowl hood on it now and I've been getting so many compliments over the engine compartment and work I've done on the engine. I guarantee it's got more horsepower and chrome under the hood than my buddy could have thought about doing to the truck. I have named him "Phoenix " for the obvious reasons. It went from a discarded rusted out farm truck to a show quality truck that anyone would love to own.
Actually 73 to 80 is the same. And 81 to 87 is the same. The front fenders the hood and the cowl changed in 81. The cab and the bed can be considered the same as well as the doors from 73 to 87. What is so great about them the engines and running gears can all be interchanged from 73 to 87. Also the frames are very little change there is a slight differance in the rear cab supports but u can make it work with a little elbow grease.
I had a 1978 Chevy short bed black with blue interior bucket seats my dad worked at GM and watched it go thru the assembly line i sold it in 1996 still think about it to this day..i looking for it
I don't know much about these trucks but the other day I just got a 83 Silverado with Blue interior k20 4x4 with a 6.2 Diesel J code swapped truck with an aftermarket ATS turbo set up. Now what do i do with it I ask myself.
I have a '87 Sierra Cassic 2500. Two tone grey and blue. In the process of restoring. 68k original miles. Question: for value when painted keep the two tone look or paint a much cooler color?
Thanks for the question Marcus. Value will always be in the eye of the beholder as they say. The original two tone paint and colors will instantly be recognizable as "being right" for your truck and there are vehicles where this is very important in their value. The square body trucks, because they made so many of them and there are many still around most likely won't fall into the category where an alternate paint color will hurt its value. When picking a color, be sure to pick a color that isn't "trendy" (IE: a teal paint job in the 80's rocked...in 2022 not so much) and make the body straight before applying it and it will always look good and when it comes time to sell, won't hurt your trucks value
I have a white '85 Silverado short bed that has less than 500 miles since rebuilding the 4.3l v6 and turbo 400. It has all new suspension and steering components, new limited slip rear-end, u-jonts, brakes, some new brake lines, ac components, heater core, radiator, belts, hoses, quadrajet carb, door hinges & latch post, new tires, and several more electrical parts. Everything kept original down to the smog pump, vacuum lines, and exhaust system. I've got a lot in it. Still need to do minor body work and paint, rubber moldings, and some interior before its 100% complete. I am considering selling it if the market is hot. I have 4 other projects that I need to finish.
Because squarebodies are best looking trucks/cars on thr planet together with Chevrolet and Ford's OBS trucks. Got a 1997 Chevrolet C1500 and have zero regrets.
I just picked up a '73 c10 short bed fleet side 6cyl 4spd for $3800, 2 weeks ago, I already have a cammed 5.3 and 3k stalled built th350 in it and running. .......and I live in the s.f bay area. ....just gotta lil minor rust spots on the front fenders. .....which will be replaced next
I got my 82 because I need a truck to tow occasionally, so I got a K20 3/4 ton, can't justify buying a new one. The reason I got a square body is because of the plentiful availability of parts of every kind. I'd rather spend a few thousand on the old truck than tens of thousands on a new one. And it will likely be worth more money in the future than it is now.
I have a 1985 Scottsdale that I bought a new I 85 for $11750. Only has 44K miles on it and sits in a garage for most of its life. Simple to work on and plenty of parts available.
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts No, not really. I bought it to haul my drag bike and some lumber and used it only about a few hundred miles a year. It's got a few dings in it as it's not perfect but no rust. I just replaced all the brakes as they were original, not worn but on my bucket list. I also replaced all the brake lines with stainless since it sits so much and went to DOT 5 brake fluid.
Years ago, had an early one-maybe 76. Drivers door had a sag. I could not get rid of it. Was told there was a problem with the hinge area being too thin. That was the only real probem it had.
We were way ahead of curve in 1974. Dealer friend special ordered a 74 C10 454 with the cheyamne package air all gussied up cost like 5k back then...,.
Have a super sweet 85’ C20 8600GVW long bed that I bought in AZ about 8 yrs ago for $2800, the body has zero rust and nice panels with original paint. People are amazed at the condition and has been appraised at 24K and counting. It has a built 383 with RHS heads and a SM465 trans, Doug Thorley tri-y headers with Borla exhaust. It runs and drives without a squeak or a rattle, yet will haul very heavy loads anytime. They don’t build durable stuff like this anymore.
Great video. My 17-year-old worked this summer to buy a truck and turn a wrench. This is what we found him, 1982. We towed it home with parts in the cab and bed, and now he has it running and takes it to his after-school job. It's been fun for both of us!
I gave my 2010 Silverado to my son last year and bought a 1985 c10 in January. Absolutely love the truck. The most comfortable and fun truck to drive!
Right on!
I agree ! 👑C10
Big 10-4! , My 09’ Gm has been my son’s daily driver too! Id rather be driving our project 81’ Gmc that we worked on all summer.
i’m 19 got a 1985 long bed custom deluxe for my first vehicle and gonna start building it myself
@62guitarguy thats sick bro
I have had my 1973 Chevrolet C10 for 33 years. I was 22 years old when I got it. They was everywhere in 1989 here in Dallas. I'm blessed to have this one so long, love it very much. Lots of parts available for it.
Very cool!
Square body was my first truck and later in life I got back in one it’s my last one!
You won’t know the feeling until you sit back in front of the wheel again, from that creaking door, to the fixed seat and no room from the thin steering wheel, to the clack of the door closing, to the gas pedal pumping sound , to the buzzer sound and the ignition wings as you turn the key!!!
Brings back memories.
I thought the lack off room from the steering wheel was due to my belly
@@robertl5168 blame Gm for the oversized wheels 😂I hear you!
And the rust, the loose front end, the doors wanting to fall off of the hinges, etc, how anyone could prefer one of these to a 73-79 ford, is beyond my comprehension.
You forgot how sentimental these trucks are, as generations of us grew up around these trucks!
My mom's first vehicle in 1983 was a 1975 C20 Suburban. I was born in 2002 and she drove me to school every day in it and still drives it to this day, it has over just over 300,000 miles on the clock and just requires regular maintence. She keeps it in the garage and washes and services it regularly.
I bought a ‘86 Chevy C/10 Silverado in ‘97, and I still have it today.
It’s Frost White with Burgundy interior, and everything still works on it, it rides and drives better than any truck I’ve ever had!
👍🏼👍🏼
Right on! By 86 the square body trucks had the creature comforts, particularly in the Silverado trim, to be a very comfortable truck to use every day. Hang on the that truck!
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts
Had her 25 yrs so far, it’s not going anywhere👍🏼
I just bought a 84' Dodge Ram D150. My first square body. I couldn't be happier & I'm so excited!!😁
Enjoy it
The '72 to '93 Dodge trucks are good trucks
Love my 87 Sierra. Taking me a while to restore it but I think it’ll be worth the time and effort when all said and done!
It will totally be worth it when its done and even in between now and then. Classic trucks are not only cool but completely usable as trucks which adds a whole nother level of value to the owner. Good luck on your build!
Bought myself a 1990 k5 blazer. I smile everyday I drive my square body 😊
I'm in my late 40''s I've owned 3 of these trucks and just picked up #4, a 77 Sierra Classic K15 for a project, something to do for the next few years.
Cheap to work on, easy to fix and an abundance of parts just like ya say. Makes me smile when I see the younger generation driving and wrenching on one of these.
Just like the song in the 1980"'s Chevy Truck commercial
Nothing works like a Chevy truck
Nothing works like a Chevy truck
Nothing works like a Chevy truck
Tough on the job and easy on the buck
Nothing works like a Chevy truck!
I have a 1986 Chevy Suburban square body truck with a 454 crate motor. I love it.
I still have the first vehicle I bought. A K20, Cheyenne Super, deluxe camper package. For the price of a new truck in 1975 ($6,400- loaded the same way) I bought my truck and slide in camper. It had a lower center of gravity than ford and dodge. Jeep couldn’t hold 3 adults comfortably. Don’t drive it much now as it needs 93 octane, which back then was regular. Added an auxiliary tank which makes my total fuel capacity 48 gallons. With a 4:10 rear-9-10 mpg, with the camper on. At times would pull a motor boat with the camper. 4-low, 1st gear on a steep ramp at low tide was no problem. Best 3 add-ons were fuel tank, headers and transgo shift kit. Rust over wheel wells were fixed years ago. Hood still has a little bend. Jeans worn while changing fan belts, thrown out(sitting on the batteries). 1973 didn’t have rain gutters, so when you open the door, rain heads right for the seat. Radio dims on am with wipers on. Only broke down once where I needed help to get home. Fuel pump. Chevy did it right with this truck. Gauge cluster is perfect, factory tach. AM/FM/CB. Still have spare points, condenser, feeler guage and distributor wrench in pouch behind the seat. Still have the original sticker, which they put on the front inside wheel well.
Back then, you could just pull onto a wide shoulder and hop in the camper and go to sleep. No one bothered you. BLM map kept you on public property. Running beaches on the east coast was $15 ( and proper gear. Pismo beach on west coast was free and empty during the week. National parks were empty after Labor Day. Gas was $52/gal.
I bought a 1979 C20 Scottsdale, love it! That Chevy exhaust sound is like music to my ears…
I love it!
My dad drove square body trucks for work, since I've had a driver's license there's been 1, 2 , 3 , 4 of these in the driveway or the back yard currently 2 lol
Cheap to buy, cheap to fix, can go anywhere and do anything, and any direction can be taken for a build.
I've rebuilt these trucks with a suitcase socket set and spray paint several times , and the actually drive great.
I'd say to anyone looking to dive in with even 0 experience, grab a square and let your enthusiasm run wild
I got my first square body when I was 16. I'm eighteen now, but pretty much everything that I know about auto-mechanics I learned from that square body.
My first brand new vehicle is a 1978 BIG10 454 that I special ordered, it has 82k miles and the cruise control still works.
Worked for dealer GMC and they sold. Beau James. And gentleman Jim pickups
Got a 1981 out of a backyard for $500 and have had no major repairs since! Love my truck
Bought my neighbor's '73 C30 with utility box a year ago in October. Driven daily ever since. Love the truck, 350 with SM465 trans. As you said, a guy (or gal) can fix it up while driving it
I recently purchased a 1987 square body dump truck from my late Father in laws estate. It's a keeper for sure.
I have the same 1973 K10 to this day that I learned to drive in at around 12 years old. Years later I was an Abram's tank driver in the US Army and was a natural at it. My theory is that a kid looking over the hood of a square body has to really pay attention to the ruts of the road before you lose visual with it. Driving a tank through periscopes is the same way, you have to remember what you see before the vehicles negotiates the terrain and actually drive through what you already saw but can't see anymore.
My Dad bought a C20 in 86. He passed away in 95, I’ve had it ever since. It has a 4.10 rearend so the TH400 got 8 mpg! Replaced the 3spd with an o/d tranny. Replaced the 350/165hp with a GM Performance 350/357 hp. It runs great and now gets around 16-17mpg 👍
They are my favorites. I grown up with a squarebody. Now I owned one for the last 20 years. C-10 Lifestyle
i got mine when most people just thought of them as old clunkers and payed the family about 600 usd and i have no plans on selling out for now just surprised by the value going up so much so quickly as someone offered me 20K or more for mine as is and it needs tlc still that's what got my attention to how collectible they are and the fact i cote someone stippling my rides 🤬🧛♀
it is a lifestyle
I bought my 85 running for $1500 with everything I wanted 3/4 ton, 350 with a 4 speed. The truck fell into disrepair and I just didn't have the time to repair it for a little while with the pandemic going on. I had people stopping by with offers up to $5500, $6500, and one older fellow offered $8500. I didn't sell because it didn't need much and it was generally rust free for being a new England truck. The frame is immaculate and the bed is in fantastic shape. The only issues that are going on is that the previous owner had a lot of crappy splices and a aftermarket radio that didn't work well. Now I still get offers but people see it driving around and usually don't try and stop me just to shoot a offer. But on average I still $3500 to $4000 just because the truck other than having a ratty paintjob, runs and drives fantastic for being the year with the original drivetrain.
Just bought a 1977 C-10 Cheyenne . My first square body . It has the 8 foot box with the option of a wooden bed . Love it !
Congrats! Same here, I just bought a 84' Dodge Ram D150 short bed. Love these old square body trucks!🇺🇸👍
My wife lets me drive her late father's 87 Silverado and what a treat it is. I say it's the automotive equivalent of an old pair of boots. Well broken in, comfortable and very serviceable. It had the 5 liter till I overheated it but after getting a rebuilt 350 and twin pipes installed it runs like a scalded dog...
Nice mine has a 350
Appreciate the memories and history!!
Love my ‘84 square body. 2 door short bed manual trans. Memories of hunting with my dad.
My dad bought an ‘84 off the lot, when i turned 18 he gave it to me and no im 27 and own an ‘86 and ‘87 tbi…. I love my trucks i work on them as much as i can as a hobby and i constantly search for more for the right price
Love my 87 scottsdale, I've had it for 3 years now and still going strong
5K to 8K is not a low entry price. We used to be able to pick these up for $500 to $1000 running and in good shape. Thanks to influencers like Hagerty always telling consumers what the next big thing is the price goes up on trucks that should be on their way to the scrapyard.
im getting one in England and whatever their condition they still hold their value.
As a guy with a half-dozen classics in the garage, that's absolutely a low entry price for a running, driving antique.
Your argument of "it was cheaper years ago" is correct; but it's applicable to anything. Look in classified ads in vintage Road and Track or Car and Driver mags; you could buy 60s Ferraris for $3k in the late 70s. Cobras for $2k. E-Types for $1,500. Prices go up as age thins the herd, and they become desirable.
I snagged my '86 Silverado in NC for $10k. Clean as you could ask, needed an interior, and had some clear peel on the roof. Couldn't be happier with buying a (at the time; she's now 37), solid, rust-free, 34 year old pickup truck that just needed upholstery/dashpad. I've spent more on cylinder head work on some of the cars I have restored...
I just bought 1 for 2500 with 3200 miles on the new engine and trAns. The truck it’s self gots 52000 miles
You buy a square body in the is for 5k in the US and it will sell for 40k in Australia it's a crazy mark up
That's not true. Go buy a new truck depreciate everyday squarebodys appreciate every day. Do the math
I agree with what you've said. I bought an '81 Scottsdale stepper in December and have completely restored the interior. Just need the stereo, dash pad and bezel installed. Moving to exterior next.
Thanks for the kind words Inspector Gadget77. Keep on wrenching on that square body. They aren't making any more and when your done you will have something that is unique, cool and will bring a smile every time you drive it
My son is 16 and this is what we are restoring right now. His dream is his 85 GMC K1500 we have. It is great spending time in the garage with him.
Teaching the next generation owners of a classic car or truckis a car guy or girls unwritten obligation and yes, spending time with your son wrenching on one of what will likely be many vehicles to come is quality time that will never be replaced
Bought My 1973 GMC High Sierra Stepside 4x4 , 4spd , 350 with hubs 4and 205 transfer case "BRAND NEW" and i Still drive it Everyday and ill be 70yrs. Forever young feb.13 that monday 👍👍 in 1999 i installed one tons ,same yr. Thats a Heavy duty 44 Big hubs in front and a 14bolt in back !! Great truck and a Never sell pickup
I have a 1987 chevy stepside truck, I love it
Had my 84 k20 for 22yrs.for 10 yrs she sat in FL. unmoved when I moved back to VA. Replace the battery 2 rear wheel cylinders and a master cylinder and drove her home 860 mi never missed a beat she will be here when I'm long gone she's the only one that never let me down
I bought an 84 long bed in 2019, love this truck. And the reasons you spoke about are why I bought her.
Very cool Michael! Thanks for watching, commenting and for being a car guy. Have fun with your truck!
Is it 4x4? Long bed 4x4s clean and straight are almost impossible to find.
I’m 16 now and when I was 13 my dad bought me my first truck. It was a 1986 Chevy C10 which is the truck in my profile picture. I’ve been driving that truck like crazy sense then
I have 4 at the moment my 82 c10 I first built in 1994 to bad I cant post pics. I just did a full frame off and did Good Guys show in Loveland Colorado. Your right you can do any thing to these. I also have a 74 and 75 k5 full convertible and an 87 short wheel base step side build out of spare parts I had laying around. Super simple to work on and so many paths to take on a build.
Grew up in an 85 sierra with an 84 454 1 ton in the garage back in the 2000s. Got my own 81 Silverado now. Feels good to stick with tradition.
Love these squarebody Chevys. I’m 18 and have owned two. A maroon 1978 Chevrolet k10 with a flatbed which I sold before buying my current cherry red 1977 Chevrolet k10.
About 9 years ago I picked up a good running 1983 for $900 and hoped to get a summers use out of it hauling sheet goods/dirt/roofing etc. while rebuilding an old house. I considered it short term, near end of life and disposable. I'm still using it today and often get random people commenting on the truck and walking around it. I think it's funny the value has supposedly increased, but I just like driving a simple 40 year old truck.
Dad had a 76 so I always wanted 1. Bought my 84c15 for $440 back aroun 2010 literally almost replaced everything, great trucks.
I bought a 86 C-20 with the 454 400 trans. And 14 bolt 4:10 rearend about a yr. ago. Did I mention, it has 31117.4 original miles. Love it...
Honestly I love my 1980 suburban……I have had a lot of people ask about it and talk to me about it I can’t wait for winter so I can get the body done
Chevrolet & GMC produced those third generation C/K series pickups from 1973 through 1987, but only on the 1/2 ton & 3/4 ton regular cab pickups, but the 1 ton regular cab pickups on the other hand were still in production up through 1989 although the fourth generation C/K series pickups were introduced in 1988. In 1987 they changed the C/K series to R/V series & then they changed back to the C/K series in 1988 but just on the fourth generation pickups. From 1988 through 1989, 2 different body styles on the 1 ton regular cab pickups were produced "the R/V 3500s which were the third generation pickups & the C/K 3500s which were the fourth generation pickups." Not to forget the crew cab pickups, Suburbans, K5 Blazers, & Jimmys were also still in production but up through 91.
Yes, a true squarebody fan, I have the 89 1 ton R/V
@@Inlinetodie is it a regular or crew cab?
@@kevinrichards3288 my 1 ton is a single cab, my 81 is a 4x4 with factory tach, has over 1 millions kms, original and is my daily driver
@@Inlinetodie is your 81 4x4 also a regular cab pickup?
@@Inlinetodie those square bodies were the first Chevrolet & GMC pickups to come in optional bigger cabs which were the crew & bonus cabs. The bonus cabs were basically crew cabs without the rear bench seat for space to carry cargo. Both bonus & crew cabs were only available on three quarter ton & one ton models & all had the 8ft long fleetside box unlike the crew cabs today which are also available on half ton models with a shorter box. The crew cabs came out in 73 & if I'm not mistaking I think the bonus cabs came out in 75. Also those square bodies were the first to have the Silverado trim level which was in 75. The Silverado trim level replaced the Cheyenne Super trim level. 77 was the first year for optional power windows & door locks. 80 was the first year for square shaped headlamps & last year for round shaped headlamps. The square shaped headlamps came standard on models with the Silverado & Sierra Classic trim levels & optional on the other trim levels. 87 was the first year for gasoline fuel injected motors.
I’ve been trying to find a clean and straight 4x4 square body with a 350 or larger. Preferably long bed. It’s almost like that combination wasn’t sold. I can only find 2 wheel drives
My first truck when I was 16 was a 73 c10 back in 83!! Since then I’ve owned over a dozen c10 and k10s!! Just finished an Ls swap in my 84 k10 short bed!! And it’s getting crazy the prices that they are fetching!!!
My first truck back in 83 was a 48 chevy
I grew up with the square bodies I had a 79 Chevy Blazer. They were popular back then!! We didn't call them square bodies back then. I would like to find another one!!
I just bought a 1984 gmc sierra 1500 long bed 2 tone black and silver i am very happy with it i am throwing a 350 in it soon and restoring it but like this guy said in the video not much to do very easy to restore i cant wait till its ready
I owned a new one in '86. It was not all that great. I traded for a new '88 and it was far better in every way. The T400 ('88-'98) is my all-time favorite truck. I'm not sure who started calling the 73-87's "square body", because GM's official name for them was the "rounded line".
Bought my 84 c10 for $1,500 bucks in 2019. As of today I have over $8,500 into it and I love everything about my Bonita!
My dad has a 79 Silverado20 it has a camper kit 4x4 has had it for 30years I'm 34 know and he still drives it I started my own collection at 18 with an 83 Silverado20 and got 2 k5s after that love the square body .
Just got a 85 Custom Deluxe - Let the fixing begin!
I grew up around these trucks my dads 86 Chevy Scottsdale was the truck I learned how to work on my uncle had a 83 Chevy Silverado 4speed 4 wheel drive lifted then I had my square body a 85 gmc long bed and now I have a 86 Chevy k10 4wheel drive got it for 2500 to and very good body to I just love how these trucks drives and everything definitely love driving my k10 with straight pipes I could go on and on lol
Been a fan my whole life, finally picked up my Square Body for Life truck a couple of years ago. 1978 four door dually camper special 10k gross suspension AC and believe it or not cruise control 😄. Last year of external fuel caps, first year inside hood release 🙂 I graduated high school in '77 this was the dream truck for a motor head like me, 454 carbureted, 1st gen electronic ignition. Its a work in progress but soooo rare its worth every dime that goes into it. Thank you, great video 🙂 dave g
I has a 1977 chevy heavy half long bed. It was blue and light blue with the racing yellow strip .Loved it
if we only knew now
Square Body Chevy's are so popular because they were well built and totally reliable. And they were built by the millions over 15 production years.
I wanted an old work truck that was serviceable and dependable. Parts are out there and they're fairly simple.
I've always loved the square bodies, my unceded Johnny had his yellow one.
Great show ! I own a box Oldsmobile and I always get the looks driving my car .
i bought a 74 3/4 ton 4x4 for $800, my daily driver, bought an 84 Chevy one ton dually flatbed for hauling my firewood, paid $1800 for it, bought an 88 Chevy Suburban 4x4 for $700 still have all three of them
I've had my square body for almost 20 years now. It's the one vehicle I'll never sell.
Because they are the last of steel chevy trucks. Also they look freakin cool. I just bought a 75 K5 blazer and i love it!
I have a 87 Dakota in great condition that Im going to put a 360 in and build like a A-12 Mopar. The thing I love the best about these trucks is the simplicity of them.
I’m glad my dad gave me his 77 C10 stepside pick up but deep down it will always be his truck
I luv my old like a rock..1/24 scale metal car ..I saw one at Walmart s I said I had one yrs ago.Ive had 1972 c/10. But the square body were my favorite Ive had plenty fleetside step side etc.my current ride is a 1982 swb fleetside auto air v8 .Everyday sell me that truck. Not now.keep on TRUCKIN
Prices are starting to soar here in Texas. I picked up a clean 87 roller for 3k. Original clean ones are going for 15-16K now.
now thats a good find!
I bought a 87 Silverado for 4K running and little rust and good interior but I put another no motor in it it currently doing the body work and it will be finished
I just picked up a 86 K30 Crew Cab long bed with 90k miles for $7500 here in Alaska. interior is perfect but it needs new rockers, drivers floor pan and drivers rear cab corner. On the fence on whether to fix it or drive the way it is.
I've been saying it way before this trend started. The square body GM was built rite. The price point , had just the rite amount of comfort, drove like a dream, just the rite amount creature comforts. I mostly had 4x4s. They all drove great from a 4x4 dually to several straight axle blazers. I also loved the F series Ford's of the same era , but the GMs drove many times better than the twin I beam, not even a comparison. The doors were easier to shut on a square body Ford than a square body GM tho.
They look good and parts are available and you can put a modern powerplant in them and guys no what I'm talking about 💪🏾💪🏾
I’m 18 just bought one, swapping the old 350 with a 355 aluminum heads 👍
I bought a 1981 Silverado long bed in January 2017 ,it sat in a field for 4 years. I have been doing a frame off restoration. I'm almost done and have had so many people wanting to know if I would sell it. I tell them no. I've done a few updates and upgrades and can't wait to get behind the wheel again
We call that the field of dreams
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts I agree 💯. I was so disappointed with my buddy when I saw that he just gave up on the truck and let it start deteriorating and rusting. I had to replace the bed, tailgate,both doors and the hood due to the rust eating them away. I've got a 2" cowl hood on it now and I've been getting so many compliments over the engine compartment and work I've done on the engine. I guarantee it's got more horsepower and chrome under the hood than my buddy could have thought about doing to the truck. I have named him "Phoenix " for the obvious reasons. It went from a discarded rusted out farm truck to a show quality truck that anyone would love to own.
Actually 73 to 80 is the same.
And 81 to 87 is the same.
The front fenders the hood and the cowl changed in 81. The cab and the bed can be considered the same as well as the doors from 73 to 87.
What is so great about them the engines and running gears can all be interchanged from 73 to 87. Also the frames are very little change there is a slight differance in the rear cab supports but u can make it work with a little elbow grease.
Gas tank fillers are on separate sides on 81-87
@@brandonbell3089 my 78 and 86 are on same side
@@truspirit1925 than one has the incorrect bed or one has dual tanks
@@truspirit1925 GM got sued in 80 over a fuel tank issues and changed sides of the tank in 1981
@@truspirit1925 73-80 right side tank/ 81-87 lift side tank
Yes I like square body trucks mainly first Gen 1973- 1980.They went to 1990 in Blazer and Suburban platforms.
I had a 1978 Chevy short bed black with blue interior bucket seats my dad worked at GM and watched it go thru the assembly line i sold it in 1996 still think about it to this day..i looking for it
Long Live The Squarebody!!
HEREHERE
I don't know much about these trucks but the other day I just got a 83 Silverado with Blue interior k20 4x4 with a 6.2 Diesel J code swapped truck with an aftermarket ATS turbo set up. Now what do i do with it I ask myself.
I have a '87 Sierra Cassic 2500. Two tone grey and blue. In the process of restoring. 68k original miles. Question: for value when painted keep the two tone look or paint a much cooler color?
Thanks for the question Marcus. Value will always be in the eye of the beholder as they say. The original two tone paint and colors will instantly be recognizable as "being right" for your truck and there are vehicles where this is very important in their value. The square body trucks, because they made so many of them and there are many still around most likely won't fall into the category where an alternate paint color will hurt its value. When picking a color, be sure to pick a color that isn't "trendy" (IE: a teal paint job in the 80's rocked...in 2022 not so much) and make the body straight before applying it and it will always look good and when it comes time to sell, won't hurt your trucks value
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts Great advice. Thanks so much for your input. Will be very choosy when it comes to the paint job.
I have a white '85 Silverado short bed that has less than 500 miles since rebuilding the 4.3l v6 and turbo 400. It has all new suspension and steering components, new limited slip rear-end, u-jonts, brakes, some new brake lines, ac components, heater core, radiator, belts, hoses, quadrajet carb, door hinges & latch post, new tires, and several more electrical parts. Everything kept original down to the smog pump, vacuum lines, and exhaust system. I've got a lot in it. Still need to do minor body work and paint, rubber moldings, and some interior before its 100% complete. I am considering selling it if the market is hot. I have 4 other projects that I need to finish.
Because squarebodies are best looking trucks/cars on thr planet together with Chevrolet and Ford's OBS trucks. Got a 1997 Chevrolet C1500 and have zero regrets.
Proud owner of an 89K5 Blazer......Its my daily driver.
I just bought a 87 v30 dually..
It's great..
I just picked up a '73 c10 short bed fleet side 6cyl 4spd for $3800, 2 weeks ago, I already have a cammed 5.3 and 3k stalled built th350 in it and running. .......and I live in the s.f bay area. ....just gotta lil minor rust spots on the front fenders. .....which will be replaced next
GOOD FIND!
I got my 82 because I need a truck to tow occasionally, so I got a K20 3/4 ton, can't justify buying a new one. The reason I got a square body is because of the plentiful availability of parts of every kind. I'd rather spend a few thousand on the old truck than tens of thousands on a new one. And it will likely be worth more money in the future than it is now.
Just got a 88 gmc suburban I’m lovin it
You should check out the CUCV series of military trucks. Made new from 1984-1986. Very rare square body trucks.
I had a '73 , a '78 and an '84 ,great trucks .My favorites were my '73 F100 and my '77 F150 ,I still have my '90 f150.
Right on!
I have a 1985 Scottsdale that I bought a new I 85 for $11750. Only has 44K miles on it and sits in a garage for most of its life. Simple to work on and plenty of parts available.
A one owner 85 Scottsdale? Thats awesome. Did you ever even think for a moment that it would be as desirable as it is 37 years later?
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts No, not really. I bought it to haul my drag bike and some lumber and used it only about a few hundred miles a year. It's got a few dings in it as it's not perfect but no rust. I just replaced all the brakes as they were original, not worn but on my bucket list. I also replaced all the brake lines with stainless since it sits so much and went to DOT 5 brake fluid.
@@FirstPlaceAutoParts I bought it for $11,750 new. Those days are long gone!
Compared to 40s through 70s, you can pick these up for a song, decent truck for the man who's a little lite in the pockets 😉
My 82 Silverado short bed is one owner and my favorite to drive, although I have other cars and trucks. Most compliments I get are from young people.
Good afternoon, Back in the 70's ,all we needed was vice Grips 5/8 wrench
A classic V8 rumbles and bounces around, just like a classic truck does.
Years ago, had an early one-maybe 76. Drivers door had a sag. I could not get rid of it. Was told there was a problem with the hinge area being too thin. That was the only real probem it had.
Just bought a 73 GMC c25.. beautiful truck
Right on! Lots of love for the 3/4 and 1 ton square body trucks
We were way ahead of curve in 1974. Dealer friend special ordered a 74 C10 454 with the cheyamne package air all gussied up cost like 5k back then...,.
All square bodies Full size Pickups 1973-1987 and Suburban Blazer 1973-1991 are hot
We agree
I'd like to know how they are getting around smog and emission laws
Best-looking toughest trucks ever made. I got to quad cabs for sale 4 x 4 one-ton big blocks
two of them?
19 years if you count the blazers/jimmys and suburbans
true!
Have a super sweet 85’ C20 8600GVW long bed that I bought in AZ about 8 yrs ago for $2800, the body has zero rust and nice panels with original paint. People are amazed at the condition and has been appraised at 24K and counting. It has a built 383 with RHS heads and a SM465 trans, Doug Thorley tri-y headers with Borla exhaust. It runs and drives without a squeak or a rattle, yet will haul very heavy loads anytime. They don’t build durable stuff like this anymore.
I have my dads 81 since he bought it brand new in 81 but its been parked for a long time I hope to get it going one day soon
I have 3 obs trucks a 1992 Chevrolet Silverado. A 1993 GMC Sierra. And a 1997 Ford f 350 flatbed dually.
Ford F-350? How many road side assistance memberships do you have?
@@marcusbuchanan5377 none it's a good truck well taken care of.
nice!