73-87 Square Body Chevy & GMC C/K Truck Buyers Guide (Design, Options, Engines, Common Problems)
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- Опубликовано: 16 дек 2024
- Square Body Truck Buyer's Guide! We'll cover the common problems, the specs, and everything else you've wanted to know about the 73-78 Chevy / GMC Trucks!
In terms of exterior design, the 3rd gen CK was a revolutionary design at the time. GM coined the term "rounded line exterior” for this pickup due to the rounded windshield corners, rounded corners of the cab roof, rounded-corner doors, slanted front fenders, and rounded pickup box corners. However, most owners and enthusiasts refer to these trucks are square bodies or box body.
The trucks were only available with a regular cab configuration, except for the crew-cab variant on the 20 and 30 series that offered four doors for 3 more passengers or more cargo inside the cab. The were 2 different styles of pickup beds available. The beds with fender flares were called Fleetside by Chevrolet and Wideside by GMC. They were available in 6.5ft and 8 ft lengths and depending on the year, both wood and steel beds were available. The Stepside by Chevrolet and Fenderside by GMC, was a narrow width flare fender pickup box featuring steps along with standalone tail lamps. Initially, only wood floors were available, but later models received steel floors.
Some other nice exterior elements include the wide front grilles, full doors that extended to the roofline, and the wonderful collection of different paint colors and finishes available. By now, you should have noticed all of the amazing color combinations and paint styles that these trucks were originally finished in. No truck today comes close to giving you all of the nice paint jobs that were available on the 3rd gen C/K pickups.
The interior in this generation of C/K reflected GMs past progressive attitude towards pickups. They knew that more and more owners were using their trucks as daily drivers, so they intended to make the trucks easier to use and more comfortable to live with.
This progressive attitude led to GM fitting this generation with some wonderful comfort features that weren’t usually available in pickups during the 3rd gen C/K production time frame. These included soft-touch materials were used throughout including the dashboard, (armrests), steering wheel, and shift levers. High quality grained interior panels and bright metalwork was used on the inside. Custom Vinyl which was a variant of vinyl or soft Custom Cloth and velour seating surfaces were used. Additionally, there was fabric headliners, door inserts, and deep plush carpeting, depending on the trim level. Higher trim levels used sound-deadening materials for quieter ride comfort. The wraparound dashboard had a full complement of gauges. There was an optional all-weather HVAC system with Air-conditioning that had the vents integrated into the dashboard, and owners could option an AM or an AM/FM radio with the radio antenna integrated into the windshield for a sleek look.
The GMC was available in Sierra, Sierra Grande, Sierra Classic, and the top-of-the-line high Sierra trim. The Chevrolet was available in custom deluxe, Scottsdale, Cheyenne, and its’s top-of-the-line-model, the Silverado. The high trim levels were plusher and had an emphasis on comfort and luxury.
In terms of engines, the third generation CK offered six-cylinder and eight-cylinder power plants as well as some Diesel engines. The entry-level six-cylinder was a 250 followed by a 292 six-cylinder. The 8 cylinder gas engines were available in 305, 350, 400, and 454 cubic inch displacements. The two diesels were 350 cubic inch and a 379 turbo diesel.
Looking at the data, you can see that the horsepower and torque figures are pretty low when compared to today’s engines. This is due to the fact that there was an oil crisis and as well as a strong push to get lower emissions by any means possible. These factors contributed to to create an era of low powered vehicles across most manufacturers.
The 4wd K-Series pickups were available with 3 different systems: a Conventional, a Permanent, or a Shift-on-the-move four-wheel-drive that was introduced for 1981. All K-Series pickups featured four-corner Vari-Rate multi-leaf springs, front live axle with symmetrical (inline) shock absorber geometry, and the Load Control rear suspension system. The 4wd pickups featured a transfer case that was bolted directly to the transmission and driveline components were installed as high as possible to reduce the chances of the undercarriage hitting obstacles, and to achieve optimal ground clearance. Steel wrapped Brake lines and an underbody skid plate optional.
There were lots of great options available on the C/K Pickup trucks. They included niceties like blow eye-line mirrors, power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, sliding rear window, fuel tank shield, rallye or styled wheels, A CB radio, cruise control, and deluxe or special two-tone paint finishes.
Watch this video to get the full scoop on the 73-87 GM Trucks!
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*OTHER REVIEWS TO WATCH*:
Chevy:
1972-1987 Square Body Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/78oolTruPdQ/видео.html
1988-1998 Silverado /Sierra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/pLs-KWSucjo/видео.html
1994-2004 S10 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/CmfgCOxW6XA/видео.html
1999-2007 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/LmN6_ubzyuI/видео.html
2007-2013 Silverado / Sierra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/_UXTc5BGxsM/видео.html
Ford:
2004-2008 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/duNWJA7m63s/видео.html
2009-2014 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/3IpC-mHY0xM/видео.html
1997-2004 F-150 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/eaKffURoFQY/видео.html
1998-2011 Ranger Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/fELUyrKY1U4/видео.html
2005-2014 Mustang Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/lrfpgzcgLI8/видео.html
Mercedes:
W211 E-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/QpplQTp2DSQ/видео.html
W212 E-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/IYZSnLzdNp8/видео.html
W212 Best E-Class(?): ruclips.net/video/UNF5piFLS4U/видео.html
W204 C-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/BtCbbrsQQ-Y/видео.html
W205 C-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/CHVDM7AfKfM/видео.html
W222 S-Class Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/5E9U0zEkWdg/видео.html
Mazda:
1990-1997 MX-5 Miata: ruclips.net/video/KjNB-LbkNSY/видео.html
Nissan:
2004-2015 Titan Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/2VFdZeEyGnA/видео.html
HardBody Pickup Truck Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/-mRVMByFh_I/видео.html
Subaru:
2014-2018 Subaru Forester SJ Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/Ir694Wah9PA/видео.html
Lexus:
2001-2005 IS300 Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/mtxoUg0zthw/видео.html
Toyota:
1995-2004 1st Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/WtyhiOD8Jm4/видео.html
2005-2015 2nd Gen Tacoma Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/9ZOhD0KU_gA/видео.html
2000-2006 1st Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/9pIyUcFGf4c/видео.html
2007-2020 2nd Gen Tundra Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/fhH4UnFvJuI/видео.html
Porsche:
2010-2016 Panamera Buyer's Guide: ruclips.net/video/3giueysuXdU/видео.html
1999-2005 911 996 Buyer's guide: ruclips.net/video/rvdMzS8XdXk/видео.html
I own a 74 c10 I got 5 years ago when I was 17 for $2,800. Still has the factory 250 inline 6 with a 3 on the tree transmission. (Love the old school vibe and none of my friends ask to drive it!) It has the option tag intact and shows a few upgrades the original owner selected like a heavy duty clutch and rear springs, chrome front bumper, radio...If I have my say I will never part with it. I feel like I’m driving a couch it’s so comfy. It only left me stranded one time, the ignition coil went bad. So I got electronic ignition and she’s all good. She’s my daily driver and still earns a living on my pool route! I rate her ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Also I before I got my 74 c10 I had a 79 c10 short bed/step side with the wood bed. It too was 250/3 on the tree, although it was the high performance factory 2 barrel. I beat a 85 dodge truck with a 318 and a automatic!! I think I might have been jumping in my seat I was so excited hehe. It only had 58,XXX miles when I got it, I only had it 3 months before some lady pulled out in front of me while a friend and I were taking 1,600 lbs of steel to the scrap yard... fortunately a witness stopped and gave me his number and said you did everything you could, she’s at fault. I had bought the truck for $3,000, insurance paid me $4,300, then my next door neighbor bought it off me for $300 and sold it to someone who’s completely restoring it. Though only I only had it a brief 3 months, our time together was sweet and I’m very grateful she lives on at a good home. Apparently the new owners dad had a truck exactly like it when he was a kid so he was searching for that very year and model. Good vehicle, made $1,600, and she gets restored, and I wind up with my beloved 74 c10... don’t think it gets better than that.
Sounds like you have a sweet old girl there!! Awesome stuff!
I have a 1978 BIG10 454 short wb that I ordered new. It now has 82k miles.
I have a 79 square body c10. I am looking for a set of truck rally wheels OE. Any suggestions I am located in Yuma, Az.
My old 79 had a i6, we put a 350 in it with and overdrive 5 speed, i6 was pretty good
Yes. Easy oil change, easy sparkplugs change, easy work on engine, easy works on engine parts unlike today’s truck which you cannot.
I generally agree with you, but I think for the SBC motors spark plugs are a little bit of a pain since they live under the exhaust manifold. But for 6 cylinder and BBC motors, yes, spark plugs are brain dead easy.
I think spark plugs are very easy on the 1961-95 GM small blocks. I have headers on 2 of mine too.
My wife HAD a '99 Ford Expedition with the 4.6L years ago. THOSE 2 right rear spark plugs made almost an ENTIRE Saturday of a spark plug & wire change!!! Mixed with more profanity than I care to use in a day!! Don't get me started on an oil filter change on this same 4x2 Ford either!!! 🤬
No computers and minimal pollution devices. The AIR pump was the first thing to go. Drill out the catalytic and plug with a frost plug. My 1976 3/4 ton 454 cu,in had dual exhaust and no pollution devices. Low on horsepower but good on torque.
that's because todays trucks are filled with electronic crap that you have to go to a dealership to get it worked on. I'm convinced somewhere along the way auto manufacturers and car dealerships made some type of deal with one another. Why else would you have to go to a dealership to get something diagnosed that only the dealerships have the equipment for that you can't buy and do it yourself?
I drove a 1976 Chevy C10 for 25 years
I’m 16 and just bought my 78 Scottsdale and I’m so in love with it
Nice! I bought mine when I was 18, 81 Scottsdale
@@bravobear1844 yeah she’s got a a little work to do cosmetically but she runs and drives good
I’m 16 and got my 76 C10 Scottsdale 2 years ago
I inherited my 78 GMC from my grandfather. I even had the opportunity to drive it when I was in high school. It’s been over 12 years and I still have it to this day
Owned my 85 c10 since 1989. In the process of restoring it now. Love my Square Body !
It's an investment. They will only go UP in value each year...
My dad bought a 1973 Chevy Cheyenne super 10 for his 40th birthday and it had the blue and white combination paint!!!
I remember as a kid when I first rode in it with its 7and a half inch thick bench seat a 350 engine and I knew then that this was a special truck that would stand the test of time.
We lived on the water and unfortunately the salt water wasn’t too kind to the body with rust starting I think about 6 years or so later but how I loved that truck !!!!
It was the engine that I performed my first tuneup on and later some of my first Autobody repairs on but how I loved that truck!!!!
Now here we are almost 50 years later and just as I knew then it continues to be one if not the most sought after trucks by collectors today.
And as I think back now to my dads truck all I can say is how I loved that truck!!!!
When I bought my 1986 K10 Delux Custom around 1987, I paid $10,000 for it. I thought it was a good price. I checked prices on Square bodies on the net, and they are listing at 20 and 30,000 bucks.
I own an 84 Silverado K20, 140,000 miles on it. I will be keeping this truck for the rest of my life. Coolest trucks ever made by far.
I was born a few years before these came out so I grew up with them. Family had them,friends, work. I never owned one but drove and rode in many. They were my favourite of the big 3.
Was looking to order a new truck for 1975, to carry a slide in camper and pull a boat. Ford was too high and either a camper package ( dual batteries and wiring) or 4x4. Not both. LT pkg, 360 2bbl. &7,800. Chevy would give me the lowest tailgate height(center of gravity with a camper on), 400 sb 4bbl, dual batteries, Silverado pkg, camper wiring, sliding rear window, auxiliary fuel tank, skid plates, factory FRAME mounted tie downs, shocks between the bed and cab, stabilizers on front of cab to the camper, factory tach, 4x4, 4:10 rear, 3 spd auto with aux cooler,am/dm/cb radio, ac, tilt wheel. $6,400. Just before I went to order my truck, I found a 1973 with all that stuff, but the motor is a 350. Dana 70 rear, Dana 60 front, Cheyenne Super pkg.
I still have the truck, camper (9.5 slide in) and the boat(19’ bayliner- Grownups boat). I needed the 4 wheel drive to back down that steep boat ramp at low tide. With the camper on the truck, low range and 1st gear, I’d walk right up the ramp. No wheel slip. The flow through ventilation sucked going through LA, when the smog was real bad. It brought it right in the cab. Open the doors when it’s raining, the rain falls on your seat(no gutters in 73), also when it rains and the radio is in am, every time the wiper crosses the antenna, radio goes dim. Had rust on rear quarters and bottom of the doors. Fixed. I added aux fuel tank, transgo shift kit, headers and dual exhaust, oversized convex mirrors. Have been on beaches on both coasts, desert, and cities. Parked on the street in Manhattan, just pulled my drivers side mirror in. Best truck ever for all around hauling a camper. (A dually would not have been able to park in the city) 10 mpg @55 mph. In the mountains 4-5 mpg, 2nd gear going up and 2nd gear coming down.
I have a 1977 c10. Have owned it for 38 years. Have owned it longer than anything I have including the wife and kids. Still runs great and I will own it till the day I die.
How is the gas mileage I just got a 76 with a 350 and automatic transmission
@@keltonbaughman8308 About 15 mpg but the ease of maintenance and repairs that I can do myself make up for the gas mileage.
You don't own your wife and kids you misogynist!
@@drakechief7 Sold the wife. Still have my truck.
If you can stand looking at it, good for you, about the only thing uglier is a 3rd gen Cummins.
I bought my 1975 3/4 ton 4wh dr. in 1978 and I STILL OWN AND DRIVE IT!!! It now has over 530,000 miles on it!!! It's the toughest truck I've ever owned!! Although I've changed engines and transmission, the original motor and transmission were working properly when I took them out! Instead of the 350 cu. in. motor and 350 turbo trani. I installed a 1975 500cu. in. Cadillac engine and 400 turbo transmission with out any trouble!! Believe me it put the fun back into driving it!!! If you want to go a little faster just push down on the gas pedal (LOTS-O-POWER) The truck still looks in super shape!! (No rust!) And unless someone offers me a stupid amount of "cash" I'll still have her when I throw in the towel.....!! The ride is a little stiff but a great truck period!!!
Wow, a Cadillac 500! Must be a blast to drive! The mid 70s 500 didn't make all that much horsepower - 190 only, but all those inches means lots and lots of torque RIGHT NOW!
I was 19 my very first vehicle ever was a 1977 C-30 w/350 V8 and 4spd manual I bought used my mother was less than impressed it had no bed on it my father built a wooden flat-bed for it and the rest was history I loved that truck!
My wife and I own my father in-laws 1973 GMC 2500. He bought it in 1972. Rust is a big problem and we live in Ca. I just painted the exterior and am in the process off refinishing the interior.
Put roof drip rails on it. That way water won't drip in so much during the winter when you open a door.
Purchased my 1987 c/10
Custom deluxe - 3 speed w OD , note I have never heard of another or seen a 3 speed w OD on the floor outside the one I had . bench seat 305 throttle throttle body fuel injection two town paint special I think you call it . I drove it till 2013 last two years as a farm truck - 108k if memory serves - other than a battery and one clutch - I can not remember one single time it broke down or failed me
NOT ONE . ILL never beat that run . Great truck the bed & engine both solid as a rock the day I sold it to couple boys after a year of pestering me for it . Great video
GREAT VIDEO! Paused it a lot to read. I've had 3 of these things. Never had any other truck since I started driving in 1996. Had a 77 Chevy Sport, an 87 R10 and Now have a 78 C20.
I have driven many different fords and chevs both from that era and newer, none of them could match the reliability of the 1984 c10 I drove for 25 yrs, a few things failed but were easy and affordable to repair - no other model even comes close
IMO those were the best trucks ever built
I bought a 75 Silverado no-reserve at an auction. This was Chevy's first year to introduce the top Silverado trim level, and followed two successful model years since the redesign. Our truck at auction had never been winter driven, was low mileage (but not so low as to sit for too long) and looked great in that iconic mid-70's two-tone Grecian Bronze (burnt orange) and Frost White. Interior had a reasonable go-over with no cracks or issues. THE BIGGEST SURPRISE WAS HOW WELL IT DROVE! Quiet, composed, and straight as an arrow. We did several long, cross-country drives, including one from Toronto Ontario to tow back a '79 Airstream Sovereign we bought in Florida, which it did with style and ease. We're in the process now of a full restoration, which is not inexpensive, but we do look forward to another 15 years or more of enjoyment from our truck. We don't need a full time truck, so this vintage one fits the purpose and it seems we get more thumbs-up driving it than even my '65 Sting Ray convertible. It's a real head turner!
Almost. 1974 was the first year for Silverado. 1973, top package was Cheyenne super.
@@paulne1514 Nope. Check wiki on this:
" History
The Silverado nameplate made its debut for the 1975 model year, becoming the top trim level on all Chevrolet C/K trucks,[3] slotted above Custom Deluxe, Scottsdale, and Cheyenne. "
I have a 1975 custom deluxe 20 with the usual rust. It has 63,000 miles and requires next to nothing to maintain. What is amazing to me compared to most of today's complex cars/trucks is that so many original parts still work fine. I have to wear ear plugs on long drives because the exhaust system is shot.
I have a 1978 BIG10 454 that I bought new in 78, has 82k with absolutely no rust.
When I was in high school around 1984 my dad picked up a 1974 GMC 4 x 4 stepside, it had a 350 and a manual 3 speed with Granny Gear. That truck would kill anything made since. ;-) One time when we were getting on the highway about to make a 300 mile trip towing a boat the transmission lost a few gears, turns out it was something to do with the part time 4 wheel drive and the local 4x4 shop had a retrofit kit that fixed it, my dad and I did this all in our driveway. My dad also took this truck out hinting shortly after buying it and the factory manual hubs wouldn't lock, so my dad was able to get a set of Warn hubs and put them on in the parking lot. Another thing we did in our driveway was put on a Rancho 4" lift front and rear.
These things were junk
I have a 74 k-10 with a 3/4 ton upgrade. 25 years ago I though of selling it but I read the option list in the glove compartment. About 34 years I have owned it. It has been on 90% of the back roads in Arizona, never let me down, or been to a shop. I will start up the new rebuild 350 I put in tomorrow, Friday and I plan to be out in the desert Saturday ripping it up.
I have a 75 GMC sierra c15 long bed Beau James edition with the small block 350 instead of the 454 which most of them came in. This truck was specially ordered from factory with that motor from my great grandfather brand new in 1975 and still running strong some years later! (Thought I'd just lore dump on everyone 😂)
Bought my 1977 new and kept it until 1997. It was a great truck. I Zwibarted it when new and still almost norust 20 years later. Forget the miles but at least 150,000. Replaced so many parts over that time but it took care of me until I quit maintaining it during a period of two jobs and little money or time. Russet color.
Bought my 1984 K-10 Custom in December 1983. Still driving it. I get offers to buy it all the time.
These are excellent trucks. I just picked up a blue 77 GMC shortbed still running and driving original 350/3504 barrel and has the original dealer sticker on the tailgate
I have my eyes on a low mileage 77 K10 in canary yellow.
I own a 1986 GMC k3500 Sierra Classic. Highest trim level, black with charcoal interior, 454, SM465, NP205, Dana 60 front axle, Corporate 14 rear axle. Its optioned perfectly with manual windows and AC. Exactly what I would have bought in 1986. It isn't going anywhere. Eventually its getting an 8.1L and na NV4500 transmission and I will daily it for the rest of my life.
86 GMC Jimmy Sierra classic here. 👌🏽👌🏽
If you want a modern 8.1 engine, make sure you can un-computerize it and put a carburetor and a distributor on it, as computers quickly become obsolete and unobtainable, and usually can't be fixed. Carburetors and distributors can be fixed/overhauled an infinite number of times. Don't know much about the modern transmissions. If they are electronic, I would stay with your present trans.
Back when a truck was used for work not tooling to the country club for golf.
This is when they started that journey. I have a '78 step side and a '16 crew cab. I don't want to drive 8 hours in the '78.
17:41 My dad had a white fleetside 77 sport. It looked great with the white wheels. He added center caps and yellow stripe wheel opening trim to it. It had a switch on the dash where the dual tank switch normally is that said aux lights to turn on the lights on the rollbar. It said CHEVY SPORT at the back of the bed.
Currently own a 73’ Cheyenne super. She’s a beautiful truck.
K20?
I've got a '73 GMC 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive 4 speed.
'Love it's simplicity. Fun to drive and it's clean enough to get some looks around town.
I drive it occasionally to keep the battery charged but it's duty it to get
my 28 foot, 6,000 lb houseboat to the lake. It does duty well.
It pulls the boat up the ramp on ideal.
I would not trade it for any brand new computer / dually / diesel
I wouldn't sell it for twice what I paid for it.
And that's why I like it.
The 73 didn't have roof drip rails. I would install a set so you won't have so much water dripping onto the floor in the winter.
Just bought a 86 k 3/4 4x4 automatic for 8,000 I couldn’t find a Stich of rust on it. The most I ever paid for any truck I’ve owned. Odometer says 55,000 one owner. Needed some new seats, put rubber floor pad and no rust was under the carpet. New headliner, tunes. She rides like a dream no rattles sounds great. My Uncle fixed her up real nice. Only problem is I’m pushing 60 5’2” and getting a bit round and it’s a bit tall but I’ll push pull or drag myself into it till I can’t lol. I just need one of those stickers that says (nope this ain’t my ole mans truck)😎 you all take care and be safe! Laura
Caution - resist the urge to use the wheel to pull yourself up! You will eventually destroy the bushings in the steering column.
I have a 1985 K-5 Blazer it makes me smile every time I see it and every time I drive it is jus a great truck is a tank literally
I've owned these trucks for 30 yrs at this point. Got my 1st 2wd 1/2 ton when I was 17. Now at 47 I have a collection of k30s c20s and suburbans.. I'm at 7 now with 3 cummins converted. 1 factory original survivor.
Yep, I own a 1981 GMC one ton camper special with the 454 big block. It only has 65k original miles on it. I'll never part with it.
I have a 1973 Cheyenne super 10. It has a 350 and 65k miles it’s my first truck and I’ll never sell it
cool
Good old trucks.
5. 5 dollars take it or leave it.
Hope some dummy doesn't try to get you to chop and drop it.
I've had mine since it was about 1.5 to2 years old.
It has a small rust place on firewall behind distributor & on driver side door at bottom front.
All I've ever done to it was change fluids & grease every 2,000 miles. Put tires on it once& brakes. Replaced muffler & tailpipe.
It needs a fuel pump, carb rebuild, and brakes now, along with the indicated rust.
Maybe start doing something with it next year.
Oh yeah it also has cracked dash pad from sitting in the barn.
Great truck and it's never let me down!
Can't say that for the new one! Enjoyed the video!
I own four squares at the moment and a few earlier chevy truck variations.
Yea there the best we've got 27 of em
U LUCKY SUM-BISH 😁😁😁😁 .... KANT GO WRONG MY YOUNG BROTHA THEY DO LOOK seXXXy I HAD THE 86 NOW I HAVE A 55 2ND SERIES 1 TON DUALLY 🤗🤗🤗🤗
I had several when I was young now I wish I had not beat them so I'd still have one or two. I want one so bad but every time I come across one I'm either a day late or the JackAss don't have a title for it.
Yeah have have 2 an 82 GMC that belonged to my Brother and a 86 Chevy that belonged to my Dad
wanna sell one
My Dad had an 1978 Silverado, my grandfather bought the truck that year, light blue, importer by the farm association in our town in Venezuela.
I got a 1985 short bed I bought off my grandpa for $600. It'd been sitting in his barn and hadn't been started in 7 years, put a new battery in it and I ended up drivin it home.
And the dash still had no cracks.
How reliable is it?
@@cptchuff2741 bulletproof truck only time I had an issue was when the winter killed my battery but it was also in the negatives.
I will always loves the Rounded Line generation they're such beautiful trucks !
My family still has a 1980 GMC Sierra Grande that my grandfather purchased new. It has 90,000 km, and although it isn't rusted out, the body is riddled with dings and dents. The tiny windows that direct air into the cabin never seal quite right, even after several different seal kits. The oldsmobile diesel struggles to start when it get chilly outside, forget it in the winter! We purchased a spare engine because injectors and many parts are hard to come by now. The hydroboost power steering and braking system works very well, and I was always impressed with it. The truck has vague handling and its suspension is rudimentary, but it did its job on the farm, and helped me and all my friends move over the years.
An Olds diesel with over 30,000 miles that still runs? Wow! That is super super rare!
I own a 1978 GMC Jimmy 4x4 and I love it and will keep it for the rest of my life , it's easier to work on than newer trucks , is made of thicker metal and gets looks everywhere I drive it . I drove a 75' Chevy PU for 300,000 miles and it still looked good when I sold it , plus used a 84 Chevy PU for work for years and loved it and still love the style , the only reason I got a newer truck was because of the 4 door extended cab
Maneje por 28 años mi C-10 1977 y tengo más de 4 años reuniendo los repuestos para reconstruir la, saludos desde la Ciudad de México.
I love these trucks and always have. It kind of funny though how 10 years ago these trucks weren't worth anything and you could find a clean one with little to no rust for $2500 or less but in the past 5 years the prices on these things have shot through the roof and for a super rusty clapped out shortbed will run around 2000, its crazy.for me the biggest thing on these trucks is the rust problems, if its rusty on the lower sections of the cab it's not that big of a deal to fix but where I live these trucks have a horrible habit of rotting around the windshield which is next to impossible to fix.
Bought a rust free shortbed 86 for $300. Widow sold it to me to clean up yard. New distributor and fired right up. She didn't know what was wrong w it she told me.
@@ryangarrett7281 your one of the lucky few, you must live in a nice climate or the truck is full of bondo because where I live 98% of them rust along the bottom edge of the windshield or has rusted cab corners or rockers but if it's legit you got a steal man.
The only rust on my 74 C20 is front of the hood,bottom of the fenders and doors,other than the surface areas showing with the original Spanish Gold paint.
🤣👍😂
Rust around the windshield is probably bc the glass was replaced but the frame wasn’t cleaned and primed before the new glass went in.
Don’t hirer the cheapest auto glass company bc you will get what you pay for.
Well done. Normally i’d complain about so many ads but I couldn’t imagine the countless hours of research done to make this video, this guy deserves the revenue off it. As a younger automotive enthusiast this video has saved myself countless hours of research to learn more about these American icons. Thank you and look forward to watching more of your videos
i own a 1983 gmc 4x4 suburban it had the 6.2 Detroit which was great on mpg before it blew up lol . now swapped the motor for a 2005 lq4 6.0 and love it even more , ill keep it forever ! great trucks !
82 one ton with dual tanks, the tank valve hung up one night while I was switching from left to right tank in the middle of nowhere and then ran the batteries down trying to get fuel to the engine. It made for a long miserable night of tow truck adventures.
The 73 Chevy truck looked so modern.A friend bought a new 454 73 Silverado in Hawaiian blue with the white center and to.It was beautiful
"Silverado" didn't exist until about 1975. If your friend bought a top-of-the-line 73, he bought a Cheyenne Super.
They really hit a sweet spot in truck history. They were the first trucks to offer modern essentials, like fuel injection, crew cabs, computer aided design, wind-tunnel testing, etc. They were the first trucks to offer 4WD in a way that hit the zeitgeist. Despite the advances, they still possessed GM's time-tested and indestructible drivetrain: big block + TH400 + 14-bolt axle, + NP205 transfer case + manual locking front hubs. They were also still relatively simple and easy to fix. Unlike the previous generation, square bodies were enormously capable, coming with tough leaf spring rear axles and the almighty 454 big block. 4x4 trucks got robust, solid front axles. Plastic was used minimally, while everything else was plate steel or cast iron.
My dad drove a '79 C20 from the time I was 7 until I was in my mid-20s. He didn't maintain it well, and he worked construction, so it was no cream puff. It survived my brothers jumping it, blowing up the transmission doing burnouts, running it into a tree while playing Dukes of Hazzard in the fig orchards near our house, launching a camper full of tools off the back while trying to make a traffic light, endless racing, etc. It had several engine fires, was in constant danger of being impounded over back registration fees, and eventually was abandoned in the back yard for a decade or so before being dragged off to the scrap yard. Even so, it always started right up. You couldn't kill these trucks.
I daily drive an '89 V2500 Suburban today. It's still easy to fix, has tremendous aftermarket support, is tough as nails, always gets praise from random people in parking lots (even though its a beater) and never fails to put a big grin on my face every time I get in. Just excellent, excellent trucks.
I have a 87gmc Sierra classic 4x4 305 fuel injection . I love it it's still in great shape and I still have the sticker price of the vehicle. So far no rust issues.
You should do a rise and fall of the small pickup trucks
I've got an '83 longbed. A little rust on the rockers, but otherwise a solid truck. I hope it's with me for life!
It will be... 👍
I have a 1973 C10 square body. Auto 4 speed, 350cc and 333hp. Love it. Great job on the video.
333 horses on a 73? Stock, only 145 - 165 horsepower. Must be fun!
Just got a 74 sierra 1500 in red and white with rally wheels. Its a 350 automatic 2wd but there is no radiator and it hasn't ran since 1998 but the engine isnt seized and all the fluids were good, and it was only 100 bucks and its going to be a good project
Lucky you !!!
These trucks were made in some form 73-91. I had 6 of them over the years & loved them all. My fav was the last one which was a 90 full size Blazer. In hindsight I'm mad I sold any of them!
Last ones were made in 2002 in the form of cab chassis
@@Glubbdubdrib Didn't know that!
Nice work on getting this info out.I love the factory pictures,Don't see alot of trucks with the original paint configurations anymore.
I have an '87 Silverado Stepside that I've owned since new. '87 was the first year Chevy trucks got fule injection and the last year of the Stepside bed.
The one person that gave this video a thumbs down musta been a ford truck owner of the same generation and hates his decision in life. What a Nincompoop!!!!! Lol.
You could get a stepside in the 90s and even in the 2000s
@@larrytate5867 Chevy changed the name to I believe sport side and GMC to Wide side it was completely redesigned. The fenders were molded into the bed side panel from '88 till ???? The original stepside bed with the big bubble fenders that actually bolt on to the bed side ran from 1955 to '87. With only slight changes to the fenders/ tail lights the box and tailgate and wood floor were unchanged for that 32 year run.
Thanks for playing.
@@afterhourshotrods6882 The stepside beds did change styling numerous times over the generations, a whole lot longer than 32 years. The 20s trucks had one style, which changed in the 30s, another style up to 46, then 47 to early 55 had yet another style change, then 55 to 59s were different again, the 60 to 66 generation had it's own unique styling, 67 to 72s were unique, and 73 to 87 were again different. Yes, they were all bolted together steel body panels until 88 when they changed to fiberglass, but they still had steps, therefore they are still stepsides, and not all of the older step sides had wooden beds, steel bed bottoms were available in late 70s and 80s with the stepsides. Wood bed bottoms were available in fleetsides up through the 78 model year as well, which most people aren't aware of either.
Good game.
I believe 2004 was the last year for a GM stepside bed.
I own and drive 7 of them, including a Gentleman Jim and a Beau James. The Crew Cab, Blazer/Jimmy and Suburban models were actually built through the 1991 model year.
Lucky you , hang on to them , Rockford Files had a bad GMC that Jim's father drove.
@@barbiesawada5916 Yep, Rocky drove a K-15 step side. If I recall, it was two tone black and silver. Larry Wilcox a.k.a. Jon Baker also drove a blue stepside after the first season or 2 on Chips. Let's not forget about The Fall Guy either!
I am on my way today to HOPEFULLY purchase a 1987 V10 LWB today. A 3 owner Texas truck. 350cid TBI, 700R4 O/D 👍
@@COWBOYZNATION Good luck with the purchase, I hope it turns out to be everything that you want it to be!
@@MikeBrown-ii3pt Dang it. I'm not a body man. Rust thru on both cab corners (typical) & rust thru on bed behind left rear tire.
Seller told me there was only surface rust on the left cab corner. 🙁
The hunt continues for me & my oldest daughter....
My dad had a 1974 GMC Custom 1500 , plain Jane , and I mean plain Jane , white wheels with white hub caps , white front bumper, no radio, no AC , no power steering and a 3 on the tree. I learned how to drive on this truck at age 10.
I want to get a square body 4x4 just because they look so good lifted
1. They aren't any more "square" than any other truck ever made (watch that part again).
2. Lift kits suck. They cause problems and aren't necessary. These trucks will go anywhere you want without modifications, except maybe through a swamp, but why the hell would you want to drive one through a swamp? That's what fan boats are for.
@@livewire2759 1. They’re nicknamed square bodies so that’s why I called it that. 2 I think lift kits look good it allows u to fit bigger tires.
@@morganhay859 I'm aware of the nickname, I just don't understand it. It's a recently coined term and I've never cared for it. They also call 80s and 90s Fords "square bodies" now, and I think its stupid. Sorry, just my opinion.
Bigger tires cause more problems just like lift kits. You don't need them and you don't need lift kits to use them. I put 33 x 12.50 - 15 tires on one of my Blazers, they fit without modification, though they did rub the fenders a bit in front when hitting bumps and steering. I went back to 31 x 10.50 - 15's and still go the same places with them.
Keep the trucks stock, they are much more reliable and better driving that way.
@@livewire2759 yea I completely understand the reliability for tires I wouldn’t go larger then 35s and lift kits cause driveshaft problems but I wouldn’t daily drive it anyways. Also gas mileage would be even worse. And 80s and 90s ford are nick names brick nose I’m pretty sure and then dodge is 1st gens
@@morganhay859 Yeah, I've heard the "brick nose" thing before, but the "1st gen", "2nd gen" thing is used for lots of different cars and trucks.
I owned a 1982 GMC Sierra. Great truck. I believe im the second owner, great truck have a few rust spots that are barely starring to notice but over all is a great truck.
I picked up a 90 blazer for 1000 bucks only 2 problems was frame crack by the steering box n and the front driver seat mount busting threw the floor very good video loved it
I own a 1986 cucv blazer with 6.2 diesel, and it's solid, only rust is behind front seats on floor boards, but coming with military blazers, because they mounted military antennas on sides right thier, and when they remove the mounts, it leaves big holes for rain to seep in. over all it's a great truck and I'll never get rid of it, gets 24 mpg and handles any terrain with ease.
1982 had 6.2 diesel engine option as well. Rare breed for sure. Just saw one on Facebook, and ebay has a military ambulance with one as well. Thanks for the video.
The previous Olds diesel was so bad that diesel's reputation was severely tarnished for several years. Your 6.2 diesel, I think it is a 379 cube, is a good engine, as it was designed by diesel experts.
Very good collection of pics and info.
I've been around/owned a bunch of these rigs and you're right on point.
Ive got an 87 short bed but the one I wish I'd never sold was an 89 Crew Cab Western Hauler package. That truck had some fat captains seats. It was so comfortable on long drives.
I have owned three and still own a 1986 c10 last of the carbureted engines, and 1987 was the R)V series and was made until 1991 as crew cab and surburan, and Blazer/Jimmy models
had an 82 shortbed Chevrolet with a 305 engine had over 400,000 miles, easy maintenance
I have a 86 gmc sierra classic fully loaded. Short box 4x4 with a 4 speed...all original. A few add ons, but mostly untouched with 67,000 miles. Had it for 28 years now. Just put her in the shop last Oct, doing the under cairrage now.
‘77 GMC with a 454, Holley 4 barrel carb and 4 speed standard tranny, cab clearance lights and aftermarket chrome bar grill, west coaster mirrors and matching blue bug detector.
Had a 1975 Chevy Custom Deluxe K10, 1980 K5 Blazer, 1982 Scottsdale K20, 1983 Scottsdale K20 and a Diesel 1984 Scottsdale K20 along with a 1987 Jimmy diesel. All great rigs!
i got my 1978 had it for over 20 yrs now,,, it is a gas hog..with 35 in tires , i get a bout 5 miles to the gal.... but i wont get ride of it....still runs like a champ
when gas needle reads past full it is usually just a simple grounding issues involving the fuel system itself
Thanks for the word! My fuel gauge is doing the same thing; hoping it's as simple as the ground!..
I bought a 1985 K10 with 74,000 original miles for $2500.00. Only has 10% rust and for a Michigan truck that’s almost unheard of. It has a really good SM465 four speed with granny gear but a very under power 305. I bought a 350 to drop in this spring. Love the truck
Actually, 305 cubes isn't too small. What is wrong is the super-tall gearing, chosen for the highest possible gas mileage rating. If your's is an automatic, you should be running something around 3:36 - 1 or 3:73 - 1. If a stick, you should be running 3:73 or 4:10 gears. Yes, shorter gears will lower the comfortable cruising speed, but a 4X4 is made for pulling power.
@@michaelbenardo5695 it’s a 4 speed with granny gear 1st. 3:73 open diff on the tail.
I currently own a 84 Chevrolet c10 Silverado with the 6.2 diesel, I love my truck and have always loved the square body chevs. My first one was a 1976 Chevrolet custom deluxe 10, it was orange had a short bed with 4 wheel drive and had the three speed manual with the granny low. Wish I still had it. Thing was rusted out pretty bad though. Cant complain about these old trucks they are good looking and still very popular. I plan on installing a small block 350 in my 84 once the diesel gives up.
You will have to replace your front springs, as diesels are pretty heavy and the small-block Chevy is pretty light, or else you will be nose-high.
I bought a new 77 GMC High Sierra 4x4 free wheeling 4 speed manual duel exhaust duel tanks duel battery regular cab short box rear chrome step bumper with trailer package 350 4 bbl. with a 3.73 read end and added 16" rims........loved it ! Sure wish I had kept it ! After 1987 GM went down hill !
Hey there : you say it was built until, '89,,,,,,, but, remember: the "BLAZER" and the SUBURBAN were this same thing, up until 1991!! I've got me a 91 blazer, that 's why I've been watching your stuff........Very good, > THANK YOU SIR!
73-87 was for the trucks only the GMC Jimmy, Chevy Blazer and Suburban used the square body for and additional four years. I currently own an 1988 GMC Jimmy, Love it it is my 3rd Jimmy the first was my favorite 1975 GMC Jimmy with a full removable top, then I had a 78 GMC Jimmy was just luck I guess I always got the Jimmy and not a Blazer, Also own a 1986 GMC short box truck with 4.3 V6 and three on the tree.. Loved them all..
I daily drive my 85 gmc 1 ton . 660,000 km , HT 383 GM crate, all MSD , ram horns , xpipe, Flowmaster, sm 465 with gearvenders. Love it . Pulls a Bandit model 90. Lotsa torque.
Have had my 81 C20 for 15 years. Converted it to 4x4 last year.
I have 3. A Suburban, a k20 and a k5 blazer. Best trucks ever. Only time I've seen the frame crack is on ones that are lifted with over size tires.
I own a 1973 C10 Fleet side ,it has a 250 six,3spd on coloum converted to floor shift, manual disc brakes, manual steering,no ac am radio. It also has points ignition which still works. I drive it on daily basis here in OKC,OK and make trips to my property in eastern Ok when needed,about 500 miles round-trip
My brother and I are fixing up an 83 Scottsdale c10, luckily it isn't in the worst condition now after rebuilding the rear end and replacing the front bearings. it came from a farm before we got to it, and it does have the body rust in the usual spots, but we're handling it pretty well lol. Having and working on old vehicles is the coolest thing you can do in my opinion.
And funny enough, while i was dealing with the rust, i found a couple handfulls of cut-up rope packed in the front right fender. That has to be the weirdest thing ive ever found lol
Short beds have really become a collectors item and are getting really tough to find. They seem to be going up in value every year.
Have two of them
I want one for a first truck, but I’m going to get a long bed just to save money
@@muricaman991 long beds ride good!
Long beds are somewhat cheaper, ride so much better out on the open road, and haul more work too!! 👍
In fact, I think it is horrible people have began cutting & sectioning this generation of LWBs no into SWB trucks!! Terrible!!
I believe that I have 2 myself.
Have a 76 Scottdale BIG TEN that my grandfather bought new. It was the truck i learned how to drive a stick on as well as my mother before me. Been a family heirloom. Kinda wish grandpa ordered AC but we get along just fine.
These are excellent trucks in every way, except for a love of rusting, unless undercoated when brand new. Mine is a 73 GMC C25 with the 292 and, rare for a 3/4 ton, 3 on the Tree. As I don't often tow anything very heavy, my frame is free of cracks and will probably never crack. And NO COMPUTERS, NO CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NO SMOG CHECKS! What's not to love about it?
HISTORY has shown, if they undercoat the trucks, the undercoat will fail, crack or chip and water gets under the undercoat and then rust ravages the metal.
I have had limited success with POR15 as well. Oil seems to work the best.
I own a 1987 Silverado package it is my first truck knowing that Im 12 I am having problems with my transmission but that's the only main issue with the truck it sound great and I think it was a good first vehicle choice!
Well. Whats going on with your transmission? Not going anywhere?
I currently own 2:
1984 Chevrolet C30 Silverado single cab equipped with a 350 4 barrel and SM465 manual transmission
1991 GMC Suburban R1500 SLE equipped with a 350 TBI and 700R4 transmission.
Bought both of them in 2013 for 1,800. Suburban ran when purchased so, it became my daily while the C30 became a long term project.
I've owned a 71 C10 , a 88 Cheyenne ,99 3500 dually dump truck & a 03 Silverado the last 2 I still own & use , But as I remember the 73 & 74 had serious rust problems never owned one but the latter 1's are really nice & improved.Thanks for the video.
That was their only real flaw - the rust. The 73 was the worse, as it didn't have roof drip rails and most had rubber floor matting. In the winter, when you opened a door, water would drip onto the floor, get under the rubber often, and stay there, hence, a floor like Swiss Cheese.
@@michaelbenardo5695 Thanks for the info. That explains allot.
I had a mustard colored 72 C20 with a 350 and auto trany. Great truck!
My 74 custom deluxe c20 paint is "Spanish Gold" still on the truck,faded but still there.
I have a 1987 R10 Silverado (yes R10 not C10). I bought it brand new when I was 26 years old. I'm 62 now and me and that truck are still running. I probably have more replacement parts in me than that truck. It's all original and nothing has been modified. the 1987 was the first year for TBI fuel injection and the first year they started putting the 350 back in the 1/2 ton pickups and the last of the square body's. I paid $12,500 for it new and have been offered as much as $15,000. She's a keeper and it will be passed down to my son (But only when I'm done driving it). It's been a great truck.
I have a 1979 Sierra classic "heavy half" that my friend traded me for a wrecked 1977 Corolla. I didnt even know if it would start or how it would run but after I changed the ignition lock and battery, she amazingly started right up..since then I've done all the bodywork/paint, engine work, dressed up the engine, got some bullet style american racing mags on BFG A/T tires and man I love this truck..even though she wasn't ordered with power steering I drive it everyday and I'm never gonna sell her!!!
Great video! Thank you for taking the time to produce it!
78 GMC heavy half, got as a graduation gift from the original owner.
1978 Chevy Scottsdale big 10, sisters from different misters. Hell yea.
Love the tips at end of video! You hit us with a solid. Hats off. Wish GM still made these. My dream truck ,all black SWB, 350 , factory alloy wheels, dual exhaust, low rumble, turbo muffler, chrome tips. List yours .......
I have a 76 Scottsdale step side. black.
Do 77-90 caprice and impala buying guide
Best looking trucks ever built!
I am thinking about taking up my uncles 1983 c2 square body. it has a 454 big block, crew cab, dually, with an 8 foot bed that has side steps on the side in front of the wheel wells. i think its a good investment, but its wore out and needs some work. glad i found this video so i can prepare myself for what i might find out when i tear into the truck.
I ordered a new 1976 K10 Silverado SWB 4X4 with all options. Salesman told me if I got the small block 400 I would have a TH400. When I received it I was so disappointed to see a TH350 and, new to me, full time 4X4 with NP203. What a gas hog! But it would fly! The two tone paint job looked like it was done with spray cans and not one body chrome lined up. The leaf spring front made this short bed ride like a bucking bronco. Owned it for four months and put less than 2K miles. Took me that long to sell it. Didn't have the
Lemon Law back then. Ordered a new 1977 Ford loaded. Flawless! Day and night difference.
I traded for a 84 gmc 2 wheel drive three quater ton granny speed a year a go our newer ford went down now its our daily driver 350 motor out of a 1973 chevy iv done alot of work when bought it had no clutch 2 bolts holding in the trans mission replace fly wheel clutch trow out bearing pressure plate starter carrier baring u joints now got to replace yoke on rear end body needs work but it not bad price for parts
Can we get an R/V series video about the squares with tbi, and the square pickup trucks that continued after 1987 in Mexico?
Got my grandpas 79 k10 full time 4x4 with the 2 tone paint. Nice truck