1973-87 Chevy Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to the Iconic "Square Body" cars.truckstrend.com
The automotive landscape is ever-evolving, yet some designs transcend mere utility to become enduring icons. Among these, the 1973-87 Chevrolet C/K series pickup trucks, affectionately known as the "Square Body," stands tall. These rugged, distinctive workhorses have garnered a passionate following, transitioning from utilitarian daily drivers to highly sought-after classics, custom canvases, and reliable cruisers. If you’re considering a 1973-87 Chevy truck for sale, you’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re investing in a piece of American automotive history, a testament to timeless design and enduring mechanical simplicity. This comprehensive guide will navigate the world of Square Body ownership, from understanding their appeal to finding the perfect one for you.
I. The Enduring Appeal of the Square Body
1973-87 Chevy Trucks For Sale: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide to the Iconic "Square Body"
Introduced in 1973, the third-generation C/K series marked a significant departure from its predecessors. Designed by the legendary Bill Mitchell, these trucks featured a more aerodynamic, yet unmistakably boxy, silhouette that earned them their "Square Body" moniker. Chevrolet aimed for a "Rounded Line" design, a paradox that speaks to the subtle curves within their otherwise rectilinear form. Production spanned an impressive 15 years, with the C/K nomenclature extending until 1987 for standard pickups, and even longer for the Suburban and Blazer models (until 1991).
The Square Body’s enduring appeal lies in several key factors:
- Timeless Aesthetics: Their clean lines and robust stance have aged remarkably well, appealing to both classic truck enthusiasts and those seeking a unique, vintage look.
- Rugged Durability: Built with heavy-duty components and straightforward engineering, these trucks were designed to work hard and withstand the test of time.
- Mechanical Simplicity: Unlike modern vehicles laden with complex electronics, Square Bodies are relatively easy to diagnose and repair, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts and those seeking lower maintenance costs.
- Nostalgia: For many, these trucks evoke memories of a simpler era, representing reliability, hard work, and freedom.
II. Key Models and Variations
The 1973-87 Chevy truck lineup offered a remarkable array of configurations, catering to diverse needs and preferences. Understanding these variations is crucial when searching for a truck for sale.
- C/K Series Designation:
- C-Series: Denotes two-wheel-drive (2WD) models.
- K-Series: Denotes four-wheel-drive (4WD) models, highly popular for off-road enthusiasts and those in challenging climates.
- Body Styles:
- Regular Cab: The most common configuration, available with short (6.5 ft) or long (8 ft) beds.
- Extended Cab (Club Cab): Introduced in 1973, offering limited rear seating or storage space.
- Crew Cab: A true four-door truck with full rear seating, often paired with an 8 ft bed, prized for their rarity and utility.
- Blazer/K5 Blazer: The iconic two-door SUV, sharing the C/K platform, known for its removable top (earlier models) and off-road prowess.
- Suburban: The long-wheelbase SUV, offering ample passenger and cargo capacity, also sharing the C/K underpinnings.
- Trim Levels:
- Custom Deluxe: The base model, often sparse but highly functional.
- Scottsdale: A step up, offering more comfort features.
- Cheyenne: A mid-range trim with more amenities like chrome trim and improved interiors.
- Silverado: The top-tier luxury trim, featuring plush interiors, extensive chrome, and often power accessories.
- Engine Options: Over the years, a wide range of engines powered these trucks, including:
- Inline-6: 250 and 292 cubic inch (ci) engines, known for their torque and durability.
- Small Block V8: The ubiquitous 305, 350 (5.7L), and 400 ci V8s, offering a balance of power and reliability. The 350 is particularly popular due to its robust nature and vast aftermarket support.
- Big Block V8: The potent 454 ci (7.4L) V8, found in heavier-duty applications, prized for its immense torque.
- Diesel: GM introduced the 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8 in 1982, offering better fuel economy but with its own set of characteristics.
- Transmission Options: Manual (3-speed, 4-speed) and automatic (TH350, TH400, 700R4) transmissions were available. The 700R4 (introduced mid-80s) offered an overdrive gear, improving fuel economy.
III. Why Buy a Square Body Today? Benefits and Advantages
Beyond their classic appeal, there are many practical reasons to consider a 1973-87 Chevy truck:
- Excellent Parts Availability: Thanks to their long production run and popularity, virtually every part for a Square Body is still available, either new (reproduction), used, or remanufactured. This makes restoration and maintenance significantly easier and more affordable than many other vintage vehicles.
- Customization Potential: The aftermarket for Square Bodies is massive. Whether you want to lift it, lower it, swap in a modern engine (LS swaps are incredibly popular), upgrade the brakes, or completely restyle the interior, the possibilities are endless.
- Relatively Affordable Entry Point: While pristine examples command high prices, project trucks or good drivers can still be found at reasonable prices, offering a cost-effective entry into classic vehicle ownership.
- Strong Community Support: A vibrant community of Square Body enthusiasts exists online and in person, providing a wealth of knowledge, advice, and camaraderie.
- Investment Potential: Well-maintained or professionally restored Square Bodies have shown a steady increase in value over the past decade, making them a potentially sound investment.
- Practicality: Even as classics, these trucks retain their core utility. They can haul, tow (within limits), and serve as reliable daily drivers with proper maintenance.
IV. What to Look For: A Buyer’s Guide
When examining a 1973-87 Chevy truck for sale, a thorough inspection is paramount. These vehicles are decades old, and common wear and tear, along with specific vulnerabilities, need careful attention.
- Rust, Rust, Rust: This is the Square Body’s Achilles’ heel. Inspect thoroughly:
- Cab Corners & Rocker Panels: The most common rust spots due to water and debris accumulation.
- Fenders: Especially around the wheel wells and where they meet the cab.
- Bed: Floor, wheel tubs, and bedside seams. Look for signs of bondo or poor patch jobs.
- Frame: Check for excessive surface rust, but more critically, look for pitting, rot, or previous repairs, especially near suspension mounting points.
- Inner Fenders, Core Support, Battery Tray: Common areas for corrosion.
- Mechanical Condition:
- Engine: Listen for knocking, excessive smoke (blue/black), strange noises. Check oil and coolant for signs of contamination. Verify the engine matches the VIN (if originality is important).
- Transmission: Check fluid level and color. Listen for grinding, slipping, or harsh shifts. Test all gears, including reverse.
- Drivetrain (4WD models): Engage 4WD (high and low range). Listen for unusual noises from the transfer case or differentials. Check for fluid leaks.
- Suspension & Steering: Look for worn bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends. Check for excessive play in the steering wheel. Bounce each corner to check shocks.
- Brakes: Check fluid level, look for leaks. Test pedal feel – it should be firm, not spongy.
- Interior:
- Dash Pad: Prone to cracking from sun exposure. Replacements are available.
- Seat Upholstery: Check for rips, tears, and foam condition.
- Electrical: Test all lights (interior/exterior), gauges, wipers, radio, heater/AC fan, and power windows/locks (if equipped). Many electrical issues can be traced to old wiring or poor grounds.
- Floor Pans: Lift floor mats to check for rust, especially near the firewall and under the seats.
- Body & Paint:
- Panel Alignment: Look for uneven gaps, which can indicate previous accidents or poor bodywork.
- Paint Condition: Look for bubbling (underlying rust), overspray, or mismatched colors.
- Glass & Seals: Check for cracks, chips, and the condition of window and door seals. Worn seals can lead to water leaks and interior damage.
- Paperwork: Ensure the title is clear and matches the VIN on the vehicle. Ask for any available service records.
Pro Tip: If you’re not mechanically inclined, or even if you are, consider investing in a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a trusted mechanic specializing in older vehicles.
V. Common Challenges and Solutions
While Square Bodies are robust, their age means they come with potential challenges:
- Extensive Rust: The biggest hurdle. For minor rust, patch panels and welding can fix it. For severe frame or structural rust, a full frame-off restoration might be necessary, or it might be a parts truck. Prevention (garaging, rustproofing) is key for a good example.
- Age-Related Wear & Tear: Gaskets dry out, hoses crack, rubber bushings deteriorate. These are standard maintenance items for any older vehicle. Factor in replacement of fluids, belts, hoses, and seals soon after purchase.
- Carburetor Issues: Older carbureted engines can be finicky. Learning to tune a carburetor or upgrading to a modern Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system (like Holley Sniper or FiTech) can dramatically improve reliability and cold starts.
- Electrical Gremlins: Often due to brittle wiring, poor grounds, or worn-out switches. A wiring diagram and patience are your best friends. Many aftermarket wiring harnesses are available for full replacements.
- Finding a Pristine Example: Unmolested, rust-free Square Bodies are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. Be prepared to travel or pay a premium for top-tier examples.
VI. Restoration and Customization
The Square Body’s simplicity makes it a favorite for both purist restorations and radical custom builds.
- Restoration: You can opt for a driver-quality restoration (making it reliable and presentable), a partial restoration (focusing on specific areas like bodywork or engine), or a full frame-off, concours-level restoration (disassembling the entire truck and rebuilding it to factory or better-than-factory standards).
- Customization (Restomodding): This is where Square Bodies truly shine. Popular modifications include:
- LS Engine Swaps: Installing a modern GM LS-series V8 provides incredible power, reliability, and fuel efficiency.
- Suspension Upgrades: Lowering kits for a street-performance look, or lift kits for off-road capability. Air ride suspensions are also popular.
- Brake Upgrades: Converting to disc brakes all around or installing larger disc brakes dramatically improves stopping power.
- Interior Modernization: Adding modern seats, updated sound systems, Dakota Digital gauges, and even modern HVAC systems.
- Wheel & Tire Combinations: A vast array of aftermarket wheels and tires can completely transform the truck’s stance and appearance.
The robust aftermarket and dedicated community ensure that whatever your vision, you’ll find the parts, expertise, and inspiration to bring your Square Body dream to life.
VII. Price Table: 1973-87 Chevy Trucks For Sale (Estimated Ranges)
Disclaimer: Prices are highly variable based on condition, engine, transmission, trim level, 2WD/4WD, short/long bed, body style (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab, Blazer, Suburban), geographic location, and market demand. These are general estimates as of late 2023/early 2024.
| Condition Category | Description | Estimated Price Range (USD) | Key Factors Influencing Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project/Parts Truck | Non-running, significant rust, major mechanical issues, incomplete. Best for parts or a full frame-off restoration where only the VIN is salvageable. | $1,000 – $5,000 | Severity of rust, completeness, title status, presence of desirable components (e.g., 454 engine, specific trim), body style (crew cabs/Blazers/Suburbans in this condition can still fetch more). |
| Running & Driving (Needs Work) | Runs and drives but has obvious mechanical issues, significant body rust, worn interior, requires substantial work to be a reliable driver. | $5,000 – $12,000 | Engine/transmission condition (running vs. limping), extent of rust (surface vs. structural), completeness of interior/exterior, 2WD vs. 4WD (4WD typically higher), body style (regular cab short bed vs. crew cab). |
| Good Driver (Minor Issues) | Reliable daily driver or weekend cruiser. May have minor rust, some cosmetic flaws, but mechanically sound. Needs TLC but no immediate major repairs. | $12,000 – $25,000 | Overall mechanical reliability, minimal structural rust, presentable paint/interior (even if not perfect), desirable engine/transmission combo (e.g., 350 V8, 700R4), 4WD premium, short bed premium, popular colors, factory A/C. |
| Well-Maintained Original/Mildly Restored | Excellent mechanical condition, minimal to no rust, clean paint and interior (original or quality repaint/re-upholstery), well-cared-for. | $25,000 – $45,000+ | Authenticity (originality), documentation, desirable trim (Silverado), factory options (A/C, power windows/locks), specific year (e.g., earlier ’73-77 models are often sought), 4WD vs. 2WD, short bed vs. long bed, specific engine (e.g., 454 big block), desirable color combinations, overall level of restoration/preservation. |
| Show Quality/Frame-Off Restoration | Concourse-level condition, meticulously restored to original specifications or a high-end restomod. Flawless paint, interior, and mechanicals. | $45,000 – $100,000+ | Quality of restoration (professional vs. amateur), uniqueness of build, specific engine swaps (e.g., high-performance LS), custom chassis/suspension, modern amenities integrated seamlessly, rare options/features, awards/recognition. Crew cabs, Blazers, and Suburbans in this condition command the highest prices. |
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What years are considered "Square Body" Chevy trucks?
A: Generally, 1973 to 1987 for standard pickups. However, the C/K platform continued for Suburbans and Blazers until 1991, so these are also often included under the "Square Body" umbrella.
Q: Are parts hard to find for these trucks?
A: Absolutely not! Thanks to their popularity and long production run, the aftermarket is robust. You can find virtually any part, new or used, for restoration, repair, or customization.
Q: Are Square Body trucks good daily drivers?
A: Yes, with proper maintenance and potentially some upgrades (like EFI conversion or modern AC), they can be reliable daily drivers. Their simple mechanics make them easy to work on.
Q: What’s the main difference between C and K series trucks?
A: C-series are two-wheel-drive (2WD), while K-series are four-wheel-drive (4WD).
Q: Which engine is the best to have in a Square Body?
A: The 350 cubic inch (5.7L) small-block V8 is often considered the most versatile and reliable, with excellent aftermarket support. The 454 big-block offers more power for heavy hauling, while LS swaps provide modern performance and efficiency.
Q: What’s the biggest issue to look out for when buying a Square Body?
A: Rust. Always thoroughly inspect the cab corners, rocker panels, fenders, bed, and frame for rust.
Q: Can I put modern conveniences like air conditioning or power windows in a Square Body?
A: Absolutely! Many aftermarket kits exist to integrate modern AC, power windows, power locks, upgraded stereos, and even cruise control into Square Body trucks.
Conclusion
The 1973-87 Chevy "Square Body" truck represents a golden era of American truck manufacturing. Their blend of rugged aesthetics, mechanical simplicity, and incredible versatility has cemented their status as highly desirable classics. Whether you’re seeking a workhorse, a showstopper, or a reliable daily driver with character, a Square Body offers an unparalleled ownership experience. With diligent research, a thorough inspection, and a little patience, you can find the perfect 1973-87 Chevy truck for sale to start your own journey with this iconic piece of automotive history. Embrace the square, and join the growing legion of enthusiasts who celebrate these timeless machines.
