We know about snagging a deal on the hot GM Squarebody trucks, aka 1973 to 1987 model pickup trucks. We discovered the secret when a 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza short-wheelbase in black called our name among a lot full of wrecked cars.
Why do you want it?
A huge number of classic truck fans have gravitated towards 1973-1987 Chevrolet and GMC 1/2-ton pickups. The reason?
They were cheap and could be made into good looking cruisers. Classic truck buyers realized that they were also good investments. They were easy to work on and a used parts and projects were plentiful. General Motors produced 10 million Chevy & GMC pickup trucks from 1973 until 1987, during the “squarebody” run.
Another reason to go square? They were cheaper than their older, classic GM full-size pickup trucks. The older (1940s-1972) parts trucks and projects are hard to come by and they aren’t cheap.
Square is Cool
No longer the grandpa-mobile. Some wear patina like a badge of honor. Customizing is easier than ever before with a load of aftermarket parts available. Add wheels, paint or dig into the interior. Others get lifted or slammed down to the ground onto air bags. Plenty of room underwood to shove that LS engine you been hoarding.
Watch video above for the secret! How cheap was that black 1977 Bonanza?
Jody Potter
— Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust
Stumbling across a forgotten Chevy or GMC pickup from the 1973-1987 era is still possible but the day of getting one for almost free are over.
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Spending $50,000 or more on a new truck is normal. Putting that money into an older truck that you can work on with a few hand tools makes more sense to us. |
Here’s a look at previous generations of GM Trucks –
- 1st Series: 1947-1955 Advance Design postwar truck
- 2nd Series Models: 1955-1959
- First Generation C/K Series: 1960-1966
- Second Generation C/K Series: 1967-1972
- Third Generation C/K Series: Rounded Line or “Squarebody”: 1973-1987*
(*Note the Suburban, Blazer/Jimmy, and 1-ton trucks continued the “Squarebody” designs through 1991)
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