Debatable best 73-87 year?

[68shortwide]

I'm looking to sell my 72 swb cab and chassis (don't ask or offer, not trying to turn this into a classified) and buy a swb fleetside square body. So whats the best year i.e. power windows, dash appearance, upgrades year to year etc? I understand this is highly subjective so all input is appreciated. Thanks guys.

[gmachinz]

If I could put one together from scratch, I'd vote for a 73-74 GMC cab, 1978-up box, 1987 metal dash-(1.5 DIN radio opening provision), 1981-up doors (better power window motors), 1981-up door panels and 87-91 Suburban style buckets/console.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

If I could put one together from scratch, I'd vote for a 73-74 GMC cab, 1978-up box, 1987 metal dash-(1.5 DIN radio opening provision), 1981-up doors (better power window motors), 1981-up door panels and 87-91 Suburban style buckets/console.

Pretty much sums it up. If your talking stone stock, I would take an 87. I prefer the looks of the 73-80 and the amenities of the 87.

[JWall]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I prefer the looks of the 73-80 and the amenities of the 87.

I agree with this statement.

[68shortwide]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

If I could put one together from scratch, I'd vote for a 73-74 GMC cab, 1978-up box, 1987 metal dash-(1.5 DIN radio opening provision), 1981-up doors (better power window motors), 1981-up door panels and 87-91 Suburban style buckets/console.

What's the difference between a 73-74 gmc and 73-74 chevy cab?

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by 68shortwide

What's the difference between a 73-74 gmc and 73-74 chevy cab?

From what I can tell just badging

[gmachinz]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

From what I can tell just badging

Yes.....I just like the toughness of the early GMC front ends....so that means GMC exterior styling cues.

[68c10owner]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

Yes.....I just like the toughness of the early GMC front ends....so that means GMC exterior styling cues.

I prefer the GMC as well. My first square was a 75 GMC and my current is a 85 GMC. I prefer the grill and trim over the chevys.

[Irish1941]

Originally Posted by 68c10owner

From what I can tell just badging

The 73 cab had no drip rails. If I remember right, 74 they were optional or only on up level trucks and standard by 75.
Found this pic online. Love how really clean it looks.

[slotard]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

If I could put one together from scratch, I'd vote for a 73-74 GMC cab, 1978-up box, 1987 metal dash-(1.5 DIN radio opening provision), 1981-up doors (better power window motors), 1981-up door panels and 87-91 Suburban style buckets/console.

What does it take to swap the doors onto an earlier truck?

[79sierra]

Originally Posted by slotard

What does it take to swap the doors onto an earlier truck?

9/16 socket is all you need.

[slotard]

Originally Posted by 79sierra

9/16 socket is all you need.

Thanks, I need to keep my eyes open for doors that're a similar color to my truck. I like the patina it has... but power windows etc would be nice to have.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by gmachinz

If I could put one together from scratch, I'd vote for a 73-74 GMC cab, 1978-up box, 1987 metal dash-(1.5 DIN radio opening provision), 1981-up doors (better power window motors), 1981-up door panels and 87-91 Suburban style buckets/console.

I think we're thinking about the same. I'd specify the 73-74 GMC tailgate as well, love how they're stamped. If the truck was 4WD I'd spec a CUCV frame with the extra bracing. The 1.5 DIN was 89-91, btw, and I've only ever seen bezels in woodgrain (barf), I hope they make the brushed or plain black. My dad has an '87 with the shaft style radio.

I'll also add medium duty tach cluster to the list of desirable options, fuel gauge built into tach, still leaves bottom right open for something else.

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I'll also add medium duty tach cluster to the list of desirable options, fuel gauge built into tach, still leaves bottom right open for something else.

The quartz clock, of course.

[83GMCK2500]

Originally Posted by BRUISER

The quartz clock, of course.

I do like the clock. If I had air bags (overload style) I'd put the dual needle air pressure gauge, if I towed with an automatic I'd put a temp gauge in and connect it to a sending unit on trans, and there's always a single needle air pressure and a vacuum gauge to choose from. Would take the clock over the last two though.

[kelsfine69]

1987 I think...I guess that's why I have 2 of them

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by BRUISER

The quartz clock, of course.

Originally Posted by 83GMCK2500

I do like the clock. If I had air bags (overload style) I'd put the dual needle air pressure gauge, if I towed with an automatic I'd put a temp gauge in and connect it to a sending unit on trans, and there's always a single needle air pressure and a vacuum gauge to choose from. Would take the clock over the last two though.

Have you ever had one with a quartz clock? I always thought I wanted one till I had one. They are annoyingly loud, and very hard to see. The one in my 84 Sierra is currently disconnected because of the loud ticking it makes. I have a watch, a cell phone, and a fit bit to tell me what time it is.

Did they ever offer a transmission temp gauge? Thats a great idea if you run the HD tach with the gas gauge.

[68shortwide]

Wow. Thank you G. That does pretty much sum it up. N2TRUX it won't be stock. I was going to do a 72 cab and chassis with a 68 clip and a 4/6 drop, a custom daily. Thats pretty much my direction with the 73-87. I found the attached pics in one of the stickied pic threads above and immediately fell in love with it and want to go that route with a few of my ideas.

[Tom]

Obviously 1978 is the answer for best year 73-87 ever made.

[barry1982]

I have had plenty..... 74 nice, but 74- 76 had crappy heaters, and the plain janes seats did not tilt forward. Also big rust issues in the north country. 78- 80 great, but a little hard on gas. 81-82 nice. The signal lights in bumper prone to breaking, and the wipers like to "cycle" without being turned on...
My favorite year... 85....Still has a carb, and you can tinker with them. Bought a 87 shortbox brand new..... was a fine truck as well.

[78 Big10 454]

Originally Posted by Tom

Obviously 1978 is the answer for best year 73-87 ever made.

Agreed!

[favor]

1978

[cadillac_al]

Simple. We all agree 73-80 look the best. We throw out 73 &74 because they don't have HEI. We throw out 79 & 80 because they changed the gas cap to a gas door (too smooth). That leaves 75-78. 77 has the cool yellow trim so 1977 it is.

The tailgate on my 76 GMC is the most beautiful one ever made for these trucks. I'm not sure if 77 looked the same or not. If not, then I may change my winner to 76 GMC.

[GM72K10]

1986 I think...I guess that's why I have 5 of them

[chrismoore701]

I am good with all those years as long as they have round head lights. That is pretty much my cutoff on all cars. I think the classic cue of the round lights is key. I love those round lights. Including vans. Don't like anything with square lights