Why do people ignore square bodies? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

WyattTX · 05-03-2017, 02:48 PM

In notice people speak highly the 67-72, and GMT400. But the square body is just talked about like it is just another truck. Other than that dumb government, and media frenzy over the "side saddle" gas tanks, what is really wrong with these trucks? Mechanically, it seems just as good, if not better than its predecessor. If you count the EFI trucks made in '86 and '87 they might have a fighting chance against the gmt400. Could someone explain the square discrimination? Thanks.

**old Rusty C10** · 05-03-2017, 03:16 PM

until recently they were a dime a dozen, lately they are becoming scarcer forgood OEM parts and the value and desirability will become greater... patience grasshopper

Malo83 · 05-03-2017, 03:20 PM

No discrimination here! with a lot of the 67-72 trucks getting scarce and pricier the 73-87 squarebodies are getting a lot more attention

Mattchu60 · 05-03-2017, 03:36 PM

They made a TON of these trucks - they were everywhere - so the value has probably got a upper limit as they are not scare.

That said, values are rising, when I got mine 5 years ago it was in nice shape - no rust and recent tires and paint. Got for $5k at the time and there were more to pick from. Now the ones in nice shape are going for more than $10k and restored ones are going over $15k. I think people are starting to move on from the 67-72 generation and the 73-87 is starting to get more popular (people are getting older, so the cars they grew up with and are looking for now are changing to stuff from the 70s and 80s. I think the 80's camaros will be a hot item at some point, just my thoughts.

Everywhere I go with mine I get looks and it draws attention, I'll never win any car shows with it, but its fun to drive, looks cool and serves a purpose (it hauls things). Plus they are super easy to work on vs a new car.

nickvig · 08-05-2017, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattchu60

the 73-87 is starting to get more popular (people are getting older, so the cars they grew up with and are looking for now are changing to stuff from the 70s and 80s.

This.

This generation of trucks is probably overlooked because they were made for 20+ years with very minor stylistic changes. Finding nice examples cheap has become difficult in the last 5-10 years.

I've experience the same thing as the other guys here, I was even stalked in the parking lot at Walmart the other day by a guy who said his dad had a truck just like mine when he was a kid and he wanted to buy it. Literally a month after I got my truck someone stopped me in a gas station and wanted to buy it. Everything is cyclical and and squarebody trucks seem to be pretty hot right now.

**mongocanfly** · 05-03-2017, 03:18 PM

different parts of the country I guess but around here the squares rule..there's still a lot of them on the road still being used a "trucks" and are highly sought after for customizing...went to a small local show here last weekend and there were about a dozen squares there..for overall desirability the 67-72s still rule I think..hardly anyone gives a gmt400 a passing glance around here

Keith Seymore · 05-03-2017, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyattTX

Why do people ignore square bodies?

I don't know that they do.

I could hardly put gas in mine without someone wanting to come over and talk to me about it.

Mine has PS/PB, A/C, overdrive trans, disc brakes - to me it is a thoroughly modern truck wrapped in vintage sheet metal.

K

RDrancher · 05-03-2017, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

I don't know that they do.

I could hardly put gas in mine without someone wanting to come over and talk to me about it.

Mine has PS/PB, A/C, overdrive trans, disc brakes - to me it is a thoroughly modern truck wrapped in vintage sheet metal.

K

This ^^.

A lot of thumbs up and nods too, even where we live out in the sticks. The other day I had a 16-17 year old ranch kid getting in his farm truck give me a "that's cool". Nice that there are still some young ones that know what cool is.

shp4man · 05-03-2017, 04:43 PM

I wouldn't mind having a mid 70's short stepper. It's a nice looking little truck.

WyattTX · 05-04-2017, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shp4man

I wouldn't mind having a mid 70's short stepper. It's a nice looking little truck.

Short steppers are cool, but I would not mind having a long stepper, just to be different, and have a rare truck. I have seen more Jeep J10s on the road than long step squares. It is quite rare I see a J10, for that matter.

Bobzilla75 · 05-03-2017, 05:20 PM

Around us, they've almost all returned to their natural elements. There are very few even in the scrap yards at this point.

RedBed · 05-03-2017, 05:49 PM

They get attention from me for sure! But yea, there were a LOT of them made.

Bloodhound · 05-03-2017, 06:17 PM

All in due time. As stated, they were made for a looong time and they made a lot of them.

WyattTX · 05-03-2017, 06:22 PM

I love them for the fact, they were some of the last of their kind, which was big sheetmetal,push button doors, and glass headlights. The gmt400 was the entrance to the Tupperware age. Ford, and Chrysler tried to avoid the Tupperware transition, a little longer by making slower, and more subtle changes to their pickups. But by the end of the '90s they had succumbed to the Tupperware influence.

Dead Parrot · 05-03-2017, 06:37 PM

When the side saddle tank thing happened, someone pulled records on how many were still on the road. I don't remember the number they got, but even GM was surprised at how many millions were still running. Not only did we start with a very large number of trucks, they have held up well through the years.

BTW - mine got noticed by the Lowes loading crew who were happy they could get the load of drywall to fit completely in the bed. So many of the newer trucks are crew cab short beds.

**mongocanfly** · 05-03-2017, 06:54 PM

I've never heard the term tupperware trucks...sadly it does seem to fit

100%Chevy · 05-03-2017, 07:10 PM

I have about 10,73/89 Chevy trucks,and I'd rather drive them than any of the newer stuff!
I also have a few 60/66 and 3,67/72 trucks.
And,a nearly new 95,K-3500 dually,with all the extras.It has 73,000 miles on it now!
I still drive this the most.because I can throw stuff in it,at it and on it.Plus I can reach over the sides!Can't say that about the newer trucks with the super high beds.
And,the best thing about them is I have no payments!Low insurance,low maintenance and cheap parts.
Yes,it's ugly,but,of them all,it's my favorite.

Mike.

WyattTX · 05-03-2017, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100%Chevy

I have about 10,73/89 Chevy trucks,and I'd rather drive them than any of the newer stuff!
I also have a few 60/66 and 3,67/72 trucks.
And,a nearly new 95,K-3500 dually,with all the extras.It has 73,000 miles on it now!
I still drive this the most.because I can throw stuff in it,at it and on it.Plus I can reach over the sides!Can't say that about the newer trucks with the super high beds.
And,the best thing about them is I have no payments!Low insurance,low maintenance and cheap parts.
Yes,it's ugly,but,of them all,it's my favorite.

Mike.

Like many old work horses, it great ugliness only adds to it's beauty. As it would tell a greater story than show winner, that lives under a tarp all its life.

abig84 · 05-04-2017, 02:09 PM

im sure the same thing will happen with like the early 90s style. no one really cares now but give it 20+ years.

i know ive said before when i first got into old chevys in the late 90s people would basically give them to you, scrap was very low so most people had to pay to get rid of them and i had no problem taking them in. most i ever paid for a 80s truck was $1200 it was a 84 k5 blazer in pretty good shape. had working a/c so i was sold

i would guess around 2001 i got it

this was a freebee just needed brakes and the whole front end redone
[IMG]

[/IMG]

$800 for this around 2005, minus the lift tires and all the other bolt on stuff

got plenty more deals like this i could post but its starting to make me depressed as im looking for another cheap 80s truck and its just not gonna happen now a days. and i dont even want to say how cheap i sold those things for either lol

i just wish i grew up on a farm as i would have never got rid of any of these old trucks

WyattTX · 05-03-2017, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dead Parrot

When the side saddle tank thing happened, someone pulled records on how many were still on the road. I don't remember the number they got, but even GM was surprised at how many millions were still running. Not only did we start with a very large number of trucks, they have held up well through the years.

BTW - mine got noticed by the Lowes loading crew who were happy they could get the load of drywall to fit completely in the bed. So many of the newer trucks are crew cab short beds.

You are correct, for every '70s or '80s Ford on the road, I see 10 to 15 GM square bodies. For whatever reason they litterally outlasted the competition. It would not surprise me if Ford or Chrysler helped egg on the side saddle controversey, to promote the sell of their own trucks.

ranger danger · 05-03-2017, 07:02 PM

In my part of the country, its because of smog regulations. Only the 73, 74 and 75 are exempt. After that your stuck with the government telling you what you can and cant do.

85raiderburban · 08-03-2017, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranger danger

In my part of the country, its because of smog regulations. Only the 73, 74 and 75 are exempt. After that your stuck with the government telling you what you can and cant do.

That's when you travel across the border to rural NV (such as Nye County) and get plates there using a UPS mailbox and have no inspection at all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by WyattTX

When these trucks were new, I am sure the "government features" were annoying. But if you live in a free state, you can get rid of them. There was also the Big 10, that got around these features.

yep 3/4 and 1 tons had none of the smog equipment (except pump hosed to to manifolds) and when your outside a smog zone, you retro your squarebody pre '75. that's what I did.

Titomars · 08-05-2017, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ranger danger

In my part of the country, its because of smog regulations. Only the 73, 74 and 75 are exempt. After that your stuck with the government telling you what you can and cant do.

This, and the fact that the "California cash for clunkers" programs have stripped the state of older vehicles. Unfortunately the state (B.A.R.) mandates the vehicles acquired through these programs be crushed. In the 70's and early 80's the square body truck was the top seller In the SF bay area. Now there are hardly any squares left.

st1 · 08-05-2017, 07:04 PM

Not sure if they are ignored but I think due to the numbers built and 'just a work truck' idea people pass on them. But even when my truck was in a bad state of repair people would give me a thumbs up. I just remember one time in California the lady next to me at the stop light yelled to me 'is it supposed to be so loud?' I nodded yes and smiled as I drove off. I agree as the desire for them increases so will the prices.

beasst · 05-03-2017, 07:58 PM

In my area they are very desirable. I looked at one last year, everything worked (ie. factory clock, ac, power windows. etc) Not a straight panel on the truck, cab corners gone, and the guy would not budge off of $3600.
Like above it's rare that I go somewhere in mine and get out that someone doesn't comment on it.

05-03-2017, 02:48 PM	#1
WyattTX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Down south Posts: 518	Why do people ignore square bodies? In notice people speak highly the 67-72, and GMT400. But the square body is just talked about like it is just another truck. Other than that dumb government, and media frenzy over the "side saddle" gas tanks, what is really wrong with these trucks? Mechanically, it seems just as good, if not better than its predecessor. If you count the EFI trucks made in '86 and '87 they might have a fighting chance against the gmt400. Could someone explain the square discrimination? Thanks.

05-03-2017, 03:16 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? until recently they were a dime a dozen, lately they are becoming scarcer forgood OEM parts and the value and desirability will become greater... patience grasshopper __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-03-2017, 03:20 PM	#3
Malo83 Cruzzzn' Vet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Porterville,Ca. Posts: 1,918	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? No discrimination here! with a lot of the 67-72 trucks getting scarce and pricier the 73-87 squarebodies are getting a lot more attention

05-03-2017, 03:36 PM	#4
Mattchu60 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Swaledale, IA Posts: 485	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? They made a TON of these trucks - they were everywhere - so the value has probably got a upper limit as they are not scare. That said, values are rising, when I got mine 5 years ago it was in nice shape - no rust and recent tires and paint. Got for $5k at the time and there were more to pick from. Now the ones in nice shape are going for more than $10k and restored ones are going over $15k. I think people are starting to move on from the 67-72 generation and the 73-87 is starting to get more popular (people are getting older, so the cars they grew up with and are looking for now are changing to stuff from the 70s and 80s. I think the 80's camaros will be a hot item at some point, just my thoughts. Everywhere I go with mine I get looks and it draws attention, I'll never win any car shows with it, but its fun to drive, looks cool and serves a purpose (it hauls things). Plus they are super easy to work on vs a new car.

05-03-2017, 03:18 PM	#6
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,622	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? different parts of the country I guess but around here the squares rule..there's still a lot of them on the road still being used a "trucks" and are highly sought after for customizing...went to a small local show here last weekend and there were about a dozen squares there..for overall desirability the 67-72s still rule I think..hardly anyone gives a gmt400 a passing glance around here

05-03-2017, 04:43 PM	#9
shp4man Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 549	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? I wouldn't mind having a mid 70's short stepper. It's a nice looking little truck. __________________ Everybody has to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer.

05-03-2017, 05:20 PM	#11
Bobzilla75 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Lebanon Posts: 30	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? Around us, they've almost all returned to their natural elements. There are very few even in the scrap yards at this point.

05-03-2017, 05:49 PM	#12
RedBed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: TX Posts: 257	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? They get attention from me for sure! But yea, there were a LOT of them made. __________________ *1979 Chevrolet Bonanza/305/4L60/Edelbrock Performer/Holley 600 Classic*

05-03-2017, 06:17 PM	#13
Bloodhound Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 240	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? All in due time. As stated, they were made for a looong time and they made a lot of them.

05-03-2017, 06:22 PM	#14
WyattTX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Down south Posts: 518	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? I love them for the fact, they were some of the last of their kind, which was big sheetmetal,push button doors, and glass headlights. The gmt400 was the entrance to the Tupperware age. Ford, and Chrysler tried to avoid the Tupperware transition, a little longer by making slower, and more subtle changes to their pickups. But by the end of the '90s they had succumbed to the Tupperware influence.

05-03-2017, 06:37 PM	#15
Dead Parrot Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 2,519	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? When the side saddle tank thing happened, someone pulled records on how many were still on the road. I don't remember the number they got, but even GM was surprised at how many millions were still running. Not only did we start with a very large number of trucks, they have held up well through the years. BTW - mine got noticed by the Lowes loading crew who were happy they could get the load of drywall to fit completely in the bed. So many of the newer trucks are crew cab short beds.

05-03-2017, 06:54 PM	#16
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,622	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? I've never heard the term tupperware trucks...sadly it does seem to fit

05-03-2017, 07:10 PM	#17
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? I have about 10,73/89 Chevy trucks,and I'd rather drive them than any of the newer stuff! I also have a few 60/66 and 3,67/72 trucks. And,a nearly new 95,K-3500 dually,with all the extras.It has 73,000 miles on it now! I still drive this the most.because I can throw stuff in it,at it and on it.Plus I can reach over the sides!Can't say that about the newer trucks with the super high beds. And,the best thing about them is I have no payments!Low insurance,low maintenance and cheap parts. Yes,it's ugly,but,of them all,it's my favorite. Mike.

05-04-2017, 02:09 PM	#19
abig84 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: wheaton IL Posts: 659	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? im sure the same thing will happen with like the early 90s style. no one really cares now but give it 20+ years. i know ive said before when i first got into old chevys in the late 90s people would basically give them to you, scrap was very low so most people had to pay to get rid of them and i had no problem taking them in. most i ever paid for a 80s truck was $1200 it was a 84 k5 blazer in pretty good shape. had working a/c so i was sold i would guess around 2001 i got it this was a freebee just needed brakes and the whole front end redone [IMG][/IMG] $800 for this around 2005, minus the lift tires and all the other bolt on stuff got plenty more deals like this i could post but its starting to make me depressed as im looking for another cheap 80s truck and its just not gonna happen now a days. and i dont even want to say how cheap i sold those things for either lol i just wish i grew up on a farm as i would have never got rid of any of these old trucks Last edited by abig84; 05-04-2017 at 02:18 PM.

05-03-2017, 07:02 PM	#21
ranger danger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Vacaville CA Posts: 896	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? In my part of the country, its because of smog regulations. Only the 73, 74 and 75 are exempt. After that your stuck with the government telling you what you can and cant do. __________________ 1969 C20 Suburban "Rez Dog" Rebuild America one testicle at a time. US Army 1977-1979 12B Combat Engineer US Navy 1979-1983 Gunners Mate Guns (GMG) NRA Life Member Unrestrained Children in back seats cause Accidents. Unrestrained Accidents in back seats cause Children.



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08-05-2017, 07:04 PM	#24
st1 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 224	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? Not sure if they are ignored but I think due to the numbers built and 'just a work truck' idea people pass on them. But even when my truck was in a bad state of repair people would give me a thumbs up. I just remember one time in California the lady next to me at the stop light yelled to me 'is it supposed to be so loud?' I nodded yes and smiled as I drove off. I agree as the desire for them increases so will the prices. __________________ stone sends... 78 GMC Stepside (http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=243201) 06 Dodge Charger Daytona R/T 05 Suzuki GSX-R 1000

05-03-2017, 07:58 PM	#25
beasst Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: cleveland Ga. Posts: 38	Re: Why do people ignore square bodies? In my area they are very desirable. I looked at one last year, everything worked (ie. factory clock, ac, power windows. etc) Not a straight panel on the truck, cab corners gone, and the guy would not budge off of $3600. Like above it's rare that I go somewhere in mine and get out that someone doesn't comment on it.

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