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.

[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.

[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?

[JWall]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

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

I agree with this statement.

[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?

[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.

[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

[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.

[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.

[78 Big10 454]

Originally Posted by Tom

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

Agreed!

[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

[natedogg]

I like all 73-87, but I have always preferred the 81-87 swb c10 Silverado's the best. The 83-84 and 85-87 Chevrolet double headlight front ends with the turn signal in the grille are my favorite. The 81-82 single headlight grilles are in my opinion the ugliest.

[kalbert]

I love the classic look of the 73, but also the grill and parking light change on the 81-82, amd the thin band on the 83-84. I'll get alot of crap for this, but I kinda dig the 80 square headlamps. Can't really explain why. It's definitely not right, but it grew on me.

[68Timber]

I like the round-eyes better too, but agree the later trucks were nicer. My only gripe about the later trucks is the multi-function switch on the blinker stalk. It was OK when it had controls for cruise, but when they added wipers to it, it works OK I guess but feels kinda cheap. That's nit-picking, though. Well, except for the dimmer - that belongs on the floor, right?

[jocko]

76, the bicentennial. For me, for some reason, it always feels like the "thing ya gotta like the most to live with it" is the grille. I like em all, but personally think the 75-78 chev grille is the best looking for this era. Probably partial because of a nice 78 K20 my uncle had when I was a little sprout. Never forgot it, and even though I've been a 60-66 and 67-72 guy most of my life, it always stuck with me. Also prefer the earlier sheet metal body style to the later, but they all look good to me. So, pretty happy with my 76.