For a while now, both Ford and GM square body trucks seem to have taken off in terms of being collector’s items and for customizing purposes. This is good news for you if you’re in the market for a relatively affordable, new project and have no idea where to start.

For our purposes here, we’ll focus on GM trucks from here on out. But just know that most of this applies to Fords as well, if you’re a fan of the Blue Oval.

Square body trucks are generally those manufactured between model years 1973 – 1987 (the years of desirability for Ford are slightly different). The great thing about these trucks, is that parts are still very much available in junk yards around the country, and on some occasions you can still find full trucks to part out to those who are in need.

Of course when you do this, you should keep that which you need for your own project, for yourself.

And, even better, you can still find square body GM trucks for very good prices that are already in great shape, needing minimal work. In fact, I recently saw several early to late 80s trucks listed under $7K, and a few that were even at the $2K price point.

As of this writing, one was even listed for $600 bucks with a bad engine. A simple engine swap is an easy fix for a 1980 C10 pickup to have a project truck that could be worth a lot more than I put into it with some paint, an engine, and TLC.

While this trend has been on the rise for a few years, it has not peaked yet as it has done with the 67-72 trucks of old. And those 67-72 model years are exactly why desirability has gone up for the square bodies. The nice trucks are already done and command a huge premium leaving those of us wanting a pickup to restore to scratch our heads as we look at rust buckets.

The next best option is the square body pickup. They still look great, are classics in their own right, and are still readily available. In fact, there are still tons of affordable trucks out there that will be great for a restomod if you know what you’re looking for.

What to look for in a square body truck:

A few things you need to keep in mind, is that certain options bring in more desirability, even though any of the half-ton trucks are suitable for a restomod build.

For example, step side trucks (like the one pictured at the top) will always command a premium over their counterparts just because of the rarity factor. Not to mention they have a different (much cooler, in my opinion) look. On the same token, those trucks that are four wheel drive also command a premium and are usually the most collectible trucks of any model year, even today’s trucks, just because of what they are.

Conversely, there are also options that tend to be less popular among collectors. An example of these, generally speaking, are those trucks with a long bed. While they can be popular work trucks, they aren’t the best projects because they’ll require more work when it comes time to sell, and just aren’t worth as much.

I’m speaking from first hand experience here, my friends.

But, I know what you’re thinking, these trucks aren’t collectible, are they?

The automotive cycle:

Many of you may be rolling your eyes right now, thinking back to your old C/K 10 truck thinking, “what a turd.” But, there is a cycle for many autos. That cycle looks like this:

1. Yay, a new vehicle
2. Vehicle gets old, starts to rust, or doesn’t run as good
3. Man, I better get a new vehicle
4. Disappointed at trade in value or sale price
5. What a turd that thing was
6. Buys new vehicle
7. 15 – 20 years go by, price for old vehicle rebounds
8. A few more years show it’s now a collector car
9. Car now worth more than paid for
10. Regret for selling

Of course it doesn’t always look like this, but many cars rebound in price that we thought were piles of trash when they stopped running well, or just got old to us. I have a couple that I regret selling. I know my dad does, too, and so do a few of my friends.

I’m here to tell you that the square body trucks are set to be the next craze, and we’re actually already in the middle of it. If you want to get in, I’m urging you to do so now, while you still can because the prices are not going to go back down on these trucks.

Conclusion:

There are still plenty of these trucks out there for the taking. With parts and parts trucks being readily available, having a classic status, and the potential these vehicles offer, their popularity and price will only continue to rise. Getting in on this now while you can is highly recommended.