Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering OEM replacement parts for your 1973-87 Chevy or GMC squarebody truck.
Squarebody Truck Basics
What is a squarebody truck?
“Squarebody” is the nickname for the third-generation Chevrolet and GMC C/K pickups built from 1973 to 1987, named for their boxy, square-shouldered sheet metal. The same body style continued through 1991 on the full-size Blazer, Jimmy, and Suburban. If your Chevy or GMC truck was built in that window, it is a squarebody, and every part we stock is made for it.
What years are squarebody trucks?
Squarebody pickups (C10, C20, C30, K10, K20, K30) were made from 1973 to 1987. The full-size Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and Suburban kept the squarebody body style a little longer, through 1991. There are two clear eras within the run: the 1973-1980 trucks and the facelifted 1981-1987 trucks.
Is a C10 a squarebody?
Yes. A 1973-1987 Chevy C10 is the most popular squarebody of all. “C10” is the half-ton, two-wheel-drive pickup, while “K10” is the four-wheel-drive version, and both are squarebodies. The C20/K20 (three-quarter-ton) and C30/K30 (one-ton) trucks from the same years are squarebodies too.
Are square body trucks still made?
No. General Motors stopped building the squarebody pickup after the 1987 model year and switched to the rounded GMT400 generation in 1988. The good news for owners is that squarebody replacement and restoration parts are still manufactured new, which is exactly what we supply for 1973-1987 Chevy and GMC trucks.
Why did they stop making square body trucks?
GM replaced the squarebody with the aerodynamic GMT400 “OBS” trucks in 1988 to meet tightening fuel-economy standards and to modernize the styling. The squarebody had run for 15 model years by then, which made it one of the longest-lived pickup designs ever, and a big reason the trucks are so easy to find parts for today.
What is the most sought-after square body Chevy?
Short-bed Fleetside C10s are the most in-demand squarebodies, especially clean Silverado-trim trucks and the 1987 fuel-injected models. The K5 Blazer, big-block C/K 20s, and Dually one-tons also command strong interest. Whichever you own, restoring the sheet metal, trim, and interior is the fastest way to raise its value.
How do I tell what year my squarebody is?
Start with the VIN and the glovebox or door-jamb build tag. Visually, the 1973-1980 trucks use a lower, wider grille and round headlights, while the facelifted 1981-1987 trucks have a squarer grille, available quad (stacked) headlights, and a redesigned dash. Knowing your exact year matters because sheet metal, grilles, and trim changed between those two eras.
What is the difference between a squarebody and an OBS?
The squarebody is the boxy 1973-1987 Chevy and GMC C/K generation. The OBS (“Old Body Style,” GMT400) is the rounded 1988-1998 generation that replaced it. They share almost no body or trim parts, so always match parts to the correct generation before you buy. We focus only on 1973-1987 squarebody parts.
Where can I buy squarebody parts?
Right here. We carry OEM-quality squarebody parts for 1973-1987 Chevy and GMC trucks across every system: body panels, exterior trim, interior, mechanical, and weatherstripping. Everything is listed by exact year range and ships fast within the United States.
Are squarebody replacement parts still being made?
Yes. Reproduction sheet metal (cab corners, rocker panels, floor pans, fenders, and bed panels), exterior trim, interior components, and weatherstripping are all manufactured new for the squarebody platform. Because the trucks sold in huge numbers for 15 years, parts availability is some of the best of any classic truck.
How much does it cost to restore a squarebody truck?
A driver-quality refresh (patch panels, weatherstripping, interior pieces, and trim) often runs a few thousand dollars in parts, while a full frame-off restoration can climb past $20,000 depending on rust, paint, and drivetrain work. Buying the right parts the first time is the single biggest way to control the total.
What are the most common rust spots on a squarebody?
Cab corners, rocker panels, cab floor pans, lower doors, and bed floors are the usual squarebody rust areas, followed by the rear window channel and lower front fenders. Catching them early with quality replacement body panels keeps a small repair from turning into a full cab swap.
About Our Parts
What years of trucks do your parts fit?
We specialize exclusively in 1973-1987 Chevy and GMC C/K squarebody trucks. This includes all cab styles (standard cab, bonus cab, crew cab), bed lengths (short bed and long bed), configurations (Fleetside and Stepside), and model lines (C/K 10, 20, 30, Suburban, Blazer/Jimmy). Some parts fit the extended run to 1991 for the full-size Blazer and Suburban, the product listing always specifies the exact year range.
Are these OEM or aftermarket parts?
We carry high-quality reproduction and replacement parts manufactured to OEM specifications. These are not used factory parts, they are new parts made to match original factory dimensions, materials, and fitment. Most are manufactured specifically for the squarebody restoration market and meet or exceed the quality of the original factory parts.
Will the part fit my exact truck?
Every product listing specifies the exact year range, cab style, bed style, or other configuration it fits. Read the fitment information carefully before ordering. If you have questions about whether a part fits your specific truck, email us at support@oemsquarebodyparts.com with your truck’s year, model, cab/bed style, and 4WD/2WD specification.
Do you carry parts for the C/K 20 and C/K 30 (3/4-ton and 1-ton)?
Yes. We carry parts for all 1973-87 squarebody trucks including the 1/2-ton C/K 10, 3/4-ton C/K 20, and 1-ton C/K 30. Keep in mind that some parts differ between the half-ton (C/K 10) and the heavier-duty 3/4 and 1-ton trucks, particularly suspension, steering, and axle components. The product listing will specify the applicable models.
Do you have parts for the 1973-1980 square body vs. the 1981-1987 facelift?
Yes, we carry parts for both generations of the squarebody platform. The 1973-1980 and 1981-1987 trucks share the same basic frame and cab structure, but many exterior panels, trim pieces, and interior components are different between the two periods. The product listing specifies the exact year range. When buying body panels, always confirm the year range matches your truck.
Ordering & Shipping
How much does shipping cost?
We offer free standard shipping on all orders of $99 or more within the continental United States. Orders under $99 ship for a flat rate of $8.99. International orders ship for a flat rate of $24.99 (minimum order $50). Large freight items like complete bed floors or full-size panels may incur additional shipping charges, this will be shown in your cart before checkout.
How long does shipping take?
Most in-stock orders ship within 1-3 business days. Standard domestic shipping typically takes 3-7 business days after shipment. Freight shipments may take 5-10 business days. You will receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order ships.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to most international destinations. International orders have a minimum order value of $50 USD. Shipping costs $24.99 flat rate for most international destinations. Import duties and taxes are the responsibility of the customer. We cannot mark orders as gifts or misrepresent values on customs forms.
Can I combine multiple items in one order?
Absolutely, and it makes sense to do so. If your order totals $99 or more, all items ship free. Ordering multiple parts in one shipment is the most economical way to get everything you need for your restoration project.
Returns & Warranty
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused, uninstalled parts in their original packaging. To initiate a return, email support@oemsquarebodyparts.com with your order number and reason for return. Shipping costs for returns are the customer’s responsibility unless the return is due to our error or a defective product. Refunds are issued to the original payment method within 5-7 business days of receiving the returned item.
What if I receive the wrong part?
If you receive a part that doesn’t match what you ordered, contact us immediately at support@oemsquarebodyparts.com. We will cover return shipping and send the correct part at no additional charge. Please do not install a part you believe is incorrect, installed parts cannot be returned.
What if the part is defective?
Defective parts are covered under our warranty. Contact us within 30 days of delivery with photos documenting the defect. We will work with you to replace the part or issue a refund. Installation of a defective part may void the warranty, so inspect your parts before installation.
Can I return a part I bought by mistake?
Yes, unused and uninstalled parts can be returned within 30 days. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs in this case. Once we receive and inspect the returned item, we will issue a refund to your original payment method.
Technical Questions
Do I need special tools to install these parts?
Tool requirements vary by part. Basic bolt-on parts like headlights, mirrors, and trim pieces typically require only standard hand tools. Body panels require welding equipment and body working tools. Suspension components may require a spring compressor or press for ball joint installation. Product listings note any special tool requirements when applicable.
How do I know which floor pan my truck needs?
Floor pan sizes vary between standard cab and extended cab trucks, and between short-bed and long-bed configurations. Most floor pan replacements are sold in driver-side and passenger-side sections. The product listing specifies which application each panel fits. If you’re unsure, measure your existing floor pan or email us with your cab configuration for a recommendation.
Do weatherstrip kits include all door seals?
Weatherstrip kit contents vary, some kits include only door seals while full kits include door, window, and body seals. The product description specifies exactly what is included in each kit. If you’re doing a complete re-seal, check our full weatherstrip kit options or contact us to confirm a kit covers your specific needs.
Can I find parts for a 1988 or later Chevy/GMC truck here?
Our focus is the 1973-87 squarebody platform. The 1988 Chevy/GMC trucks introduced the GMT400 “OBS” (Obs Body Style) platform, which is a completely different truck with different panels, suspension, and trim. We do not currently carry GMT400 parts. For the full-size Blazer and Suburban, some squarebody components carry over into 1988-1991, product listings will specify when this applies.
Do you have a parts catalog?
Our complete catalog is available on this website, browse by category or use the search bar to find specific parts. We are continually adding new parts as they become available. If you’re looking for a specific part you don’t see listed, email us at support@oemsquarebodyparts.com and we will do our best to source it for you.
Contact Us
Still have questions? We’re squarebody truck enthusiasts who take fitment seriously. Reach out and we’ll help you get the right part.
- Email: support@oemsquarebodyparts.com
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Central
- Response time: Within 1 business day
