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If you own a 1973–1987 Chevy or GMC square body truck, you already know why these pickups have such a strong following. They have a tough, unmistakable look, a simple design that makes them approachable to work on, and enough aftermarket support to keep restoration projects moving. Whether you picked one up as a long-term build, inherited a family truck, or finally found the exact model you’ve wanted for years, the next step usually comes down to the same thing: figuring out which parts you actually need.
That is where many builds either stay organized or start getting expensive fast. Buying the wrong parts, replacing things out of order, or focusing too much on appearance before handling the basics can turn a fun project into a stalled one. When you are shopping for classic truck parts, it helps to think in stages. A square body restoration usually goes more smoothly when you first look at structure, then drivability, then comfort and cosmetics.
Most square body trucks are old enough now that even good survivors tend to have a few predictable weak spots. Some have obvious rust. Others look clean on the outside but hide problems underneath weatherstripping, in the floors, or around the lower body seams. Before ordering a pile of parts, it makes sense to walk the truck carefully and make a realistic list of what is worn, rusted, missing, or previously repaired poorly.
Body condition matters more than many people want to admit. A truck can still run and drive with rough sheet metal, but neglected rust usually spreads. Cab corners, rocker panels, floor sections, lower fenders, wheel arches, and door bottoms are common trouble zones. If the truck has spent time outdoors or in wet climates, the bed supports and inner structure may need just as much attention as the visible panels. That is why many owners begin with chevy square body parts that address rust repair and body restoration before moving on to appearance upgrades.
That approach may not be the most exciting part of a build, but it usually saves money in the long run. Paint and trim look a lot better when the metal underneath them is solid. More importantly, the truck becomes easier to align, seal, and assemble when the structure is right.
A lot of square body owners get tempted by wheels, trim, and interior pieces right away. There is nothing wrong with planning those items early, but the truck will be a lot more enjoyable once it stops straight, steers predictably, and feels stable on the road.
Brake systems are one of the smartest places to inspect closely. If your truck has been sitting for a long time, rubber hoses, seals, hardware, and valves may all be overdue for replacement. Even trucks that still drive may have weak pedal feel, uneven braking, or aging components that are not worth trusting. Steering and suspension parts deserve the same level of attention. Worn bushings, tired shocks, loose tie rods, and old ball joints can make an otherwise solid truck feel sloppy and unpredictable.
This is also the stage where owners need to decide whether they are staying stock or making selective upgrades. A mostly original driver may just need high-quality replacement parts to restore factory-like performance. A truck that will see more highway use may benefit from updated components that improve braking confidence and road manners. Either way, the best results usually come from making these decisions early rather than trying to patch things together later.
One reason square body builds vary so much is that owners have very different goals. Some want a clean weekend cruiser that keeps most of its original character. Others want a lowered shop truck, a lifted 4x4, or a full restomod with modern comfort. None of those directions is wrong, but your parts list changes depending on the goal.
If your plan is a factory-style restoration, you will likely focus on correct-looking replacement panels, trim, seals, lighting, and interior pieces that stay faithful to the era. If your goal is a custom build, you may still use restoration parts for the body while mixing in upgraded brakes, suspension, interior touches, and convenience features. The key is consistency. A truck usually looks better and feels more complete when the parts all support the same vision.
It also helps to be honest about how the truck will be used. A true daily driver needs reliability and comfort. A weekend truck can lean harder into style. A show-focused build may prioritize fit, finish, and visual details over all-out practicality. Knowing that upfront helps you spend money where it matters most.
Square body trucks are simple and durable, but they are not known for modern cabin refinement. That means old seals, worn window components, and tired door hardware can have a much bigger effect on comfort than people expect. Wind noise, water leaks, rattles, and sticky glass can make a finished truck feel older than it really is.
That is why it often makes sense to address weatherstripping, glass channels, and related components while the truck is apart. For some owners, this is also when upgrades begin to make sense. One example is moving to one piece window kits, which can give the truck a cleaner look while reducing some of the annoyance that comes with older vent window setups. It is not the right choice for every build, especially if originality is the top priority, but for many drivers it is one of those changes that makes the truck more pleasant to live with.
The same mindset applies to small hardware throughout the truck. Door latches, regulators, bushings, handles, and mounting points may not be glamorous purchases, but they often have a huge impact on how finished the truck feels once everything goes back together.
A lot of restoration frustration comes from sequencing problems rather than a lack of effort. Owners often buy parts based on what looks exciting instead of what the truck actually needs first. That leads to shelves full of trim and accessories while the cab still needs metal work or the brake system still needs attention.
Another common mistake is assuming all 1973–1987 parts are interchangeable without checking details. There is a lot of overlap within the square body years, but there are also differences that matter depending on model, trim, drivetrain, and body style. Taking a little extra time to confirm fitment can save a lot of hassle later.
It is also easy to underestimate how much small parts affect the final result. A truck can have beautiful paint and still feel unfinished if the seals, hardware, or adjustment points are worn out. The best restorations usually happen when the owner treats the truck like a system rather than a collection of separate upgrades.
The good news is that square body trucks remain one of the more practical classic platforms to restore. There is strong demand, a huge enthusiast base, and a wide range of replacement and restoration parts available. That does not mean every project is easy, but it does mean you can make real progress if you stay organized and buy with purpose.
For most owners, the smartest path is simple. Start with the truck’s foundation. Fix rust correctly. Refresh brakes, steering, and suspension before spending heavily on cosmetics. Decide what kind of truck you are building before you start mixing stock and custom parts. Then finish it with the details that improve comfort, usability, and appearance.
Handled that way, a square body project becomes much easier to manage. Instead of chasing random parts and second-guessing every step, you build momentum. And when the truck finally comes together, it will not just look good in photos. It will feel right to drive, own, and keep for years.
The most commonly replaced parts are usually rust-related body components such as cab corners, rocker panels, floor sections, and lower fenders. Brake parts, suspension pieces, weatherstripping, and window hardware are also high on the list because they wear out over time and have a major impact on drivability.
The best place to start is with suppliers that specialize in restoration and replacement parts for older trucks. A focused source is usually a better choice than trying to piece together everything from general parts sellers, especially when fit and finish matter.
Many parts are interchangeable because Chevy and GMC trucks from these years share the same basic platform. That said, trim, badging, some interior pieces, and certain model-specific details can vary, so it is always worth double-checking the exact application before ordering.
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