Restoration Tips For Square Body Trucks

Square body trucks, those beloved relics of the 1970s and 1980s, have been making a comeback, not just as functional vehicles but as nostalgic symbols of rugged Americana. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you might be considering restoring it to its former glory—or at least to a state where the floorboards aren’t a safety hazard. Here are some tips to help you along this journey of restoration, which, let’s be honest, might occasionally feel more like a punishment than a hobby.

First things first, assess the situation. This isn’t just a cursory glance to see if the truck starts. No, this involves a deep dive into every nook and cranny of your square body to evaluate just how much of your life will be devoted to its resurrection. You’ll want to check for rust, which these trucks collect more passionately than a stamp collector in a post office. Pay special attention to the frame, floor pans, and wheel wells, because rust in these areas can turn your restoration project into a sculpture project.

Once you’ve assessed the rust situation, it’s time to make a plan. This is the stage where you lie to yourself about the budget and time it will take to finish the project. It’s also a good time to prioritize tasks. Structural integrity should probably come before choosing the perfect vintage bumper stickers. Start with the engine and drivetrain to ensure your truck will actually move under its own power before you worry about cosmetic issues. After all, what’s the point of a shiny truck that doesn’t run?

Speaking of cosmetics, when it comes to bodywork and paint, you have a decision to make. Do you keep the patina, showcasing every battle scar your truck has earned over decades of use, or do you restore it to a showroom shine? If you choose the latter, prepare for endless hours of sanding and probably as much money spent on paint and body supplies as you would on a small yacht. But who needs a yacht when you can drive a shiny, restored truck to the local hardware store?

Now, let’s talk about the interior. This is where you can really let your personality shine through, or reveal your lack of taste—whichever comes first. Whether you opt for a period-accurate restoration or modern upgrades, remember that comfort is key. After all, what’s the point of having a beautiful truck if you don’t even want to sit inside it? Upgrade the seats, add some insulation to cut down on the deafening road noise, and maybe consider some modern conveniences like a sound system that plays more than just AM radio.

Finally, don’t forget about the electrical system, which in many older trucks can be a rat’s nest of worn wires ready to start a small fire. Updating the wiring harness isn’t the most glamorous part of truck restoration, but it beats explaining to your neighbors why your garage is ablaze.

Restoring a square body truck is a labor of love and sarcasm. It requires patience, money, and a twisted sense of humor, especially when parts that were supposed to fit perfectly don’t, and the engine decides to be temperamental on the coldest day of the year. But the satisfaction of driving a piece of history that you brought back to life? Well, that’s worth all the blood, sweat, and beers you’ll pour into it. So grab your tools, and maybe a tetanus shot, and get to work on that beautiful box on wheels.

Performance Upgrades For Square Body Trucks

Square body trucks, those beloved relics of the 1970s and 1980s, have been enjoying a renaissance among enthusiasts who appreciate their boxy charm and no-frills aesthetics. But let’s face it, while they may win points for style and nostalgia, their original factory settings aren’t exactly thrilling the performance-minded crowd. Fear not, for the world of aftermarket upgrades is here to transform your beloved but sluggish square body into a more formidable beast on the road.

First things first, let’s talk about the heart of the matter: the engine. If you’re still puttering around with the original powerplant, you might as well be driving your grandmother to bingo night. Upgrading the engine—or at least giving it a serious overhaul—is essential. You could swap in a more modern V8, which not only gives you bragging rights at car shows but also provides a much-needed boost in horsepower. Imagine that—actually being able to merge onto the highway without causing a traffic jam.

But why stop there? The transmission is probably as tired as the engine. Upgrading to a modern automatic or manual transmission can significantly improve your driving experience. Not only will shifting be smoother, but you’ll also enjoy the added benefit of not having to pray every time you need to pass a slow-moving vehicle on a two-lane road.

Now, let’s not forget about the suspension. The original leaf springs on these trucks were designed for utility, not comfort or performance. Upgrading to a more modern suspension system can not only improve handling but also prevent you and your passengers from feeling like you’re navigating a small boat in a stormy sea. Plus, it’s always fun to watch people’s surprise when your old truck handles like a sports car at the corners.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility—namely, the responsibility to stop effectively. The braking system of most square body trucks is, to put it mildly, antiquated. Upgrading to larger, more efficient disc brakes can be a literal lifesaver, especially if you’ve boosted your truck’s speed and handling. It’s all fun and games until you need to stop quickly.

Lastly, let’s talk about the wheels and tires. If you’re still rolling on the original set, you’re not just living in the past; you’re cruising for a bruising. Modern tires and larger wheels not only enhance your truck’s appearance but also improve grip and stability on the road. Plus, they’re one of the easiest upgrades to make—unless, of course, you enjoy the thrill of wrestling with old, rusted lug nuts.

In conclusion, while square body trucks from the 70s and 80s might not have been engineered with performance in mind, that doesn’t mean they’re doomed to a life of mediocrity. With the right upgrades, these old-school beauties can be transformed into something that not only turns heads but also holds its own on the modern roadway. So, roll up your sleeves, open your wallet, and prepare to bring that classic truck into the 21st century. After all, who doesn’t love a good underdog story? Especially one that comes with a hefty dose of horsepower.

Square Body Truck Meets And Shows

Square body trucks, those charmingly boxy symbols of rugged Americana, have somehow managed to roll right out of the 1970s and 80s and into the hearts of automotive enthusiasts everywhere. It’s almost as if these vehicles were designed with a secret ingredient called ‘eternal coolness’. But what really keeps the love for these trucks alive isn’t just their durability or the nostalgia factor; it’s the vibrant community of fans who gather at various meets and shows to celebrate their angular automotive passion.

Now, if you’ve never been to a square body truck meet or show, you might be picturing a small, subdued gathering. Oh, how wrong you’d be. These events are less like quiet get-togethers and more like festivals celebrating the very essence of squareness. The air is thick not just with exhaust fumes but with camaraderie and the kind of competitive spirit that can only be fueled by discussions of torque, restoration, and, of course, who has the squarest body of them all.

At these shows, owners and admirers alike revel in a shared enthusiasm that borders on fanaticism. It’s a place where you can walk up to a complete stranger, point at their truck, and have a half-hour conversation about the merits of original versus aftermarket parts without ever exchanging names. The trucks are stars in their own right, gleaming under the sun with their sharp lines and retro charm, each one a testament to the era of disco and bell bottoms.

The typical square body meet involves more than just parking and bragging. These gatherings often feature competitions that might include categories like ‘Best Restored’, ‘Best Modified’, and the ever-popular ‘People’s Choice’. And let’s not forget the swap meets – because what’s a truck show without the opportunity to trade a tailgate for a transmission? It’s like a treasure hunt for gearheads, with the added bonus of not having to explain to anyone why you need another carburetor (even if you really don’t).

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of these events is the storytelling. Each truck comes with its own set of tales – of long hours in the garage, of road trips, of breakdowns and breakthroughs. These stories weave through the crowd, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates not just the vehicles but the journeys taken in them. And if you listen closely, you might just catch that hint of pride in the owner’s voice as they recount the saga of that particularly elusive part they tracked down after months of searching.

As the day winds down, and the awards are handed out, there’s a palpable sense of community that lingers in the air, much like the smell of barbecue that inevitably accompanies such events. It’s a reminder that in the world of square body trucks, it’s not just about having the most pristine or the most modified vehicle. It’s about sharing a passion, connecting over shared experiences, and maybe, just maybe, proving that square is indeed the new cool.

So, if you find yourself with a free weekend and a curiosity about why people get so excited about a bunch of old trucks, head to a square body meet. You might just find yourself drawn into a world where square isn’t just a shape—it’s a way of life. And who knows? You might even leave with a square body truck of your own, ready to start your own journey and maybe, just maybe, add your own stories to the ever-growing folklore of the square body community.