The Chevy Square Body, a name that resonates with American truck enthusiasts, represents a golden era of pickup design, performance, and rugged reliability. Produced from the early 1970s through 1987, these trucks have become icons of style and substance, beloved for their boxy aesthetic, easy-to-work-on mechanics, and unmatched versatility.
Today, restoring a Chevy Square Body isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about bringing new life to an American classic, making it roadworthy, performance-capable, and customized to your taste.
Whether you’re taking on a full frame-off restoration or upgrading a well-preserved daily driver, your project will benefit from a combination of strategic planning, the right parts, and an understanding of the most impactful upgrades. In this guide, we’ll explore how to approach your Chevy Square Body restoration, key areas to focus on, and which performance upgrades make the biggest difference.
Why Restore a Chevy Square Body?
Restoring a Chevy Square Body isn’t just about looks. These trucks were built to last and are increasingly becoming collector’s items. Their simple, analog design means they’re easy to service and modify. Many models came with small-block or big-block V8s, making them excellent platforms for performance upgrades.
From a value perspective, properly restored Chevy Square Body trucks have seen a steady increase in resale price over the years. If maintained well and restored with attention to detail, your investment could potentially appreciate, making this not just a labor of love but also a smart financial move.
Starting with a Solid Foundation
Before you turn a wrench, assess what you’re working with. Begin your Chevy Square Body restoration by inspecting the frame and body. Look for signs of rust in common trouble spots like the rocker panels, cab corners, and wheel wells. A solid frame is essential, as extensive rust damage can quickly turn into a costly repair.
Once you’ve verified the structural integrity of the vehicle, decide if you’re going for a full restoration, a resto-mod, or a practical daily-driver refresh. This decision will guide your parts selection, budget, and time commitment.
Drivetrain and Fuel System Overhaul
One of the most critical elements in restoring a Chevy Square Body is updating the drivetrain and fuel system. Over decades of use, the original components often wear down or fail altogether. If your Square Body Chevy has been sitting, chances are the fuel system components need attention.
Upgrading to a modern high-flow fuel pump from Quantum Fuel Systems ensures your engine receives consistent and adequate fuel pressure, especially if you’re swapping in a performance motor or converting to fuel injection.
QFS offers direct-fit fuel pump kits that eliminate the hassle of modifications and ensure long-term reliability. Whether you’re using E85 or pump gas, ensuring compatibility with modern fuels is essential for safety and performance.
Performance Engine Upgrades
Restoring your Chevy Square Body is the perfect time to consider engine upgrades. Many enthusiasts choose to install crate engines, LS swaps, or rebuild the original motor with performance parts. Whatever your approach, consider upgrading your fuel delivery and ignition systems to match the increased power output.
Supporting upgrades like higher-capacity injectors, tuned ECMs, performance exhaust, and cold air intake systems allow your Square Body to breathe and run like a modern muscle truck. Don’t forget to match your fuel system components to your horsepower goals, especially if you’re going beyond 400 hp.
Transmission and Drivetrain Improvements
With power comes the need for control. Rebuilding or replacing your transmission is a smart move, particularly if you’re swapping engines. Many restorers opt for modern overdrive transmissions like the 4L60E or 700R4 to improve highway drivability and fuel economy. Make sure your transmission is compatible with your fuel and ignition system to avoid tuning issues down the road.
Also, inspect your driveshaft, differential gears, and U-joints. This part of your Chevy Square Body restoration may seem tedious, but it’s crucial for safe and smooth operation, especially if your truck will be used for towing or heavy-duty applications.
Brake and Suspension Upgrades
One of the most overlooked but necessary parts of a square body Chevy restoration is the suspension and braking system. Whether you plan to cruise or race, handling and stopping power matter.
Modern disc brake kits offer bolt-on upgrades that dramatically improve performance and safety over the original drum setups. For suspension, consider lowering kits, air ride setups, or performance shocks and springs depending on your desired ride quality. Polyurethane bushings, sway bars, and reinforced control arms all contribute to a smoother and more responsive driving experience.
Electrical and Lighting Modernization
Wiring is often a headache in older vehicles, and the Chevy Square Body is no exception. Aging harnesses can cause intermittent problems, poor charging, or even fires. Replacing the original wiring harness with a modern kit tailored to your truck ensures reliability and peace of mind.
LED headlight conversions and upgraded dash lighting enhance visibility and give your Square Body Chevy a clean, modern touch without compromising its vintage charm. Additionally, installing a modern alternator and fuse block can better support aftermarket accessories like stereos, power windows, and air suspension.
Interior Restoration and Upgrades
Once the mechanical work is complete, turn your attention to the interior. Restoring or replacing the dash, seats, carpeting, and door panels can make your Square Body feel brand new. If originality matters, many aftermarket suppliers offer reproduction parts that match the OEM style.
For those going the resto-mod route, bucket seats, digital gauges, custom steering wheels, and sound-deadening materials can provide a more refined and comfortable driving experience. Bluetooth sound systems, navigation units, and custom consoles are popular upgrades for daily drivers and show trucks alike.
Paint, Body, and Trim
Few things complete a Chevy Square Body restoration like a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that matches the era or go bold with a custom hue. Before painting, address all bodywork issues, including rust, dings, and misaligned panels.
Trim pieces, like grille inserts, bumpers, badges, and moldings, can be polished or replaced with reproduction units. These small touches make a big impact on the overall look and finish of your truck.
Driving Into the Future with Your Restored Square Body
Restoring a Chevy Square Body is a rewarding process that bridges the past with modern performance and reliability. Whether you’re a first-time restorer or a seasoned gearhead, taking the time to plan each stage of your build and using high-quality parts will ensure a truck that performs as good as it looks. We also have fuel pump replacements if you are looking for those as well.
With proper restoration techniques and smart upgrades, your square body Chevy won’t just be a throwback – it will be a standout. From high-flow fuel systems to modern comforts, every improvement you make is a testament to your vision and craftsmanship. So grab your tools, rev up your imagination, and start bringing your dream truck to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chevy Square Body trucks (1973–1987) are sought after for their rugged design, classic styling, and strong aftermarket support. Their boxy look, durable frames, and simple mechanics make them perfect candidates for restoration, restomods, or custom builds that blend vintage charm with modern performance.
Begin with a thorough inspection to identify rust, frame damage, or missing parts. Prioritize structural integrity before cosmetic upgrades. Focus first on the frame, suspension, and drivetrain to create a safe, solid foundation before moving into bodywork, paint, and interior restoration.
Common rust spots include cab corners, rocker panels, floor pans, fenders, and bed seams. The undercarriage, especially around the frame rails and suspension mounts, is also vulnerable. Addressing rust early ensures structural strength and prevents further deterioration during the restoration process.
It depends on your goals. Restoring to stock preserves authenticity and value for collectors. Customizing allows modern upgrades like fuel injection, air conditioning, or suspension lifts. Both approaches are popular, but maintaining originality often brings higher resale value in the classic truck market.
Costs vary widely. A basic refresh with paint and interior work might be a few thousand dollars, while full frame-off restorations can exceed $30,000. Factors include truck condition, parts availability, and whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring professionals.
Popular upgrades include swapping in small-block or big-block Chevy V8s, LS-series engines, or crate motors for reliability and power. Fuel injection conversions are also common, improving drivability and efficiency while maintaining vintage character with modern performance.
Both options have advantages. Original parts preserve authenticity but may be expensive or hard to find. Reproduction parts are widely available, affordable, and offer modern improvements. Many restorers use a mix, balancing originality with reliability and budget.
The interior adds comfort and style to the build. Many restorers replace bench seats, update upholstery, and install new gauges or sound systems. Whether keeping it period-correct or adding modern convenience, the interior is a key part of completing a quality restoration.
Yes, many enthusiasts tackle Square Body restorations as DIY projects. Mechanical repairs, rust repair, and cosmetic updates are manageable with tools and patience. However, specialized tasks like paintwork or upholstery may require professional help for the best results.
Yes. Restored Square Bodies have rising collector value and strong demand. A well-restored truck can fetch premium prices, especially original or rare trims. While restoration costs vary, these trucks remain one of the most rewarding classic investments for enthusiasts.