What years are Squarebody Chevys?
The Squarebody years for Chevys are model years 1973 through 1987.
In automotive slang, "Squarebody" refers to GM's third-generation C/K full-size pickups and the closely related models built on that platform. These boxy, squared-off designs defined Chevrolet and GMC trucks for much of the 1970s and 1980s, before GM shifted to a more rounded look starting in 1988.
Defining the Squarebody range
Before listing the inclusive years, it helps to establish what is generally included in the Squarebody designation for Chevrolet and its GMC siblings on the C/K platform.
- Model years 1973–1987 encompass the square-bodied C/K pickups and their closely related family members that shared the platform.
In short, the Squarebody period for Chevy trucks is widely recognized as 1973 through 1987 for the core C/K lineup.
What happened after 1987
GM introduced a new generation with more aerodynamic styling starting in 1988 (the GMT400 platform), which marks the end of the strictly “Squarebody” look for the primary full-size pickups and their immediate kin. Enthusiasts, historians, and model-year collectors typically use the 1973–1987 window to identify the classic Squarebody era.
Why the term matters
The label helps buyers and restorers pinpoint the era of design cues, interior layouts, and mechanical options that define the boxy, utilitarian aesthetic of these trucks. Knowing the years can aid in parts compatibility, value assessment, and authenticity verification for classic Squarebody Chevys.
Summary
Squarebody Chevys refer to Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups and their closely related vehicles built on the C/K platform during model years 1973–1987. The era ended as GM shifted to a newer, more rounded design starting with 1988 models, making 1973–1987 the span most collectors and enthusiasts associate with the classic Squarebody look.
