Earlier in the week, we covered this 1969 Chevrolet C-10 and the thrust of the article was their popularity and ascendant values. Coming on their heels was their 1973-1987 successor, known as the “Square Body”. While not quite the market draw of the ’67-’72 “Action Line” they may well be the next “big thing” in pickup trucks in terms of collectibility. For your review, we have this first year, 1973 C20, located in Spokane, Washington. It is available, here on eBay for $5,500, reserve not yet met.
OK, it’s green so it has my attention! The seller states that this truck is actually a Cheyenne Camper Special, a twofer! The Cheyenne trim designation means a more nicely finished interior i.e. wood grain appliques, map pockets, better padding, a nicer grade of vinyl upholstery material, extra insulation, things of that nature. As for the camper special designation, that was an option available on C20 (3/4 ton) and c30 (1 ton) models that included an eight and a half foot cargo bed (for camper slide in), heavier-duty suspension, rear anti-sway bar, additional camper wiring harness, camper tie-downs, and extended outside mirrors.
OK, so there is a bit of rust-through on this 90K mile example but it really presents well in spite of a few beauty marks. Other than the hood and tailgate, the Glenwood Green finish is original and still has surprising depth. The seller adds, “Only rust is minimal in lower front quarter (below where battery leaked) see photo. Underside, Body, Floor and Rockers are solid with No rust. Original Wood Bed still in Good Condition“. This C20 is quite presentable, it could be driven and enjoyed, as is, without any exterior attention.
Under the hood, is the old tried and true, a Chevrolet 350 CI “small-block” V8 engine rated at 155 net HP. I’m not sure how many 350s have been built since 1967, but I know that they still roll out of GM’s Mexican foundry, destined for “crate” service. In total, ten years ago, it was estimated that over 100M Chevrolet small block engines, of all flavors, had been produced – no telling what that number might be in 2021 – but I digress. The seller claims, “(it’s a) well maintained daily driver that Runs Great”. A Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission handles the gear changing chores.
The trim tag sticker states “Slate Green Vinyl” which one would think is a reference to the interior but I see buckskin, or saddle, or tan, or however you wish to describe it. Anyway, it’s in great nick! The seller adds, “Seat was recovered and new carpet 5 years ago. Original dash has cracks, It has a covering“. No wonder the seat looks so good! There is a dealer-installed A/C unit in place and the seller claims that it works, though he doesn’t elaborate how well it works – a query can always be posited.
So, the next big thing? Maybe, I know the usual suspects of televised auctions have no shortage of these square bodies rolling over their auction blocks. The minimal rust, and relatively low mileage – low for a well-maintained 350 engine anyway, should ensure a lot of additional life to still be exhibited by this 1973 Chevrolet C20. I haven’t really warmed up to pickup trucks, not yet and maybe never, but I’m usually on the outside of progressing trends. How about you, are you a dyed-in-the-wool passenger car guy/gal or does your interest include pickups too?
That is really decent. When did they go to an all metal bed? Hopefully it goes to a good home.
I had heard stories of the early year square bodies using Chinese/Japanese (?) steel and they were literally rusting on the dealers lots. Even in a near perfect environment, finding one this clean is a unicorn.
You are correct about these trucks rusting from new. My father bought a new 73 Custom\10 Fleetside and it had significant rust on the bedsides and front fenders in less than 6 months. GM did fix it once, but it came back after about 3 years when the warranty expired.
They are notorious for rusting along the top of the wheel arches because water gets trapped between the inner and outer fenders.
The foremost authority on these is geomechs. He serviced these for work for years. Re: “Chinese metal”. I heard, in the 70’s, Japan bought all their metal from us. It was mostly ground up ’65 Chevy’s ( and such) and they didn’t treat it properly, and it’s true, the parts actually rusted on the way over here. I thought the metal was primarily for the boxes and replacement fenders, I’d have to think originally, the cabs and fenders were virgin metal. It’s why trucks that had replacement panels, and Asian cars rusted so easily. This is a good find, and much more in line for these. Pick a parts house and by all means, get their “rewards” card, because until you get it right, it will be a weekly, sometimes DAILY visit. “Hi Shaun” “Hi Howard, what do need today”? And the good thing, AZ always had the parts, AND the tools to use to get ‘er done. Ever try to get a pulley off a GM P/S pump? Anyway, good ( not great) trucks, and I’m going to miss mine for sure.
Nice pickup that has survived pretty well. I’d address the rust and leave the rest as-is; it’s a good-looking survivor. While most would prefer a short bed, the long bed has a lot of appeal if you’re going to use the pickup as intended; for hauling bulky/heavy loads, an 8 foot bed is hard to beat. Should bring a good price even though it needs some attention here and there. As Jim pointed out, these square bodies are getting collectible so maybe now is the time to grab one before the prices get out of reach of the average guy.
Truck looks exceptionally good, especially for the year. I’m guessing that the tailgate has been replaced at some point, because the Cheyenne,Cheyenne Super 10 trim packages on this pickup would have had the brushed aluminum tailgate insert. Again, the truck is in amazing shape !
I like this truck, but after reading comments about rust issues makes me reconsider owning one. Besides since it’s in no a/c. I recon that’s due to it coming from Spokane. Oh well, it’s time to get something to eat. Bye y’all
God bless America
Nice find. Especially being a 3/4 ton which usually meant it was purchased to work hard, thus a lower survival rate. As the owner of a 73 half ton, finding one of these without much rust is very rare. The 73 and 74 square bodies in particular rusted profusely so in my mind this is quite the find. By 77 gm had improved their anti corrosion practices although even they the gm trucks tended to rust worse than the ford.
As to the wood bed, I could be wrong but I believe you had your choice of wood versus steel. Mine is wood also but i believe steel was more common. GLWTS