The introduction of the “Square Body” line of GM trucks in 1973 was a marked departure from the previous C10/K10 design (did you know that internally, GM called the 1973 design the “Rounded Line”?) and the new styling captured the public’s appeal in a big way. By 1978, the trucks had really come into their own and with the iconic two-tone paint, this 1978 short bed K10 (K signifies four-wheel-drive) is a prime example. It’s located in Petaluma, California and is listed for sale here in our own Barn Finds Classifieds. The seller is asking $13,000 for this fine truck.
It’s rare to see one of these trucks without rusty fender lips — that seemed to happen as soon as they left the dealer’s lot! The seller does mention some “normal” surface rust under the truck on the frame and drivetrain and one rust-through spot on the passenger inner fender well believed to be from a leaking battery. However, that is very minor compared to what these trucks usually present.
I love the deep dish rally-style wheels fitted to these trucks! We’re told that a lot of work has been done previously to the truck, from replacement hinge pins to the fitment of a crate engine about 50,000 miles ago. The transmission was also rebuilt and has about 10,000 miles so far. There’s even a new headliner in place!
It wouldn’t be a proper pickup post if we didn’t show you the bed. Although it’s certainly been used for its intended purpose, the bed looks solid with no rust-through or serious damage.
It’s notable that this generation of GM pickup trucks was so loved, it stayed in production longer than any other has so far. Even when the replacement models were introduced in 1987, the square bodies stayed in production in limited form until 1991! The interior is both comfortable and practical, with a small tear in the driver’s seat the only significant visual flaw. I should note here that the seller seems to be very forthcoming about the truck’s few shortcomings and has provided a lot of pictures. The only other thing I’d like to see is an underhood picture, but I’m sure you could contact the seller through the online form and ask for one.
I included this picture in the post just because I like it! Taking a Christmas tree home is the perfect use for a pickup like this — a celebration of Americana! Should you decide to take it home, let us know, and if you have a vehicle of your own to sell, consider listing it on Barn Finds!
Nice!!! Thanks, Jamie, makes my day. I’m getting close to selling or trading mine, we’ll just see what the market in sunny Colorado brings. I all but guarantee, it won’t be 5 figures. If it does, I’m taking the whole BF’s nation out for frosty milkshakes. The 4 wheel drive clearly adds a chunk, but I’m hoping as the snow melts, peoples attention will shift to 2 wheel drive. More on that later, this is a sweet truck, reminds me of “Rocky’s” truck on Rockford files. Minus the $5 grand “outside of California discount”, be a great truck.
You know, I wondered what the big attraction is with these squarebodies today, and the other day, while taking a slow ride, it occurred to me why, they really are simple, nice running trucks, probably a breath of fresh air for what’s offered today.
This reminds me of the Fall Guy truck
Hey Howard A…yes I was thinking of the Rockford connection too…and make my frosty chocolate 🍫
Howard
Contact me at
Moparhunter@comcast.net
Thanks
This one brings back memories as I had a very similar ’78. Mine had an 8 foot bed, 4-speed and was a 3/4 ton but otherwise, identical to this one. I bought it from a co-worker but I don’t recall for how much. I used to snowmobile in Northern Maine in a little area known as Frenchville, just outside of Ashland; a great place to ride sled. It was a good truck, tough as hell but thirsty. My wife at the time drove it quite a bit to work and it always got her home. Traded it for a CJ7 Jeep straight up after a few years.
This one looks like a good one though some work is needed to bring it up to snuff. You would need to keep that in mind if interested. A stick shift would have more appeal but it is a more desirable short bed.
A buddy has one very much like this that has been sitting in his garage since it was 5 years old. It has just 25k miles on it and I have been trying to talk him out of it for several years without success. It is this same color without the tan insert. Scottsdale model with the plaid interior.
Nice truck, it should sell quickly at that price.
Steve R
Cool truck, better colors that the fall guy truck in my opinion.
This is a very solid deal at the full asking price.My fleet of bowtie trucks and Blazers,doesnt need any more company,but if you’re in the market,it will be a while before you find something like this again !
They either pulled the bed and didn’t put the shims back correctly or the frame is bent
Very clean and beautiful truck. Author of the article does not say where he is from, but it is quite UNcommon to see any of these square body trucks here in California with even a pinhole of rust, anywhere on them. My ’78 GMC is a life long California truck with absolutely zero rust anywhere on it. Many, many states do not use salt on the roads. This truck should sell soon at the seller’s asking price.