1973 Chevrolet Trucks

Chevrolet Half-ton C/K-Series Pickup Trucks 1973-1987 focuses on the evolution of the popular 3rd generation Chevrolet ½-ton C/K-Series pickup trucks from 1973-1987. Chevrolet’s half-ton pickup trucks were competing head-to-head in a highly competitive marketplace with Ford’s always popular F150. At the same time, other truck builders such as Dodge, International Harvester, and Jeep were constantly applying pressure to increase sales in an attempt to capture more market share at the expense of the leaders. Following a brief history of Chevrolet’s building of the corporation’s half-ton pickup trucks, the book takes an extensive look at Chevrolet’s half-ton C/K-Series pickup trucks with emphasis on the all new model, followed by a year-by-year description of the evolving 1970s models, and the various market demands, which often led to the introduction of niche models to broaden its market base. As well, Chevrolet reacted to a changing marketplace which included a greater interest in 4WD, while being detoured by fuel shortages, ever-changing fuel economy and pollution regulations, and the constant quest to reduce overall weight. In addition to the production models, there are chapters on the restoration and the growing interest in the customizing of these Chevy C/K models by enthusiasts.

Learn to fully repair and restore Chevrolet’s most popular truck in this long-awaited new restoration guide. When Chevy released its second-generation C/K pickup trucks, dubbed the "Action Line," it was apparent that many changes over the previous generation had been employed. Not only did the truck have a simpler, more clean-cut look but this was also the beginning of an era where modern creature comforts that we often take for granted started appearing into the good old Chevy workhorse. Power steering, power brakes, more powerful engines, a smoother riding coil rear suspension, automatic transmissions, and independent front suspension all led to what was the most drivable of any Chevy trucks to this point. Back then and today, this generation of Chevy truck is almost universally considered the most popular. Aftermarket parts availability and auction prices support that assertion. In How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1967-1972, veteran author Kevin Whipps shows you how to inspect, assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are then taken through each major portion of truck restoration, including the engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Each section shows practical, real world repair and restoration in general and step-by-step formats. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, most of these trucks are in need of some serious work. Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road-duty trucks. But before you can build a specialty truck, you need to have a solid, reliable, restored truck. This book provides the invaluable information and step-by-step instruction to return these trucks to their original glory.

Build and modify your 1973-1987 GMC or Chevrolet truck in your garage with step-by-step processes to boost power, add curb appeal, and improve stopping ability, handling, safety, and more. GM’s square-body trucks are a solid, simple, and easy-to-find rig--and that makes them perfect for modification. They’re American classics, and they’ve become the hot rods of a new generation. Veteran magazine editor Jim Pickering brings these trucks into focus, taking you through the aspects that make them so popular and modifications you can perform to put a modern spin on their classic looks. He takes an in-depth look at all the major systems in your C10 and covers what can be done to them to turn your classic hauler into the modern hot rod that you want: a truck that’s fast, safe, full of curb appeal, and reliable enough to drive whenever and wherever you want. Built in massive numbers during an 18-year production run, these trucks aren’t hard to source, but finding a good starting point and mapping out your plan are important. This book covers a lot of territory: how to find a good starter truck, LS power builds and installs, slammed air suspension and coilover systems, automatic and manual transmission choices (including a 6-speed manual conversion), cooling system upgrades, safely adding a modern alternator to factory GM wiring, modifying a mechanical clutch pedal to use a hydraulic master and slave cylinder, making new fuel lines and brake lines to support fuel injection and big brakes, installing a 4-link rear suspension system, fabricating an under-bed mount to hide air suspension components, building exhaust, adding LED lighting, interior restoration, and more. If you're building a square-body truck that you’d actually like to drive regularly, you’ve come to the right place. There hasn’t ever been a more comprehensive, authoritative look at building a complete truck for street use that includes all the steps required to make it work.

When Chevy released its third-generation C/K pickup trucks, the stout and sturdy performers captured the attention of Chevy and GMC truck enthusiasts. As a result, millions were sold during their 18-year production run. The new cab design featured rounded windshield corners, rounded cab roof, and sloped and rounded doors, so they were called the "rounded-line" trucks by General Motors. Enthusiasts, however, didn’t agree. Because of the overall squarer appearance of the trucks, they were soon called the "squarebody" by enthusiasts and journalists alike. Although the older Chevy/GMC pickups are more exclusive, the third-generation pickups are plentiful, are increasing in collector value, and, fortunately, have parts that are readily available. As an on- and off-road utility vehicle, Chevy/GMC trucks have been towing, hauling, and operating in a variety of conditions. After all of these years of hard use and exposure to harsh conditions, many of these extensively used trucks are in desperate need of restoration. Whether you own a regular, super, or crew cab with a short or long box, this restoration guide provides the pertinent information and instruction to restore your truck to original condition. Seasoned truck magazine writer Kevin Whipps explains real-world techniques for restoring classic Chevy and GMC pickups at home. You are shown how to comprehensively inspect, properly assess, and accurately budget your restoration project. You are also guided through each major portion of truck restoration, including engine, suspension, chassis, bodywork, paint, brakes, steering, transmission, driveline, electrical system, interior, and more. Special coverage is dedicated to the replacement of body panels and the repair of box, cab, and other body parts. When pro-caliber bodywork has been performed, you have an excellent foundation for the paint, and in turn, you’re shown to prep, shoot, and buff the paint job. The rounded-line Chevy/GMC trucks are extremely popular as stock restorations, fast street trucks, and off-road-duty trucks. But before you can build a specialty truck, you need to have a solid, reliable, restored truck. This book provides the invaluable information and step-by-step instruction to return these trucks to their original glory. An authoritative and comprehensive restoration guide for the 1973-1987 Chevy/GMC trucks has not been available until now.

Rebuild and modify your 1955–1959 Chevrolet truck with today’s best parts! Regardless of your automotive taste, there is almost always a need for a shop truck to chase parts, use as a tow vehicle, or use for household chores that require a trip to the farm-and-home store. Pickup trucks have always been popular, but that is true now more than ever. Plus, they hold their own as hot rods as well! Many vintage trucks can still be found in their original condition. Unlike years ago, the automotive aftermarket has now realized the popularity of these trucks. Whether you plan to restore one as a mild custom or go all out, the necessary parts are available, which makes it easier to achieve your dream regardless of your skills or budget. Veteran how-to book author Dennis W. Parks resurrects a 1955 Chevy pickup as the subject of Chevrolet Trucks: 1955-1959 Build & Modify to be used as a daily driver. Starting with a classic-styled work truck, he updates it with creature comforts that are found in new vehicles—those that the average hot rodder can still maintain without having an electronics degree. Everything is covered, including updating the front and rear suspension as well as installing disc brakes to provide a good foundation for your project. Body repair and modifications (including installing patch panels, power windows, rotary door latches, and a stylish third brake light) are next. Interior components (including the latest creature comforts) that provide safety and convenience are examined. Mechanical components (such as the engine, transmission, steering, cooling, and wiring) are included as well. Everything you need to know to build a safe and reliable pickup truck is included in this book. Most of the work featured is performed in a home garage, which proves that you can build a decent truck within the confines of a two-car garage without paying a fortune in labor.

A complete interchange for 1973-1987 Chevrolet and GMC trucks for 1/2 ton to 1 ton. Include both all mechanical and body parts.

An all-color look at Chevy's rugged pickups, with shots of early restored and highly collectible models, including the stylish Cameo, El Camino SS, and Blazer.