It costs more than you think.
Centerbolt cylinder heads or nah?
83-87 is no good range.
81,82 83,84,85 are all one thing but 86,87,88, are different trucks.
Mmmkay
That's all too new anyway.
Think in the 70s.
'77 was the last good year- then they changed the frame and it was all downhill from there.
73-77
Mmkay??
Hope this helps!
I know the OP hasn’t returned but maybe you could explain your opinion about some of these things you say are no good.
Center bolt valve covers? Lol. If Having or not having those is a reason to not buy a truck, that makes about zero sense. That’s pickin fly sht out of pepper.
83-87 no good? Can’t even begin to understand what you’re referring to there.
Different frame after 77 no good? Same as above
Combining my recent few years owning and comparing similar condition 70s and 80s models, there’s precious little different between the 2 in the grand scheme. Appearance is the biggest difference for the most part. And that’s just preference not a material difference in performance, reliability or technology.
From the 80s and 90s when I looked after a fleet of work trucks some of which were 70s square and others 80s, the only marked difference I recall was the 80s models were at the age and miles where the “new emissions crap” was part of the required repairs or getting tossed in the garbage, lol. That and the “new” TBI engines were a dream compared to carbs and reliable. But now that is all old hardware and subject to needing work and slightly more complicated than a carb.
IMO, 90% of finding a “good” Squarebody or any old car or truck is the condition it is in. Especially the tough or costly or frustrating stuff to repair or restore. Like in-tact factory wiring that isn’t mouse chewed, rotted out from 20 years of winter salt and brine or the product of someone who loved scotch locks and numerous electrical “modifications.”
Irregardless of what may or may not have been a little quirk either way back when the vehicles were relevant. The other 10% is, does it have what YOU want that is of value to YOU. IE being running/driving may be important to one person, but another has a fresh 454 sitting on a stand and could care less whether it has a running greasy 350 under the hood or not. Or you have a couple cherry doors in your junk pile so caved in doors are not a detriment or cost to you.
And as always JMO.
Cheers!
