Chevrolet’s Old Body Style (or OBS) pickup has quickly become a favorite among Bow Tie fans looking for a classic pickup that’s cheap to buy, easy to modify, and comfortable enough to handle the realities of modern driving. Built between 1988 and 1998, the decade-long run of OBS pickups has a following that gets stronger with every passing year. When Chevrolet decided it was time to replace the OBS with an all-new model at the end of the 1990s, it was facing a tough crowd of established buyers who weren’t interested in the kind of radical changes that brands like Ford and Ram had recently made for their own full-size pickups. Still, Chevy couldn’t fully resist the siren song of that decade’s styling trends, giving the New Body Style truck a distinct personality of its own that created a firm dividing line between the GMT400-platform OBS trucks and the GMT800-platform models that came after it. In the result—the 1999–2007 Silverado—Chevrolet chose to make the most of the major upgrades under the skin by introducing a legendary series of motors to the truck world. No More C/K For three decades, Chevrolet and GMC full-size trucks fell into two categories, indicated by a letter. “C” trucks were two-wheel-drive models, while “K” trucks featured four-wheel drive. This nomenclature dated all the way back to the 1960s, and every pickup produced between then and the late 1990s was referred to as a “C/K” by General Motors. That all changed when the GMT800 arrived on the scene for the 1999 model year. Chevrolet adopted the Silverado name for all its pickup options, while sister brand GMC went with Sierra. There was no longer any special call-out regarding the vehicle’s driven wheels. Each maintained the standard practice of designating half-ton, three-quarter ton, and full-ton models with the 1500, 2500, and 3500 series numbers, only now those digits followed the pickup’s name rather than using its previous single-letter designation. From Right Angles to Curvy Muscle When the Chevrolet Silverado first arrived, it was clear that GM stylists were reacting in part to Ford’s dramatic pivot away from traditional pickup design two years earlier. Although the Silverado’s looks weren’t quite as curvy as those of the recent F-150, they were a departure from the square character of the Old Body Style trucks that had preceded it. Major changes for the Silverado included a grille that fully wrapped around into the front fenders, with quad-stacked headlights now doing the same, versus the flat front angle presented by the OBS Chevrolet. Later editions of the truck got even more aggressive with the hood and headlight shape, carving out a “cat’s eye” eyebrow that cut in dramatically below the top of the grille. The front bumper was also curved to taper underneath the pickup, housing tow hooks, air vents, and an integrated air dam. Along the sides of the truck, Chevrolet went all in on available body cladding, offering plastic that clung to the door bottoms, the rockers, and up along the wheelweels to create a mild flare. If you elected to keep the cladding on the shelf, the sheetmetal itself pinched and swelled over each wheel opening to provide a muscular accent. This curvaceous theme continued at the rear of the truck, with a lip at the top of the tailgate (which itself bowed in at the bottom) and taillights whose arch bracketed the back end. The Silverado also helped launch the trend of ever-larger trucks, checking in wider, taller, and with a longer wheelbase than any of the OBS pickups that had come before Cabin Quality Takes a Step Up A big part of those plus-sized proportions had to do with making the Silverado’s interior a more comfortable place to spend some time. This version of the truck finally made it possible for adults to camp out in the second row of extended cab models without enduring the claustrophobic rear quarters offered by the Old Body Style Chevy. A crew cab model that arrived later in the product cycle further improved on things. The Silverado arrived at the height of GM’s plastic-fantastic interior era, but that didn’t keep the truck’s cabin from registering as a step up over the GMT400 platform. With features like a CD player, power leather seats, and a more comprehensive set of gauges (including an information center that provided additional insight into vehicle status), the Silverado felt modern in a way the OBS simply didn’t—provided you were OK with big knobs and gray molded trim. Photo: Mecum Auctions See All 17 Photos The LS Legend Is Born for Truck Buyers The single greatest leap forward for the Chevrolet Silverado occurred under the hood. Unlike Ford, General Motors chose to maintain the status quo by using pushrod engines in all its pickups. The Silverado borrowed the same LS V-8 engine architecture that made its debut in the C5 Chevrolet Corvette, and while most examples made use of an iron block rather than aluminum (with aluminum heads sitting on top), it brought forth a long list of improvements and a serious jump in output. See All 17 Photos Old Body Style Chevrolets featured a pair of eight-cylinder options in its final two years of production, based on the pre-LS small-block architecture. 5.0-liter 5.7-liter See All 17 Photos In contrast, the LS engine family introduced coil-on-plug ignition, better-breathing heads, a larger throttle body, and improved fuel injection, giving it a serious advantage over past efforts. Marketed as the Vortec family of V-8s, two new engine designs were available across the Silverado quarter-ton (1500 series) range in a variety of different tunes. 4.8-liter 5.3-liter Starting in 2002, Chevrolet also offered an all-aluminum “high-output” version of the LS engine that could be ordered in top-spec trucks. Originally known as the HO 6000, starting in 2005 it was marketed as the Vortec MAX, with a displacement of 6.0 liters. 6.0-liter Vortec MAX Chassis Changes Improve Drivability Nearly as important as the drivetrain upgrades were the improvements that the GMT800 platform provided to the Silverado’s chassis. Although stout, the

The year 1959 saw the most radical engineering and styling changes for Chevrolet and GMC light-duty pickups since General Motors-branded trucks were introduced to the public early in the 20th century. The 1960 model year brought the arrival of the Chevy C10 series trucks, succeeding the 1955-59 Chevy Task Force series trucks. With the introduction of 1960s styling, Chevy C10 trucks were the first Chevy and GMC pickups equipped with independent front suspension (IFS), which replaced the non-independent straight axle found on Chevy and GMC trucks from 1959. One of the biggest trends in enjoying classic trucks is customizing classic trucks, and it has only been the past 10 years when the first series of Chevy C10 and GMC trucks have risen to their highest point in collector popularity. The new 1960 Chevy C10 series was a radical departure with torsion bar front suspension, and then in 1963 Chevy C10 and GMC trucks adopted conventional double A-arm with coil-spring IFS. The problem with 1960-1962 Chevy C10 trucks with torsion bar front suspension is that replacement parts are scarce and expensive when found. In addition, torsion bar IFS didn’t prove out to provide the ride quality expected. In the attached photos with subheads, we will point out some of the distinguishing characteristics, both good and bad, that will help one to decide which year of the first series of Chevy C10 and GMC trucks will fit their needs best. The year 1959 saw the most radical engineering and styling changes for Chevrolet and GMC light-duty pickups since General Motors-branded trucks were introduced to the public early in the 20th century. The 1960 model year brought the arrival of the Chevy C10 series trucks, succeeding the 1955-59 Chevy Task Force series trucks. With the introduction of 1960s styling, Chevy C10 trucks were the first Chevy and GMC pickups equipped with independent front suspension (IFS), which replaced the non-independent straight axle found on Chevy and GMC trucks from 1959. One of the biggest trends in enjoying classic trucks is customizing classic trucks, and it has only been the past 10 years when the first series of Chevy C10 and GMC trucks have risen to their highest point in collector popularity. The new 1960 Chevy C10 series was a radical departure with torsion bar front suspension, and then in 1963 Chevy C10 and GMC trucks adopted conventional double A-arm with coil-spring IFS. The problem with 1960-1962 Chevy C10 trucks with torsion bar front suspension is that replacement parts are scarce and expensive when found. In addition, torsion bar IFS didn’t prove out to provide the ride quality expected. In the attached photos with subheads, we will point out some of the distinguishing characteristics, both good and bad, that will help one to decide which year of the first series of Chevy C10 and GMC trucks will fit their needs best. 1963 Chevy C10 / Custom Cab Big-Window The year 1963 brought Chevy C10 trucks major engineering changes to the frame, suspension, and base six-cylinder engine while marking the last year for a dual-pod dashboard and wrap-around windshield. The 1963 Chevy C10 grille was a one-year-only design with round headlight doors that foretold the coming of identical 1964-66 Chevy C10 grilles with square headlight doors. The base model grille was stamped steel painted white, and the Custom grille was anodized aluminum. In 2020, the 1963 has become the most sought-after first series Chevy C10 truck. 1960 Chevy C10 / Comes with V-8 or six-cylinder engine In terms of mass appeal and resale value, the 1960-61 Chevy C10 trucks with a dual-pod hood are the least desirable, but the good news is the hood redesigned for 1962 Chevy C10 trucks will bolt on without modification. A tradition started in 1955 with the introduction of a V-8 engine option; the hood emblem up until 1961 will have a V under the Bow Tie, indicating a V-8 engine is under the hood on an unmolested example. The 1960-66 Chevy C10 and GMC trucks are the easiest of all trucks to convert from a Small-Window cab into a Big-Window cab thanks to the Big-Window indentation present in Small-Window cabs. 1961 Chevy C10 / C10 Changes for 1961 Chevrolet fired all its guns at once with the introduction of the 1960 Chevy C10 truck, so in the interest of saving production costs, Chevy made few exterior changes for 1961: adapting Bow Tie-styled turn signals, slightly different grille center, and a new hubcap design replacing the ever-popular 1955-60 hubcaps. New for 1961, Apache 10 emblems appeared on each side of the hood. The Fleetside bed was an all-new style for 1960, but the Stepside bed was a carry-over design that began with the Second Series 1955 Chevy truck and ended in 1966, with a new Stepside bed design appearing with the introduction of the second-series 1967 Chevy C10 truck. 1962 Chevy C10 / Last year for 235ci six-cylinder engine The year 1962 saw the end of the Apache nameplate for the Chevy C10 truck. A new “Easy-View Styling” hood combined with a completely different grille provided a cleaner look that has inspired many a 1960-61 Chevy C10 truck owner to ditch their dual-pod hood once the ’62s came out. 1962 was the last year for the much-adored Chevy Stovebolt I-6 engine, standard equipment in base model C10 trucks, and also the X-braced drop-frame design and torsion bar IFS. From 1960 to 1966, there were two different cab floors, a low-tunnel for the base three-speed stick transmission and high-tunnel for the compound four-speed stick transmission. For the customizer interested in lowering his Chevy C10, the high-tunnel provides more room to tuck the exhaust up higher for better ground clearance. The high-tunnel floor also works better for automatic transmission conversions. 1960-1963 GMC / How are Chevy C10 and GMC different? As late as 2005, GMC made heavier-duty trucks (GMC Sierra versus the Chevy Silverado). They have larger wheels, with bigger front brakes, for example. The base 235ci six-cylinder Chevrolet Stovebolt engine from 1959 carried on until 1962 for Chevy C10 trucks, while

There is no doubt that pick-up trucks have served an integral part in American society since their introduction as part of the Model T line-up in the early 1910s. Seemingly countless iterations of these vehicles have hauled, towed, and overall traversed America since their introduction. But among these millions of trucks still on the road today there is one generation that has captured the hearts of American’s more than any generation before or after. These trucks are commonly referred to as “Old Body Style” trucks or rather OBS trucks. Entering production in the late eighties and continuing through the late nineties, OBS pick-ups are a true American icon. The Ford F-Series is commonly recognized as one of the most desired trucks from the OBS era. Beginning with the eighth generation of the Ford F-Series truck built from ’87 through ’91, this new generation was a major revision from the previous generation which some refer to as an OOBS truck (old-old body style). 1990 Ford F-250 (Eighth Generation F-Series) The eighth generation did share a cab with the previous generation but many of the body panels were revised with the addition of a completely new front-end design. Additionally, the interior was updated, and the flare side (step side) bed option was discontinued. In 1992, Ford released the ninth generation of the F-Series which was another redesign of the platform introduced in 1980. These ninth-generation trucks are some of, if not the most, sought after OBS trucks. 1995 Ford F-250 Power Stroke (Ninth Generation F-Series) Ford adapted design ques from the Explorer SUV that had been recently introduced. Additionally, the bed was redesigned to appeal to younger buyers by updating to a more modern design. The sleek front end of these trucks is, in our eyes, some of the best-looking trucks to have ever been produced. Ford also brought back the flare side bed and introduced the SVT Lightning performance truck to compete with Chevrolet’s 454SS C1500. The Chevy and GMC trucks from the era are also very popular but differ from the Ford’s as the most desirable years are from the generation prior. The boxy looks of these General Motors trucks are commonly sought after as buyers love the boxy and rugged exterior appearance. GM, the parent company of both Chevrolet and GMC, released their trucks with either a “C” or “K” before the weight designation. A Chevrolet C1500 would be a two wheel drive half ton whereas a K2500 would be a four-wheel drive three quarter ton truck. 1983 Chevrolet K-20 Scottsdale Any combination of drivetrain allowed buyers to choose what level of capability they wanted their new truck to have. The most sought-after GM OBS trucks are those of the third generation which was produced from ’73 all of the way through ’91. This generation of truck was dubbed the Rounded Line generation, but it commonly referred to as a “Square Body.” Beginning in ’88 General Motors released the GMT-400 which was the successor to the Square Body trucks. The GMT-400 was offered in both the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra variants as well as there being SUV models. 1994 Chevrolet C1500 (GMT-400) In 2002 GM phased the GMT-400 out as the GMT-800 was released but the new-generation trucks were not met with strong first impressions. Many people preferred the older style of trucks, and it was not until a few years ago that people began to appreciate the GMT-800. Two additional reasons for the recent rise in popularity of the OBS trucks is that they are easily customizable and very simple to maintain compared to today’s trucks. A quick search online will offer a virtually unlimited array of available aftermarket headlights and taillights for any of these trucks. Additionally, suspension modifications such as lift kits, engine performance modifications, tuners, wheels, and tires are all readily available for these iconic American trucks. Also, older trucks are far less complex than trucks currently rolling off the production line. While some may have a distaste for the simple interiors and lack of luxurious features such as ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, or power folding tailgate, many enjoy the simplicity of the older trucks. The OBS truck craze was not limited to just pick-up trucks. Highly sought-after models include the Ford Bronco, Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe, and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL. These SUVs were produced throughout the same era in which the OBS trucks were. For those looking for the style and simplicity of an OBS truck but would rather carry extra passengers or even just those who prefer the overall look of an SUV, the OBS SUVs are a great choice. With their rise in popularity within the last few years, the value of OBS trucks have skyrocketed as they have become harder to find. Rust free and low mile examples can still be found in the hands of private owners in pockets across the country but finding a good deal can be a real challenge. When it comes to selling an OBS truck, national attention will bring the most money. Here at GR Auto Gallery, we have sold 30+ OBS trucks within the past two years in a variety of drivetrain configurations. National exposure is the way to go when getting top dollar for an OBS era truck. 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe (GMT-800 SUV)

Owning an old Ford truck is more than just driving a vehicle—it’s about preserving a piece of American automotive history. These trucks, known for their rugged durability and timeless appeal, deserve interiors that match their legendary status. Whether you own a 1993 Ford truck, a vintage 1950’s Ford F-1, or a custom Ford F650, upgrading the interior can dramatically enhance both the aesthetic and comfort of your ride. In this blog, we’ll explore how to bring new life to custom Ford truck interiors, while making use of modern design and materials. Why Upgrade Your Ford Truck’s Interior? Old Ford trucks are prized for their exterior design and performance, but their interiors often need significant attention. Many classic Ford truck owners are opting for custom Ford truck interiors to create a seamless blend of vintage charm and modern luxury. A customized interior upgrade can: – Improve comfort with modern materials. – Enhance the aesthetic appeal by adding personalized touches. – Increase the truck’s resale value with high-end finishes. – Reflect your unique style and taste while maintaining the classic look of the truck. Transforming a 1993 Ford Truck: Custom Interior Ideas The early 90s era brought sturdy, no-frills designs, and the 1993 Ford truck is a perfect example. While functional, its interiors are far from the luxurious options we see today. You can turn your old truck into a stylish ride by investing in a 1993 Ford truck custom interior. 1. Custom Seats for 1993 Ford Truck: Replacing the worn-out factory seats is a great starting point. Whether you’re looking for premium leather or custom fabric seats, options are endless. The new 1993 Ford truck custom interior seats can be upholstered with a range of materials that offer better comfort and durability, allowing you to personalize them with unique stitching, contrast piping, or even embroidered logos. 2. Dashboard Upgrades: While you’re upgrading your seats, consider modernizing the dashboard. You can maintain the classic feel of the truck by integrating digital gauges and controls into the original dash frame. 3. Flooring and Door Panels: Consider replacing the flooring with high-quality carpeting or rubber mats, perfect for off-road driving. Custom door panels can also be upholstered to match the seats, adding a cohesive look. The Beauty of Vintage: 67-72 Ford Truck Custom Interior The 1967-72 Ford trucks hold a special place in the hearts of classic truck enthusiasts. These models are well-known for their simplistic yet iconic design, making them ideal candidates for a 67-72 Ford truck custom interior upgrade. 1. Vintage Meets Modern Comfort: Keep the vintage vibe intact while adding new-age comfort. Retain the classic bench seat design but reupholster it in top-grain leather or high-quality vinyl with modern cushioning to enhance comfort on long drives. 2. Steering Wheel & Console Updates: Swap out the worn factory steering wheel with a custom woodgrain or leather-wrapped version. Adding a center console with modern amenities like cup holders and storage space can make the interior functional without losing its old-school charm. 3. Retro Styling with a Modern Touch: Consider integrating a vintage-inspired radio with Bluetooth functionality. You’ll retain the classic look but gain the convenience of modern tech.  Customizing the Interior of a 1950’s Ford Truck When it comes to customizing the interiors of 1950’s Ford trucks, there’s a fine line between preserving the vintage appeal and adding necessary upgrades for comfort. The Ford F-1 custom truck interior is one example of how you can make a classic truck feel new again without sacrificing its old-school essence. 1. Period-Correct Materials: To keep the truck’s original aesthetic, opt for materials that are reminiscent of the 1950s, such as cloth or vinyl seats. You can elevate the look by integrating chrome details into the dashboard and door handles. 2. Custom Gauges: Old trucks often have gauges that are less accurate or functional by today’s standards. Installing retro-style but accurate custom gauges can give you both the look and performance you need. 3. Woodgrain Details: Many 1950’s Ford truck owners are drawn to the warm look of woodgrain. Whether it’s adding a woodgrain steering wheel or installing custom wooden dash panels, this small touch can elevate the luxury feel. High-End Custom Interior for Ford F650 The Ford F650 is a massive, heavy-duty truck, perfect for customization. Given its size and presence, the custom interior truck Ford F650 demands a balance between toughness and luxury. 1. Luxurious Leather Seats: Opt for full leather seating with custom stitching. Given the larger cabin space of the F650, you have more room to play with intricate details like quilted patterns or dual-tone leather designs. 2. Enhanced Tech Features: Since the F650 is often used for commercial or heavy-duty purposes, integrating the latest technology such as built-in GPS systems, advanced sound systems, and rear cameras into the dashboard can significantly improve its usability.  Modernizing Older Models with New Custom Interiors For those looking to modernize their classic Ford trucks, a new custom interior for older model Ford trucks can completely revitalize the driving experience. By blending modern fabrics, colors, and technology into the existing structure, you create a unique fusion of classic and contemporary. Personalizing Your Classic Ford Truck Interior Whether you’re driving a 1950’s Ford truck or a 1993 Ford truck, investing in a custom Ford truck interior not only enhances comfort and style but also adds immense value to your vehicle. Each customization project allows you to put your own spin on a classic ride while maintaining the timeless appeal that makes old Ford trucks so special. No matter which model you drive, upgrading to a Ford truck custom interior is the perfect way to pay homage to the past while embracing the future. From custom 1993 Ford truck interior seats to the vintage style of the 67-72 Ford trucks, there’s a world of possibilities awaiting your classic Ford.