1987 Square Body Chevy: Restoration Guide

Are you a proud owner of a 1987 Chevy Square Body truck, yearning to restore it to its former glory? You've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need, from assessing your truck's condition to the final touches, ensuring your restoration journey is as rewarding as possible. This article will help you understand the nuances of restoring a classic 1987 Chevy Square Body, ensuring your project is a success.

Owning a 1987 Square Body Chevy is like holding a piece of American automotive history. These trucks, known for their boxy design and robust build, have become increasingly popular among classic car enthusiasts. Restoring one is a labor of love, but the result – a head-turning, fully functional classic – is well worth the effort.

Why Restore a 1987 Chevy Square Body?

Restoring a classic truck like the 1987 Chevy Square Body offers several advantages.

• Sentimental Value: Many owners have fond memories associated with these trucks, making restoration a deeply personal project.
• Investment Potential: Properly restored Square Body trucks can appreciate significantly in value, making them a sound investment.
• Mechanical Simplicity: Compared to modern vehicles, Square Body trucks are relatively simple to work on, making them ideal for DIY restoration projects.
• Community: A vibrant community of Square Body enthusiasts exists, providing support, resources, and camaraderie.

Assessment and Planning: The Foundation of Your Restoration

Before you even touch a wrench, you must perform a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed inspection, establishing a realistic budget, and planning the scope of your restoration.

Step 1: Comprehensive Inspection

Begin by meticulously inspecting your 1987 Chevy Square Body. Document everything. Check for:

• Rust: The most common enemy. Inspect the cab corners, bed, rocker panels, and around the windows. Rust repair can be time-consuming and costly, so identify all areas affected.
• Mechanical Condition: Evaluate the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and steering. Note any leaks, unusual noises, or performance issues.
• Interior Condition: Assess the seats, dashboard, headliner, and door panels. Decide whether to restore or replace these components.
• Electrical System: Check the wiring harness for corrosion, frayed wires, and malfunctioning components. This can be a major headache if neglected.

Step 2: Budgeting for Your Restoration

Establish a realistic budget early on. Restoration costs can quickly escalate. Factor in:

• Parts: Research prices for replacement parts. Summit Racing, LMC Truck, and Classic Parts of America are excellent resources.
• Labor: If you plan on outsourcing any work, get quotes from reputable mechanics and body shops.
• Tools: Determine what tools you need and if you need to purchase or rent them. Consider the cost of specialty tools for specific tasks.
• Contingency Fund: Always include a contingency fund (10-20% of the total budget) to cover unexpected expenses.

Step 3: Define the Scope of Work

Decide the extent of your restoration. Will it be a full frame-off restoration, a partial restoration, or a cosmetic refresh? This decision affects your budget and timeline. Consider:

• Full Restoration: Includes disassembly, rust repair, bodywork, paint, engine rebuild, and a complete overhaul of all systems.
• Partial Restoration: Focuses on specific areas, such as the engine, interior, or bodywork.
• Cosmetic Refresh: Involves cleaning, detailing, and minor repairs to improve the truck's appearance.

Disassembly and Bodywork

This is where the real work begins. Disassembly and bodywork are crucial to the appearance of your 1987 Chevy Square Body. They are also the most time-consuming. — Starship Launch 10: Everything You Need To Know

Step 1: Disassembly Process

Carefully remove all components from the truck. Label everything clearly, and take photos throughout the process. This helps with reassembly. Specific steps include:

• Remove Body Panels: Doors, fenders, hood, bed, and tailgate.
• Remove Interior: Seats, dashboard, headliner, and door panels.
• Remove Engine and Transmission: Drain fluids, disconnect wiring, and remove the engine and transmission as a unit.
• Remove Suspension and Steering: Disconnect all components and remove the axles.

Step 2: Rust Repair and Bodywork

Address rust issues. This can involve:

• Cutting out Rust: Use a cutting wheel to remove rusted metal.
• Welding in Replacement Panels: Weld new metal into place.
• Body Filling: Use body filler to smooth out imperfections.
• Sanding: Sand the body filler to create a smooth surface.
• Priming and Painting: Apply primer and paint to protect and beautify the body.

Step 3: Preparing for Paint

Before painting, ensure the body is perfectly smooth. This involves: — Weather In Wartburg, TN 37887: Your Guide

• Block Sanding: Use a long sanding block to achieve a flat surface.
• Primer Application: Apply multiple coats of primer and sand between coats.
• Final Sanding: Wet sand the primer to remove any imperfections.

Engine and Mechanical Restoration

The heart of your Square Body is its engine. Restoring the engine and mechanical components ensures reliability and performance.

Step 1: Engine Rebuild

If the engine requires a rebuild, this involves:

• Disassembly: Carefully disassemble the engine, cleaning all parts.
• Machine Work: Have the block, cylinder heads, and crankshaft machined.
• Reassembly: Reassemble the engine with new parts, following proper torque specifications.
• Testing: Test the engine on a stand.

Step 2: Transmission Restoration

Inspect and rebuild the transmission, including:

• Disassembly: Disassemble the transmission, cleaning all parts.
• Inspection: Inspect the internal components for wear and damage.
• Reassembly: Reassemble the transmission with new seals, gaskets, and friction plates.

Step 3: Suspension and Brake Overhaul

• Suspension: Replace worn suspension components, such as shocks, springs, and bushings.
• Brakes: Replace the brake pads, rotors, drums, and brake lines. Restore or replace the brake booster and master cylinder.
• Steering: Rebuild or replace the power steering pump, steering gear, and tie rods.

Interior Restoration

The interior of your 1987 Chevy Square Body contributes significantly to the overall feel and value of your restoration.

Step 1: Seat Restoration

• Remove Upholstery: Carefully remove the old upholstery.
• Replace Foam: Replace the worn foam padding.
• New Upholstery: Install new upholstery (consider using pre-sewn seat covers for ease).

Step 2: Dashboard and Door Panels

• Dashboard: Restore or replace the dashboard. Repair cracks and fading.
• Door Panels: Replace or restore door panels. Replace worn components like armrests and handles.

Step 3: Carpeting and Headliner

• Carpeting: Replace the carpeting with new, high-quality carpet.
• Headliner: Replace the headliner, ensuring a smooth, wrinkle-free installation.

Wiring and Electrical Systems

Electrical gremlins can plague any classic car. Addressing wiring and electrical systems is critical for a safe and functional 1987 Chevy Square Body.

Step 1: Wiring Harness Assessment

• Inspect the Wiring Harness: Look for cracked insulation, frayed wires, and corrosion.
• Replace or Repair: Replace any damaged sections or the entire harness if necessary. Consider a new wiring harness for improved reliability.

Step 2: Electrical Component Restoration

• Test and Repair: Test all electrical components, such as lights, gauges, and accessories.
• Replace: Replace any malfunctioning components.

Step 3: Lighting Upgrade (Optional)

• LED Headlights: Upgrade to LED headlights for improved visibility and safety.
• LED Tail Lights: Consider LED tail lights for enhanced appearance and efficiency.

Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

Careful assembly and attention to detail are key to a successful 1987 Chevy Square Body restoration.

Step 1: Reassembly Process

• Follow the Disassembly Photos: Use the photos you took during disassembly to guide the reassembly process.
• Torque Specifications: Torque all bolts to the correct specifications.
• Double-Check: Double-check all connections and ensure everything functions properly.

Step 2: Paint and Bodywork Details

• Wet Sanding and Polishing: Wet sand and polish the paint to achieve a flawless finish.
• Chrome and Trim: Install the chrome trim, bumpers, and other exterior details.

Step 3: Final Inspection

• Test Everything: Test all systems, including the engine, transmission, brakes, lights, and accessories.
• Road Test: Take the truck for a road test to identify any remaining issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How much does it cost to restore a 1987 Chevy Square Body? — Sewing Jobs Near Me: Find Local Sewing Opportunities

A: The cost can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars for a basic refresh to $20,000 or more for a full, frame-off restoration. It depends on the scope of work, parts, and labor costs. Plan and set a budget before starting.

Q: Where can I find parts for a 1987 Chevy Square Body?

A: LMC Truck, Summit Racing, Classic Parts of America, and local auto parts stores are excellent resources.

Q: How long does it take to restore a Square Body truck?

A: A full restoration can take anywhere from six months to several years, depending on the complexity of the project and the availability of time and resources.

Q: Is it worth restoring a 1987 Chevy Square Body?

A: Absolutely! It can be a rewarding project with the potential for investment if done correctly. These trucks have a great history and a dedicated enthusiast base.

Q: What are the common rust areas on a Square Body?

A: Common rust areas include the cab corners, rocker panels, bed, and around the windows. Regular inspections can help catch and address rust early.

Q: What engine options came in the 1987 Chevy Square Body?

A: The 1987 Chevy Square Body came with various engine options, including the 4.3L V6, 5.0L V8, and 5.7L V8. The engine choice depended on the specific truck model and intended use.

Q: What are the main differences between the 1986 and 1987 Chevy Square Body trucks?

A: The 1987 models saw minor cosmetic changes, such as a revised grille and updated interior options, along with the introduction of electronic fuel injection (EFI) on some engine options. However, they are largely similar in terms of overall design and mechanics.

Conclusion: Your Journey to a Classic Truck

Restoring a 1987 Chevy Square Body is a significant undertaking, but the rewards are immeasurable. From the satisfaction of bringing a classic truck back to life to the enjoyment of cruising down the road in your meticulously restored vehicle, it's an experience like no other. Follow this guide, take your time, and enjoy the process. The result will be a testament to your dedication and passion. Embrace the challenge, and soon you'll be behind the wheel of a beautiful piece of automotive history. With the correct approach, this endeavor can be a satisfying experience. Get started today and turn your dream into reality.