1973 Chevy C10 Is A Quintessential Square Body Ute

The Third Generation Went Boxy

The first in the line of square body Chevy Ute's, C10 featured a sleek and modernized appearance, characterized by a squared-off body style that was a departure from the more rounded designs of the previous generation. This new look gave the C10 a distinct aesthetic from its competitors at the time.

Overall, the C10's bold new design, including the squared body and distinctive front grille, set it apart as an icon of American automotive craftsmanship.

Chevy moved the front axle forward by 2.5 inched that provided a larger wheelbase along with a bigger windshield, increasing both comfort and safety. Double the amount of sheet metal was used compared to last MY along with new engine mounts and staggered suspension setup.

The gas tank was now frame mounted and an all steel liner was standard.

How Are The Interior's of '73 C10 ?

Nothing fancy, as you would expect from a utility truck that's half a century old. The standard interior came with foam padded seats, a steel headliner and black rubber mats.

Buyers with deep pockets often optioned the Cheyenne or Cheyenne Super option that included faux wood trim around gauges, 7 inches thick seat foam and sound insulation.

The latter also added herringbone pattern on seats with bucket seats and console available as optional extras. Popular interior color for square body C10 include beige, brown blue and black.

What engines did 1973 Chevy C10 Came With ?

Back then, Chevy offered a couple of sixes and V8s you could choose from. The 250 Cu six made around 100 hp and 175 lb-ft. While the 292 Cu had 120 hp and 215 lb-ft. These two could also be tuned to run on LPG. The 307 V8 was available everywhere but in California

It made 115 hp and 205 lb-ft in C10, while a more powerful 350 V8 was standard in California and optional elsewhere. It had 155 hp and 255 lb-ft.

The coveted, however, was the 454 Cu Big Bad V8 that made 240 hp and 355 lb-ft. Enough to pull a freight train.

A 3-speed manual was standard while that was upgradeable to a 4-Speed, Powerglide or a Hydramatic depending on the V8. Similarly, 6 Cylinders came with 3.73 rear end as standard. The 3.40 was available with V8s along with an 11-inch clutch and a 4.11 if desired

A leaf spring setup was standard, with heavy-duty suspension and stabilizer bar available as an optional extra. Depending on the spec, the C10 had GVW between 5000–6000 pounds

How Much Should I Pay For A C10?

These square body C10s have undergone a resurgence in popularity lately, with clean stock examples fetching thousands of bucks.

As per Hagerty, a used C10 is around $20,000. But example with 454 V8 and custom interior can cost as much as $50,000.

Chevy C10 Common Problems

A reputed forum as highlighted issues like rust, chopped up wiring and leaking fluids major cause of concern. Similarly, power addicted brakes were lacking in most C10s and as such is a recommended upgrade.

Other popular upgrades for C10 include suspension and steering components. A tubular suspension kit with bushings will set you back around $300 from QA1. While Aldan American will sell you one with coil overs for around $3,000.

Image Source-Gateway Classic Cars/ YouTube