Build a Muscle Truck

GM’S POPULAR GMT400 PICKUPS ARE SEEING A SURGE IN AFTERMARKET PERFORMANCE PARTS

- John McGann

As affordable, buildable cars from the ’60s and ’70s become more difficult to find, we’re pleased to see enthusiasts’ interests turn to alternative body styles and cars from the ’80s and ’90s, many of which have just as much, if not more, performance potential as any ’60s-era Chevelle or Mustang. One platform that seems to be exploding in popularity is the GMT400, GM’s 1988-1998 pickup trucks. Interestingly, these are known colloquially as the OBS Chevys: the “old body style”. Speaking as the owner of both a ’93 C1500 as well as a ’67 C10, I’d consider the 1963-1966 pickups to be the old body style, but what do I know?

Common Problems

Overall, these are simple, reliable trucks, but like all vehicles, they have quirks you’ll likely need to address as an owner. Here are a few, in no particular order:

Rust!

Yes, that disgusting tin worm that destroys our precious vehicles has a voracious appetite for these pickups. Though touted at the time as having excellent corrosion protection, that statement was only true in reference to this generation’s predecessor. Cab corners, rocker panels, and the wheel arches are especially susceptible to rot, particularly in wet and snowy climates.