1973 GMC Squarebody Build: LS3 Swap, Air Ride & Custom Interior | Dino's Git Down Debut
Scott's 1973 GMC squarebody holds 52 years of family history. His dad bought it brand new from the dealership in '73, and after more than a decade of planning, Scott finally finished what he always envisioned. We're debuting this build at Dino's Get Down 2025, and this one's special.
This truck represents everything we love about hot rodding: making memories with the people you care about. Scott's dad got emotional seeing the finished truck because it's exactly what his son dreamed it could be. Now Scott has a legacy piece to continue making memories with.
We took Scott's vision and brought it home in about 7-8 months. The build moved quick because we kept fabrication focused and straightforward. LS3 engine dressed to look like a classic 350, complete with custom GMC valve covers from Canada. Holley intake, fuel injected throttle body, and all the modern performance hidden under that traditional appearance. Wilwood master cylinder and brake booster setup, billet hinges, and AC lines with black fittings to keep everything clean.
The truck sits on air ride with custom widened wheel tubs and raised metal bed floor to accommodate larger tires. Billet Specialty wheels got the full custom treatment: we painted the grooves to mimic old GMC dog dish wheels, laser cut "GMC" into them, and added black accents to tie in with the window trim.
Factory 1973 bronze paint keeps things original on the outside. Inside is where we really got creative. First bucket seat setup we've done in a squarebody. Custom fabricated brackets to sit lower, leather-wrapped center console, and bronze interior with satin finish to keep everything toned down. Tan distressed leather with plaid inserts, French seam details, and a suede headliner throughout. Square Body Syndicate column and Dakota Digital gauges blend the classic look with modern functionality. Focal subs and RL speakers keep it clean and low profile.
Now comes the shake-out phase: we'll put 1,000 miles on this truck to make sure everything performs as good as it looks. That's our standard before any customer delivery.
Follow along as we put miles on this build and get it magazine-ready. This truck's stunning, and we can't wait to show you more.
PRODUCTS & PARTS FEATURED:
LS3 Engine with Holley Intake
Wilwood Master Cylinder & Brake Booster
Billet Specialty Wheels (Custom Modified)
Air Ride Suspension
Square Body Syndicate Column & Dakota Digital Gauges
Focal Subwoofers & RL Speakers
Custom Leather Interior by Fat Fender Garage
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