With 100 shows already under his belt, Leo enjoys his 1986 Squarebody.
Leo brought his Squarebody to the C10 Shindig Pre-Party at Classic Parts of America in July this year. He came across his ‘86 when he heard that an extended family member had it and they were currently looking for a running truck. Leo took the opportunity and traded his ‘05 Crew Cab 1500 with that extended family member for the Squarebody.
Once Leo found the time, he was able to get the truck done in just about three months. Leo lowered, painted, replaced worn/torn parts, and some other tasks to change the look of his truck.
For anyone wanting to start a restoration, Leo has some words of wisdom.
“Just look over the whole truck and I mean, they’re not expensive to do,” he said. “Now if you’re trying to build a $100,000 or $200,000 truck, yeah, it gets expensive, and it gets pretty. But no, you’re not going to enjoy that one. I enjoy it. If it gets scratched ‘oh well’. If something breaks, put it together and go down the road again.
“It’s an enjoyable truck. I don’t have to keep it in the garage, keep it wrapped in plastic or a bubble, just have fun with it.”
Leo’s goal with the truck is to get it on the cover of a magazine. He is planning on redoing the truck at the end of the year to try and achieve that goal. His wife is also wanting to start on her ‘85 Squarebody.
“We’re gonna do a full restoration on that one,” he said. “She wants it fully restored with brand new parts and every single thing. So, with Classic Parts, we’re gonna get it.”
Sounds like a great project – ive just finished my 85 square body and it looks good and gets heaps of positive comments. Being a RHD (In New Zealand) there was a bit of messing with interior bits but all fits and Classic parts have the gear – Ive kept the colour original but changed the interior to Black from maroon and lowered it 2 inches to get the 383 to give the tarmac more bite.
Enjoyed it very much