Restoring my Chevy k10 Squarebody!

Growing up my dad had a 1978 k10 Squarebody Chevy pickup. My entire adulthood, I've dreamed of owning and restoring one myself. In this video, I'll finally get to do that!
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#Squarebody #Truck #Renovation #TruckReno #truckRepair #vehiclerestoration #VehicleReno
About Dude Dad:
Hi! I'm Taylor Calmus, a rural South Dakota born and Colorado-based actor/comedian. I started Dude Dad© two weeks before my son Theo was born as a way to stay creative while learning to be a father. My wife Heidi and I now have 4 kids and over 500+ videos. We also have a TV show on the Magnolia Network called Super Dad. My purpose for the channel is to entertain, enlighten and inspire.
Restoring my Chevy k10 Squarebody!
• Restoring my Chevy k10...
Dude Dad
/ dudedad

[@DudeDad]

Make sure to subscribe! It'll help pay for my new drone LOL but seriously thanks for following along with the channel!

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Always will! I’ll never leave! 😎

[@Yourmission9]

Sweet truck! Very cool you get to pass your childhood memories down to your kiddos. Growing up we had an 86 suburban and that thing had more real estate than the average home. You’d hop in and need someone to pick you up in a golf cart to take you to your seat

[@paulamacdonald7070]

​😂😂😂

[@carlos-luisluna5828]

I was reading this as the drone fell from view. Awww man. 😂 The truck looks amazing. : )

[@2013bayy]

Yes, I will gladly subscribe! What a great video. What a great truck!

[@umaikakudo]

"It isn't a showroom truck, it's a memory machine." ❤ 💯

[@BodkinVanHorn-zs8np]

The sound of those old doors closing is one of the nicest sounds to grace my ears.

[@misfit1x444]

Yes

[@jdii5698]

Two tone truck paint jobs NEED to make a come back. That and plaid interiors. Very cool truck dude. For a lot of people vehicles are just an appliance, something to get them from point A to B, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But for some of us they are more. A means to go out and have a good time, make memories with either family, friends or just alone, and to explore. What I call: “Point the hood that depiction and follow it” Love it.

[@DudeDad]

Perfectly said! This thing is a memory maker...a part of the family!

[@merlars]

Well Said! I LOVE the two tone and the trim pieces. I grew up in the '70s and my favorite memory is heading out to go fishing with my sister and I squished between my grandpa and my Dad on the bench seat...then stopping at a drive in for malts on the way home. Man. Anyway that's honestly a perfect truck. I'd like to see a stock grill on it, but other than that, I wouldn't change a thing!

[@danyz250f]

I did that exact wrap on a square body about a year ago here in Idaho. Except the truck was red.

[@heatherandtimsharp]

@@DudeDadwhere did you get the vinyl for 2tone paint job on truck? It looks great. I want to do the same on my bull nose truck.

[@gavinmetcalfe140]

I agree. I think it’s gone because it costs too much to paint it twice and wait for it to dry in between.

[@lycansoldier9512]

After my grandfather passed away in 2015 I inherited his 78 GMC K25. I went into the Army in 2016, spent 3 yrs in Hawaii and then 1 year in Washington state. I drove that truck from Oregon to Washington on many occasions and to this day I still have that truck. Ive poured thousands into my truck and it’s still not done. My kids ride next to me in it, it’s been my everyday driver and I’ve been all over the west coast in that truck. I won’t ever say, “I wish I still had that truck”

[@demris15]

"Bout a thousand" i just about died

[@projectaurora3496]

LMAO, came to say the same exact thing...

[@corrinelillard1267]

Had to know it was coming lol😂

[@erikberg8098]

Hey, if you’ve ever watched a car KZbinr like Tyler Hoover of Hoovies Garage you’ll know that “bout a thousand” for everything he listed off isn’t that bad. It could certainly be a lot higher!

[@chongvang5094]

For an old vehicle, I would take a $1000 repair bill any day.

[@JOSHT901]

@@chongvang5094 that was my thought.... to walk away fixing an old car for only a grand, that's totally worth it.

[@alfredotherescuetuxedocat83]

Taylor you are a Renaissance man! Telling us that you have never worked on vehicles and proceeding to fearlessly restore your new old truck. You're an inspiration by showing us that we can do anything we put our mind to. Well, I meant you. You can literally do anything you put your mind to. ❤

[@Evadingmoto]

This wasn’t a restoration lollll

[@dawnsutherland3461]

What Heidi, did was amazing, love you guys

[@DudeDad]

She is literally THE BEST

[@danhoyland142]

My wife didn’t support my love for classics, so I divorced her. True story

[@ryancampbell8645]

But she didn't get an exact replica! I would have said: "HEY! If I wanted something similar to what my dad drove, i would have ​said so! Thanks for wasting my time! Have fun sleeping on the couch for a week." @DudeDad

[@JustMyOpinion_1]

I have such great memories of my dad’s square truck. My dad and all four kids squished in the bench seat. He’d pick us up for a visit and always stop at 7-11 for Slurpees. Riding in the bed out in the country. Great memories. Thank you for taking me back ❤

[@theathjr]

I have pictures when I was a toddler standing on the seat while Dad was driving his old Ford pickup. This video brought tears to my 51 year old eyes. Thanks Dude👊

[@Calebs_Aviation]

Loved it so so much! I love those old trucks! Bring back the square bodies! 😃

[@DudeDad]

Make Chevy's Square Again!

[@alfredotherescuetuxedocat83]

​@@DudeDad😂 yes! 'Cause "Nothing works like a Chevy truck"!

[@CaliMel184]

YES. The old pickups are so much better than the new ones.

[@Cinderella1125]

"It's a beaut, Clark!!" Well done, DudeDad. Have a great time making memories with your family.

[@NerfThisBoardGames]

That headbonk under the dash for that fuse, chef kiss

[@DudeDad]

so many headbonks through this process

[@tjwiersma4406]

If he would of said "son-of-a, that's gonna leave a mark" like in Tommy Boy. lol

[@kellyd6195]

It’s not about the truck…it’s about the people IN the truck. You’re doing the parenting very well.

[@Moparfest_Robbie]

I've been working on a 1979 Dodoge power wagon with my 7 year old for 22 months now, it's about road worthy and it's been tough but I can't wait to have those memories with him in the future! Good on you for wrenching!

[@aaronspratt267]

My dad owned a couple square bodies when I was a kid. Lots of great memories in these trucks. I enjoyed watching you work on this one. It was like a trip down memory lane.

[@RodneyBarber]

I just spent the block on a 87 C20. Was looking at random videos and I appreciate this one. Full of so much truth. Why do we love these things so much lol

[@AMiles8810]

You nailed it, from the color and restoration, to the reason for having it in the first place 💯

[@williescott5439]

How sweet! I'm sure it'll be a memory machine forever.

[@JeffKendallWeed]

Sick truck! And awesome work on the vlog! Felt like a TV production! Excited to see this truck in more of your upcoming vids

[@FarmAlarm]

Speaking of not being finished, look into Detroit Steel Wheels, specifically their Delray wheel. It looks like your stock wheel but bigger. They have the beauty rings too and you can have it where your stock center caps fit on them too. I promise you won't be disappointed. Super nice truck BTW

[@MrWilliewonka69]

This are the moments we look forward to as a father the time spent with the little ones and the skill we pass on/learn with them. I am rebuilding a 97 k2500 with my oldest daughter. Not cause of memories i have but this truck has been a rock for my family in a every hard time

[@djmartin9522]

My grandpa had a vehicle like this brought back memories it was an old school green Lincoln it had the middle armrest that could move up to be a middle seat but it was just a huge big front bench. I loved sitting there next to him on the way to and from church on Sundays listening to jazz and gospel music it was great. I always fell asleep the ride was so smooth and peaceful.

[@debbiemccann3711]

Best gift ever in more ways then one.Memories are priceless

[@67polara]

very well done, sir. Our memory machine was a 78 suburban. The kids can tell you all about it but they’re grown and gone from home now

[@user-pl3zi4it5l]

To test the difference in your sound deadening for your doors, you should've tapped on the sheetmetal, it would sound hollow and tinny. After you install the sound deadener, tap on it again and it will sound solid and more quiet. A good tip I learned.

[@mattf49006]

Had a 74 GMC long bed in blue/white back in the 80s..smoked the 350 and replaced it with a 454..oddly picking up 3 mpg along the way...4 inch rancho lift..dual shock..bushwhacker wheel trim..35 mickey thompsons..was rough rude and loved every minute of driving it...nice resto bud

[@t.j.buskirk1255]

Dude Dad thank you for this video. Growing up, all i remembered was riding around in my dads 1984 Chevy C10. It was my first truck i learned how to drive when I got my license. When he passed away in 2000 I had to sell it. Hard times after he passed. 2 weeks ago I found my dad's truck that I sold and bought it back. It's in rough shape!! My son, 13 and I just started the restoration for his first truck. Memory will live on and passed on to generations to come!! So, I just wanted to say thank you for the video. It really hit home.

[@JacksonTerrier]

They really knew how to make trucks then. My dad had a 79 and 87 Chevy. You talking about the family bunched up on the bench seat really took me back. And not being able to close the door! Omg that was me as a kid! My brother still has our grandfather’s 73 Chevy but like you said, it’s full of rust and there are holes in the floor boards. My favorite memory with that truck is riding in the bed and picking apples off the apple tree on his property. What an awesome memory to share with your kids❤

[@davidhallquist7220]

Bro this hit me pretty good down memory lane. My dad had a 79 chevy c10 truck that took us to all my motocross races and then my grandpa handed down his 92 chevy silverado 2500 to my dad then my dad handed it down to me which at that point had a little over 200k and I drove that truck every where and I will say it finally started knocking around 400k miles and never left me stranded. Lots of good memories! Great video your wife picked a good one and what you did to it even better very clean 👍

[@Damaxfarms]

I love the video and what makes this great for me is that I am 13 and me and my dad are working on a square body suburban right now.

[@colinklang]

I'm glad i have the last truck my dad owned. 90 k1500 It's rough but restorable. It's ugly and loud. It needs some TLC. My wife hates it, but i don't think she understands why I want to keep and fix it up. You hit the nail on the head. Great video. I love your square body. It's a beautiful memory machine.

[@sarahnelson3778]

My Dad had a 1971 Canary yellow chevy truck. With 8 track player. I loved riding in that truck, listening to the Oakridge boys. 2 adults and 4 kids, crambed in the cab. Some of my greatest memories are in that truck. You have a great treasure!

[@junfan1986]

That's some awesome quality time with your kids. Hopefully you can enjoy teaching them how to fix some more things while giving them valuable life experience. That feeling of pride you get by being able to repair something yourself.

[@KM-lu7nh]

How sweet! ❤ My dad had a Ford Courier and a Ranger. I always wanted to go wherever he went. My brother and I rode in the bed a lot during the Summer, going to ballgames, the store, etc.. It was freedom.

[@RedKittieKat]

I knew I was going to hear ... ''It's gonna be about a 1000''' I was not disappointed 🤣 You did a great job with it ... everything looks great! 🥰

[@derekmcmaster8191]

My parents had a '76 GMC Jimmy when they were married and when I was growing up into my teens. Also got an '86 Jimmy when I turned 16. Great trucks and lots of memories.

[@candykid5135]

you'll never go wrong with square body chevy, reasons for that, the memories, easy maintenance and decent price spare parts, i had 1991 chevy suburban v1500

[@josephmaliszewski9659]

Right in the feels. Awesome gift, and a fun project!

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

A friend of mine, (his dad), had a ‘78 4WD Chevy Silverado. He “borrowed it” from his dad one Sunday and we went 4 wheeling. He got that thing so buried in a mud hole that it was going to need to be pulled out. We had to walk to a friend’s farm, (no cell phones), and he drove a big John Deere over. Couldn’t really pull it out. It had a loader on it, that once we got it attached, it more lifted it out. He made me promise to never tell his dad.

[@heidiknutson3128]

Makes my heart melt, driving up at Horsetooth and the endless memories you and the family will have ❤. I'm from Fort Collins, moved back to Seattle 3 weeks ago; it's definitely making me a little homesick after watching this.

[@DudeDad]

Awesome, thanks for watchin!

[@ash965]

Made my heart smile!! Love it!

[@kathleentayl]

That was really great. Have many memories of driving in my dad’s pick up truck with him. He’s gone now so kind of brought a few tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing.

[@claregoldade]

I love your videos! They are entertaining but always so deeply emotional and grounded 🫶

[@DudeDad]

I appreciate that...thanks for following

[@Penguincindy30]

You guys are just the cutest! Your comments about raising kids is so spot on. You are an amazing person. Please keep throwing content like this out there. The world needs to have you as an example of how to raise a family. Thank you.

[@sterling970nicole]

I loved this! My dad had a couple of these, a red with the white stripe and a brown one. My son is now looking to purchase one to fix up and drive on his own. These are the best trucks hands down. Memories with these are some of the best I have with my dad ❤😊

[@883mustang]

My father owned one just like yours, except it was red and white. It was my favorite truck of all time! Unfortunately he had to get rid of it once my brother was born but anytime i see one it brings back so many memories!

[@DeathBySparkles]

You and your kids are going to enjoy so much fun together learning mechanics. If I can understand some things about mechanics thanks to my husband’s hobby, you can most certainly learn it too. Heck. You built a roller coaster in your backyard. You have a mind that can learn mechanics. It’s really cool and interesting. I enjoy what my husband has taught me. Differentials are my favorite part. Your truck looks super beautiful! We will enjoy watching the mods over time.

[@marshallsauter1415]

Oh my gosh Taylor. This is the best video I’ve seen in so long. I’m still looking for my dad’s square body that he packed us kids into and that we loaded down with firewood! I can’t wait to tune in for more adventures with the K10!

[@jackgabbert3233]

Simply the Best!!! Every point you made is exactly what I did with my son - and now we're doing with my grandkids. All the best, Papa Jack

[@dustinjohnson1410]

My grandpa had a green 79. We used to drive it down the "lane," which was a mowed path that went out into the corn fields at his farm. When my brother was learning to drive, we would squeeze the 4 of us onto the bench seat and drive the farm roads. Grandpa would point out the window and tell us about the old country school, orchard, or neighbor that we passed by.

[@sampackard9125]

Props for your sense of humor! Great you have your Dad around and involved. I had buckets but put the bench seat in mine for your same reason. Maybe do some forum research / invest in tools to overhaul yourself, the shop price is usually more than tools cost and your learning curve will be high at first. BTDT on the goopy foil, try fluffy insulation to better deaden engine noise. A person will get used to the costs after you’ve done it a while. Have done a diesel swap costs add up fast but you can figure how to sell parts and find quality items for less.

[@ronniegillaspy]

SWEET TRUCK!!! Really make me miss my 83 GMC Sierra 😢 It was my favorite ever!!!

[@smokeycoonhoundut6081]

Love it man. I’m a mechanic and really loved this one

[@jacobkauffman7742]

It turned out amazing. Beautiful work. Great to see you learning along with your kids is great. Shout out to Heidi for going along and getting a beautiful gift.

[@dtread9543]

I've owned several of these trucks over the years. Its tempting to do a bunch of modifications to the older stuff, but please consider keeping it close to stock. These trucks run down the road amazing when they are tight and sorted out. GM left the design largely the same from 73-87 because it was so damn good.

[@3074x4-Garage]

I had a 78 c10 with 406 I built back in high school! Love the truck!

[@srice6231]

Heidi is great! I think your truck looks beautiful! I love the stripe! This made me think of my dad!

[@sandman1734]

Nice truck, love it. My adult kids still talk about riding around in my old pick up when they were young. Funny how the smallest things are the best memories

[@kathyforgues6994]

Love this❤. I remember watching my dad restore first a 1966 Mustang, then a 1957 Thunderbird. I have a love of old cars because of him. Enjoy those memories 😊

[@DiamondDustAndVerdigris]

Love this! One of the first cars I learned to drive on was my dad's 67 Dodge pickup truck. The thing was a beast! Ugly as sin, and louder than the 1812 Overture on speed. But, it always started. And if something went wrong with it, it was relatively easy to fix- unlike today's super complicated computerized yuppie-mobiles.

[@richies6420]

I love it.... you're a great man and a hero to all the other great dad's out there. Thank you Heidi . 😊

[@bsteimel]

Love the truck Congrats. I get what you saying about kids sitting in the front seat. We have a Mazda Miata and the conversations with my daughter in that car have been amazing. We also bought an old Landcruiser, while not a single cab, the smiles it brings to us have been awesome. Whether it's wrenching in the driveway, the thumbs up on the highway or the many conversations in parking lots. Buying an old car has it's pluses. Just remember the pocketbook isn't one of them. Congrats again.

[@KJ-kc3dm]

I LOVED this video! What little you've done, that thing looks AMAZING! I cant believe the difference that 2-tone and window tint made! I have a 90 ram, 4wd, that i've used to take my kids to and from school quite a few yimes, and you cant be more right about them old trucks being "memory machines"! I love it! May you and your family continue to be blessed! I am anxious to see the next improvements to the truck!

[@melissaziegler8632]

Love it! I love old vehicles. Great job, Taylor. Lots of memories to be made. ❤

[@melissadriver7615]

Taylor you did a dang good job! Really looks great. I’m so happy for you.

[@tylerjones7845]

The white stripe and top really set it off! These old squares are definitly memory machines! Im just finishing up my 86. You have a great looking pickup! Keep the funny and square vids coming!

[@MLeeder53]

My dad had 5 or 6 of these growing up at different times. I like the tasteful mods you did. They’re is nothing better than the original rally wheels on these things. Well done.

[@joette8510]

Oh I love it! You and your kids are going to make a lot of wonderful memories. I’m sure even you and your dad can make new memories. The truck is awesome and who knows, maybe your kids will drive it some day. You are such a good dad with all the things you make and do with your kids. They will definitely have stories to share when they’re adults. Live life and love life every moment of every day! May God continue to bless you and your family. 😊❤️🙏🏼

[@ronjamdio86]

I have so many memories as well from riding around with my dad in those old Chevy's. there is no like them and the experience is amazing. love it.

[@Chumba802]

That truck looks soo good you did so well on it.. i miss my stepside chevy

[@jenniferrufli4635]

This might be my very favorite video other than when Heidi gave birth to your children.❤❤❤ This is awesome. Bless your family! You're good people

[@thaddpooler373]

I inherited a 1969 chevy c10. When I was a kid my granddaddy and I drove to many fishing holes in Colorado in that truck. A few years ago my grandmother wanted to sell it so I bought it I have had it for a few years now. So now my son and I drive all over the place fishing in those same fishing holes. Making memories

[@the-onlydude]

Dude! Love the truck!! I can relate to this video big time! I’ve got a 77 Chevy Silverado 3+3 camper special! It is definitely all about the journey! Enjoy building the memories!

[@justinthacker9557]

This is the best. Hell I'm emotional for you about the truck. It's not about what the vehicle is or how nice it is. It's about the memories with one and making for the future. Super nice truck though!

[@RichKeator]

When you installed the new LED head lights, I literally said out loud “That’s pretty Slick…” I’m officially an old dad now… thanks…😂😂

[@HickLif3]

I've had a 78 k10 since I was 16, now 32, and there are so many memories in that thing. It mostly sits now that I have a family but I'll keep that thing till the day I die and hopefully my kids want to keep it as well

[@Arch_Dude]

Awesome, brought back some memories. My dad had the exact same truck that your dad did. 1978 big 10 in same light blue and white paint scheme, long bed. It was his only new car and he keep it for almost 20 years. I got to borrow it in high school and into college. Nice touch adding the white strip in memory.

[@HaywardFamilybuilding]

Yup, same thing growing up riding around in my dad's old truck. Good times

[@jamesbrown7521]

I’ve always found your videos humorous, but the fact you’re a square body guy like myself endears you to me even more now!

[@marlye57]

You are a great dad! Making memories is so important! Good job Dad! 👍🩵

[@ktjomeyers]

I loved seeing your Dad!

[@crf4502]

I'm doing the same thing to a 77. I'm loving this project

[@bilbocarter7732]

So glad you're getting to do this with your kiddo. I'm lucky enough to have the same '68 C10 that was my dad's first truck that he gave me in high school to drive. We're in process of a LS swap with overdrive transmission. Make those memories bro! Kid will remember them forever.

[@ccul8339]

Love it my man.. my 73 year old Dad will not own anything but a regular cab truck. Vinyl floor and manual windows and locks. Those days are a thing of the past

[@LionChavez]

Well that was just adorable. Thank you.

[@stephenhodge6441]

Congratulations on the new truck. I'm sure your family and you will make many memories with it. I bought myself a 1970 Chevelle before I had kids. It's so cool to see the memories we are already making with that old car. The kids absolutely love it.

[@lizpetruzzi7700]

Best video ever! Loved seeing your dad, your awesome new truck and your family. You’re so right - nothing like an old truck. Congratulations!

[@SOfilmable]

Amazing truck, congrats ! This bench seat moments as you said with the kids must be great. keep us updated with it. Mechanics videos on them working on cars/trucks are entertaining and as I am now in the dude dad gang, I want more.

[@justinheffernan8304]

What a great gift from your wife! Nice truck!

[@scotleahotrods4351]

Good choice on the 2-tone - that's the best look on them. Enjoy man!!!!

[@themoldcars]

Passing on the memories. That's what it's all about my man. Love it.

[@TheDieseldog]

I used to live in Laramie. Used to drive 287 down to Fort Collins. Beautiful country around there. Awesome video and good memories in the making 🤘🏼

[@tracycoles704]

Awe! This made me all sentimental! I have FORD single cab square-body truck memories with my dad. He would pick me up from school and take me with him on his plowing jobs. He had an 89 Ford. He built a hydraulic dump box for it for hauling wood. ❤❤❤ My grandpa had a 74 Ford long box. That was a sexy truck! It was so high off the ground he carried a step stool around for my grandma to get in and out of it. 😂❤️

[@21MRMISCHIEF]

looks awesome!! love the vinyl and trim. thats the right call! I bought an old jet boat for the same reason fix it up with my kids and go out on adventures to make family memories .... "smiles per gallon"

[@bryang7216]

I knew you had never worked when you said you were going to renovate it 😅. Better term would be restore or upgrade but I applaud you for doing something new and taking us along!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@k86_]

Awee you made this lady cry. My dad had an old yellow chevy just like that one. She's a beauty taylor enjoy!!

[@BRBNWolf]

Two-tone looks so great!

[@buckeyeguy82]

That truck looks so awesome! I love old Chevy square body pickups, they're the best trucks in my opinion. Great story & video Taylor!

[@photodavem70]

As you were going over everything the truck needed with the mechanic I was thinking "bout a thousand". You did not disappoint! Great looking Truck, Taylor. Well done, Heidi!