Classic Chevy Truck Body Parts: Where to Find the Best Replacements

Classic Chevy trucks have long stood as icons of American craftsmanship, loved for their rugged lines, durable performance, and nostalgic appeal. Whether you’re restoring a 1947 Advance Design pickup or maintaining a late-model Square Body, finding the right replacement body parts is essential to preserving both the value and visual character of your truck.

At Raybuck Auto Body Parts, we specialize in helping restorers and DIYers alike find high-quality, affordable body panels and components for Chevrolet and GMC trucks. Here’s your complete guide to sourcing the best replacements for your project.

Key Takeaways

• Classic Chevy truck body parts vary by generation, with specific needs for models from 1947–1987 including Advance Design, C/K Series, and Square Body trucks.
• Rust-prone areas like rocker panels, cab corners, and floor pans are the most commonly replaced components during restoration.
• Aftermarket quality can be inconsistent, making fitment, durability, and corrosion resistance major concerns when choosing panels.
• Raybuck Auto Body Parts offers OEM-equivalent replacements, featuring heavy-gauge steel, precision fit, and corrosion-resistant coatings.
• Fast shipping and expert support make Raybuck a trusted one-stop shop for classic Chevy and GMC truck restorations.

Most rust damage on classic Chevy trucks starts with rocker panels and cab corners—thanks to trapped moisture and old seals.

Start your restoration from the bottom up.

Understanding Classic Chevy Truck Generations

Each generation of classic Chevy and GMC trucks has its own personality and structural characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of key generations and what makes them unique from a body restoration perspective:

1947–1955 (Advance Design)

• Rounded body styling with distinctive horizontal grille bars.
• Common restoration parts: cab corners, fenders, bed panels.

1960–1966

• Known for a smoother ride thanks to the new independent front suspension.
• Restoration focus: rocker panels, cab mounts, and front floor sections.

1967–1972 (Second Generation C/K)

• The popular “Action Line” series featured more modern styling and improved interiors.
• Frequently replaced parts: cab backs, outer wheel arches, drip rails.

1973–1987 (Square Body)

• Boxy design with robust steel panels.
• Still widely available and often require fenders, bed floor panels, and inner rockers.

Most Common Body Parts That Need Replacing

Over decades of wear, classic truck bodies inevitably accumulate rust, dents, and fatigue—especially in areas prone to moisture retention and road salt exposure.

Top Replacement Categories

• Rocker Panels
• Cab Corners
• Floor Pans
• Fenders
• Bed Panels
• Inner & Outer Wheel Arches

Why These Parts Fail

• Trapped moisture in seams and corners
• Worn weather seals
• Poor drainage designs in early models
• Harsh weather and salt exposure

Why Aftermarket Body Parts Can Be Hit or Miss

When it comes to aftermarket replacements, quality can vary drastically. Fitment issues, thin-gauge metals, or non-primed panels can lead to wasted time and money.

Typical Pitfalls of Inferior Parts

• Poor fit requiring excessive modification
• Metal too thin to match OEM durability
• No corrosion-resistant coating
• Lack of correct contours and bends

For reliable restoration, it’s vital to choose suppliers that prioritize structural integrity and OEM-equivalent fit.

What Sets Raybuck Auto Body Parts Apart

 

At Raybuck Auto Body Parts, we’ve been supplying body panels and rust repair solutions since 1985. Our mission is simple: make restoration easier and more affordable without compromising quality.

Why Raybuck?

• Heavy-Gauge Steel Panels: Most panels are die-stamped from 18- or 20-gauge steel to match factory specs.
• Exact Fit: Designed to align with OEM lines and contours—saving time on install.
• Primed & Ready: Most parts come coated for immediate painting and corrosion resistance.
• Broad Coverage: We carry parts for Chevy and GMC trucks from 1939 through modern classics.
• Fast Shipping: Orders typically ship within 24 hours.

Table: Sample Body Parts by Chevy Truck Generation

Generation	Common Replacement Parts	Available at Raybuck
1947–1955	Bed strips, rear fenders, cab corners	✅
1960–1966	Rocker panels, front floor pans, cab supports	✅
1967–1972	Cab backs, wheel arches, rear cab corners	✅
1973–1987	Inner fenders, lower door skins, floor supports	✅

Key Chevy Truck Offerings from Raybuck

Let’s break down some of our most in-demand categories by truck era:

1947–1955 Advance Design

• Front bed panels, cross sills, angle strips, and cab mounts.
• Ideal for full-frame restorations or light patchwork.

1960–1966 Models

• Precise-fit rocker panels, toe boards, and floor supports.
• Great for trucks that saw work duty and show floor ambitions.

1967–1972 C/K Series

• Full replacement rear cab corners, inner/outer wheel wells, and cab floors.
• Popular for both professional shops and home restorers.

1973–1987 Square Body

• Fenders, hood supports, and lower door skins for both fleetside and stepside models.
• Restoration-friendly due to wide parts availability.

How to Choose the Right Replacement Panels

Picking the right panel doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some essential tips for making informed choices:

Know Your Model Year

Even one year’s difference can impact part fitment—always match your VIN and build plate before ordering.

Prioritize Rust-Prone Areas

Begin restoration in high-deterioration zones like rocker panels, cab corners, and lower fenders.

Use Reference Diagrams

Raybuck offers diagrams and product photos to help verify compatibility before checkout.

Seek Expert Help

Not sure what fits your model? Our customer service team can help match you with the right part the first time.

Why Restoration is Worth It

Restoring a classic Chevy or GMC truck isn’t just about looks—it’s about preserving a piece of American heritage. Whether you’re flipping a Square Body or preserving Grandpa’s ’51 3100, sourcing quality panels helps ensure safety, resale value, and longevity.

And with the right supplier, your restoration can be both efficient and rewarding.

Conclusion: Classic Chevy truck body parts

Classic Chevy trucks continue to inspire a passionate following, and the demand for reliable restoration parts isn’t slowing down. At Raybuck Auto Body Parts, we’ve spent over 35 years ensuring that restorers have access to quality panels at fair prices.

From Advance Design to Square Body, we’re proud to be your one-stop shop for rust repair and body restoration.

Start your project off right. Browse our full collection of Chevrolet and GMC body panels and give your classic truck the treatment it deserves.

Further Reading

• Chevy Truck History: Key Models and Innovations Over the Past 100-Plus Years: An in-depth look at the evolution of Chevy trucks, detailing significant models and technological advancements from 1918 to the present.
• Chevy Truck History: 11 Major Models From The Last Century: A timeline highlighting 11 significant Chevy truck models over the past 100 years, showcasing their impact and legacy.