1988–1998 Chevrolet & GMC OBS Trucks & SUV Restoration Parts | AMD

The 1988–1998 Chevrolet & GMC GMT-400 Series—better known as the OBS (Old Body Style) platform—has become one of the most popular truck generations in the modern classic market. From lifted 4x4 trail rigs to restored work trucks and sport-styled street builds, the OBS lineup delivers a perfect blend of nostalgic appeal, modern drivability, and huge aftermarket support.

Auto Metal Direct (AMD) is proud to offer a rapidly expanding line of OE-style sheet metal, interior components, trim, lighting, and hardware engineered specifically for the entire GMT-400 family, including C/K series pickups, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, and full-size Blazer models.

This landing page breaks down the entire OBS family by model, chassis code, year range, and interior generation—giving enthusiasts a complete, easy-to-understand guide to the platform.

What Is the GMT-400 OBS Platform?

The GMT-400 chassis launched for the 1988 model year, replacing the squarebody-era GMT-300 trucks. It introduced improved aerodynamics, modern ergonomics, advanced fuel injection packages, and a refined suspension design.

Although commonly called “1988–1998,” the platform actually spans multiple chassis codes, especially when including SUVs that extended into the late ’90s and early 2000s.

GMT-400 Platform Breakdown by Model

Below is a complete overview of the GMT-400 family. Each platform shares major structural design elements but features unique interior trim, lighting, and body panel differences.

GMT-400 | 1988–1998 Chevrolet & GMC C/K Pickup (1500/2500/3500)

• Models: C1500, K1500, C2500, K2500, C3500, K3500

• Body Styles:

  • Regular Cab (Long Bed / Short Bed)

  • Extended Cab

  • Crew Cab (3500 series)

• Production:

  • 1988–1998 Chevrolet/GMC pickups

  • HD chassis and cab/chassis versions continued into early 2000s

Key Characteristics:

• Aerodynamic front-end design

• Independent front suspension on 2WD and torsion-bar IFS on 4WD

• Two major interior designs (88–94 “early blocky” and 95–98 “rounded dash”)

• Distinct grille and lighting changes every few years

GMT-410 / GMT-425 | 1992–1999 Chevrolet & GMC Suburban

GMT-410 (½-Ton 1500 Models)

• 1992–1999 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

• 1992–1999 GMC Suburban/Yukon XL 1500

GMT-425 (¾-Ton 2500/3500 Models)

• 1992–1999 Suburban 2500

• GMC Suburban/Yukon XL 2500

Key Notes:

• Full redesign in 1992 to match the GMT-400 pickup body

• Heavy-duty versions (2500+) had different suspension, brakes, and cooling packages

• Shared most interior components with pickups

• Continued two years past pickup production (1999 vs. 1998)

GMT-415 | 1992–1994 Chevrolet Fullsize Blazer / GMC Yukon (2-Door)

• Models:

  • 1992–1994 Chevrolet Blazer (Fullsize)

  • 1992–1994 GMC Yukon (2-door variant)

Key Notes:

• Uses GMT-400 front end and interior, mounted to a shorter chassis

• 1995+ two-door Tahoe/Yukon continued but switched to GMT-420 platform

GMT-420 | 1995–2000 Chevrolet Tahoe

• Models:

  • 1995–1999 Chevrolet Tahoe (2-door & 4-door)

  • 2000 Chevrolet Tahoe (2-door fleet-only final year)

Key Notes:

• Fully shares styling and interior updates with the 95–98 C/K trucks

• “NBS” Tahoe replaced it after 1999

GMT-400 Yukon Equivalent | 1992–1999 GMC Yukon

• 1992–1994 Yukon (2-door, GMT-415)

• 1995–1999 Yukon (2-door/4-door, GMT-420 equivalent)

Same platform changes as Tahoe.

Exterior Differences by Year Range (Quick Guide)

1988–1993 OBS Exterior Characteristics

• Four sealed-beam headlight systems depending on trim

• Early grille styling with sharper horizontal bars

• Distinct front bumper and valance shapes

• “Stick-on” style body trim for most models

1994 Mid-Cycle Refresh

• Updated grille design with a smoother face

• Redesign of composite headlights on higher trims

• New turn signal and park lamp styling

1995–1998 Final GMT-400 Exterior Updates

• Fully redesigned grille with larger central opening

• Updated bumper openings

• New side moldings, emblems, and color-matched trim options

• Tahoe/Yukon debut of four-door models

OBS Interior Differences: 1988–1994 vs. 1995–1999

One of the most important distinctions for customers ordering AMD interior parts is the OBS interior generation.

1988–1994 Interior (“Early OBS”)

• Square, blocky dashboard design

• Separate radio/cassette opening and HVAC control panel

• Steel-backed door panels with thinner armrests

• Bench and bucket seat designs with early-style headrests

• Early-style steering wheels with square center pad

• Manual-style dome lights and simple switchgear

Common Restoration Needs:

• Dash pad cracking

• Door panel board failure

• Armrests, vent trim, kick panels, and pillar panels

• Weatherstrip and glass channel replacements

1995–1999 Interior (“Late OBS”)

• Rounded, more ergonomic dashboard redesign

• Integrated HVAC/audio control stack

• Larger air vents

• Thicker, molded door panels

• Updated steering wheel designs

• New headliner consoles and lighting options

• Different seat foam profiles and fabric patterns

Key Note:

Many interior parts DO NOT interchange between the 88–94 and 95–99 interiors.
Door panels, dash components, vents, and trim should always be validated by interior generation.

Why OBS Trucks Are Today’s Restoration Hotspot

• Affordable to purchase and modify

• Modern enough for daily driving

• Massive aftermarket support

• LS/LT swap friendly

• Strong towing and hauling base

• Huge cultural nostalgia surge (“the new squarebody”)

AMD is committed to supporting the platform with new tooling, OE-style parts, and high-quality restorations pieces for every year and every GMT-code variant.

AMD’s OBS Product Lineup

AMD currently manufactures and offers OBS restoration parts for:

• 1988–1998 C/K Pickups (GMT-400)

• 1992–1999 Suburban (GMT-410/425)

• 1992–1994 Fullsize Blazer & Yukon (GMT-415)

• 1995–2000 Tahoe & Yukon (GMT-420)

Our lineup includes:

• Body panels

• Cab structure components

• Bed sides, tailgates, and hardware

• Doors, jamb components, hinges, latches

• Hood, cowl, fenders, radiator supports

• Exterior trim, moldings, and bezels

• Interior panels, pillars, kick panels, armrests

• Weatherstrip, seals, and glass channels

• Lighting and mounting hardware

We are expanding aggressively into high-demand interior components for 88–94 and 95–99 models—engineered with AMD accuracy and fitment.