Author Topic: 1977 K-10 body swap  (Read 4615 times)

Offline 1976Scottsdale

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1977 K-10 body swap
« on: March 30, 2006, 03:29:00 PM »
I got to looking at my 77' K-10 and have decided that there may be too much body work needed at this time.  I am going to keep the cab for later use.   I found a clear titled 1985 Chevrolet C-10 longbed truck.  The owner is selling it because he pulled out the engine to use in his boat.  He is selling the truck for $200.00.  I am thinking of getting it and swapping the body onto the 77' chassis.  I am going to install a 2" body lift to make the cab fit.  My only question has to do with wiring.  I know that a 1979 frame will work with a 76 cab as far as wiring, but will a 1985 work on a 77 frame... other than the windshield washer stuff?  Or, should I use the wiring from the 85 for this?


Offline 123 pugsy

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Re: 1977 K-10 body swap
« Reply #1 on: March 30, 2006, 04:55:00 PM »
I used an 85 cab and cab wiring on a 79.I also used the steering column and wiper motor.You may have to move a few pins in the fusebox,but its simple to do.

Pugsy
76 C10 LWB
TPI 350

Offline s002rat

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Re: 1977 K-10 body swap
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2006, 09:54:00 AM »
I am currently doing the same, 84 on a 78.  The crucial wiring worked, the ignition and tail lights.  As for the rest, i wasn't so lucky.  Headlights and wiper motor are next on my list to figure out.  I hear you can reconfigure the pins on the fuse block, but I haven't gotten into that yet.  Does anyone know where to find a diagram of both years?  I put a 3 body lift on as well.  Had a little trouble with lengthening my shift linkages, 3 speed on the column.  Other then that, it was worth the work.


Offline 123 pugsy

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Re: 1977 K-10 body swap
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2006, 04:13:00 PM »
I've been using the Haynes manuel.Its got schematics from 67-87 in 1 book.You can flip back and forth to see the differences between the 2 years and adjust everything accordingly.

Pugsy
76 C10 LWB
TPI 350

Offline 1976Scottsdale

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77 body swap
« Reply #4 on: March 31, 2006, 05:21:00 PM »
Well, wiring is kind of torn up on the 77, so I may just use the wiring off of the 85 truck.


Offline 1976Scottsdale

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Re: 77 body swap
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2006, 08:43:00 PM »
It is official.  I found out that the 85 has a clear title, no rust, and no dents.  It is going to cost me $200.00 to get it plus the fuel to get it home.  Now I have an important question.  I have swapped cabs before, but only direct from 73-80 to 73-80.  What has to be changed on the frame to use the whole 85 body on the 77 frame?  I keep hearing about bumpers, could the old on be left on?  If not, what do I need to do to make them work?


Offline 123 pugsy

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Re: 77 body swap
« Reply #6 on: April 07, 2006, 05:55:00 AM »
Are you using the 77 front clip?Fenders,hood...if so your bumper will still fit.If you change to the 85 front,your 77 bumper is the wrong shape.

Pugsy
76 C10 LWB
TPI 350

Offline 1976Scottsdale

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front clip
« Reply #7 on: April 07, 2006, 01:49:00 PM »
No, I will not be using the 1977 front clip.  I will be using the 85's, as mine is ruined.  What is wrong about the bumper, will it hit the front clip?


Offline 123 pugsy

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Re: front clip
« Reply #8 on: April 07, 2006, 03:12:00 PM »
I think,I'm not a 100 percent sure that the older bumpers are pointed in the middle and the newer ones are more straight across.I had a newer style bumper on my 78 and it was digging into the fenders where it hooked around at the ends.

Anyone can confirm this???

Edited by: 123 pugsy at: 4/7/06 2:14 pm
Pugsy
76 C10 LWB
TPI 350