Author Topic: 73-80 to 81-87 (91) cab swap  (Read 1449 times)

Offline 86K10Siverado

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73-80 to 81-87 (91) cab swap
« on: April 16, 2020, 07:36:15 PM »
Hey everybody, I have a 75 K-10 body and frame a buddy gave me. The cabs too far gone to be worth fixing so I want to replace it. The only cabs I can find around me are the 80’s style 2wd’s. What all is involved swapping from the older to the newer style cab? Also how does the interior electrical work out? Can you simply swap over the 70’s interior? I know what going from a 4wd to 2wd cab is like, I just don’t know the different year models. So far I’ve got the frame stripped down and am cleaning and painting it, just need to source a cab. If it’s too much work I’ll just wait until I find a 70’s cab.

Offline zieg85

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    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Re: 73-80 to 81-87 (91) cab swap
« Reply #1 on: April 17, 2020, 10:24:35 AM »
Floor humps are different between 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive specifically under the seat.  After 1983 they no longer were bolt in floors.  There are differences where the headlight switch is mounted and the turn signal went to the steering column in 1984 just to name a couple.  If you wish to retain the 75 front end your going to need to keep the wiper arm stubs.  The 73-76 interior door shells also vary from 77-newer.  I am sure there is a bunch more differences not mentioned but it has been done before and it isn't that big of deal if you have to do it.  VIN number also changes locations
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline zieg85

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    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline 86K10Siverado

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Re: 73-80 to 81-87 (91) cab swap
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2020, 01:30:33 AM »
Thanks for the information! I just stopped at a local yard today and they have a nice 82 c10 short bed, missing a steering column and some other small things but the guy only wants 400 for it. Practically rust free. I would prefer to keep the 75's front clip just due to the fact I have a 86 Silverado that has the newer style already. Any issues with doing that?

Offline zieg85

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Re: 73-80 to 81-87 (91) cab swap
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2020, 08:56:22 AM »
Here is a front clip swap going the other way.  More difficult.  At least you can see the differences in what has to be done.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/