1979 chevy body conversion to 4 x 4

[jpegb]

i have a 79 chevy k20 4x4, body has rotted out so i decided to get another body for it.  i came across a 79 c20 2 wheel drive in mint condition from the original owner. its like new and is the same color. i want to do a cab and bed swap with my 4x4 but the c20 has a mint frame and mine has some scale here and there. what would be easier and better? cab and bed swap or chassis conversion? i also could use the phone number of a good trustworthy shop that i can hire for this job.i am on long island new york.  john (631) 789-4622 email malibu@optonline.net  

Edited by: jpegb at: 6/20/06 10:59 am

[roundedline]

It might be easier to put the 4x4 stuff under the frontend of the 4x2 if you want to use its frame.  Keep in mind the rear spring perches will be different for 4x4 vs 4x2...

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

[Blazin]

As Chris said the rear perches are taller on the 4x4 = spring eyes farther away from the frame rail.
Both trucks auto, or standard shift? If the C20 is auto you will need to swap the center hump in the floor with the one from the K20 to clear the transfer case.

[jpegb]

the 4x4 is auto,the 2 wheel drive is 4 speed.  i know the rear spring perches are different on both trucks but you can still buy new ones from gm for the 4x4.

[Blazin]

Well you will only need to patch the hole left from the shifter and make a new one for the tranfer cases shifter. Why not use the spring perches from your 4x4?  

Edited by: Blazin at: 6/22/06 10:07 pm

[1976Scottsdale]

You will need two helpers, a decent tool set, a 4 1/2" angle grinder, air(optional), a 1/2" breaker bar, an engine hoist, and 8' "4x4" post, cardboard, a die grinder, chain, and some GOOD penetrating oil.

Take the bed off of both trucks, then remove the front clips, then disconnect the bab(steering shaft, wiring-had a 3/8 head bolt holding the plug in, speedo cable, e-brake cable-cut it, remove ground straps and fuel tank stuff), then take off the doors and run the 4x4 through the cab using the cardboard to protect the cab.  Lift the cab and have your budies steady it.  Then do the sme to the donor truck and put the good pieces on the 4x4 chassis.  This will take no more than 3 full days.(I did a 79 body swap when I was 15 to build my first truck)  post any questions and I will see that they are answered.(don't consider anything too stupid either, this is not a very easy swap)

[Blazin]

I have swaped complete cabs with doors and nose intact. Slide a 6x6 through the door windows, and hook a strap to either end of it. Run a good heavy rope down to the radiator suport after removing grill, and tie it to the strap at the lift point. Then you can lift the whole thing at once.