cab swap

[marandall]

I have a '79 model Chevy k20 that i am taking the cab off of due to rusted out floor pans and cab mounts. I have a early model cab that i am putting on the truck when i get the old cab off. Wanted to now what all it will intake to make the switch. Also the early '80's model cab that i will be putting on is already setup for an automatic pedal assembly but my 79 is an manual what would i have to do to swap out the pedal assembly to convert the '80's cab to manual

[winky]

I can remember if they changed the cab style in 80 or 81.. You have to swap pedal assemblies and all that stuff. Use the mounts that are Ment for your frame. If they changed the cab from those years you'll have a few things to do to make it work ( front clip things, windshield wipers etc. im sure someone else will buzz in an help out more

[marandall]

thanks for the reply....i have alot of work to do with the cab i have to drill the holes in the cowl for the wipers and hood stops...and i have new fenders that came with the cab so hopefully everything matches up  on the front end..but as far as the pedals go the clutch pedal assmebly should bolt right up right?



                                                                                                         thank you for response winky

[rchaneyk10]

The pedal assembly should bolt right in. It uses the same bolts as the auto pedals. Good Luck,

[marandall]

Thanks for the reply i appricaite the help

[winky]

They do bolt right up. I have a manual set in my auto cab right now lol ( haven't gotten around to finishin the swap)

[Blazin]

Your new cab is 81 or newer? Your sticking with 79 your round headlight style grill etc.? 80 was the last year. If you are you will need to use the wiper assemblies from your old cab. You said the fenders that came with the cab. Are they 81 or newer? If you plan on using that style nose you won't need to change anything as far as wipers / cowl goes.
Pedal assembly drops right out once the steering column has been lowered down.

[marandall]

i believe the cab is an 81 model i purchased the cab off of someone that didn't want to mess with it any more he had it shipped from Texas threw some site on the internet and if i remember correctly he told me it was and 80-81 but from what i seen  it looks  the same as my 79....i was told that everything should match up on the cab except for me having to make the pedal swap since i want to keep the manual trans that i have in my truck now..and i have to drill out the holes to install and mount the wiper assembly and i have to drill out the holes for the hood stops that go on the cowl...correct me if i am wrong blazin but you said i can stick with the same front clip headlights grille etc as long the fenders match up with the cab?...and if possible do you know of any websites that i can use to look for parts i need a front driveshaft the junkyards around my area don't keep the 70's model vehicles any more 

[Blazin]

In 81 GM shortened the hood, moved the hinges to the cowl in stead of on the fenders. They also separated the hood springs from the hinge assembly, mounted them to the fenders. they added the cowl panel between the hood, and windshield. The corner marker lights went to horizontal, the side body line ran out in the fender instead of wrapping down and back toward the front wheel. the front bumper got swept under a bit, the grill / headlights changed considerably, the leading edge of the hood was shortened in height, and the center peak got peaked.

73-79 front clip will mount to an 81-87 cab, and match the doors fine. You will need the shorter wiper arm stubs, and you will have to enlarge, and drill holes to make them fit. You should make filler piece to cover the hood hinge hole.

The 81-87 front clip will mount to the 73-87 cab. You will need to graft into the cowl the hood hinge pockets. Swap over the taller 81/87 wiper arm stubs, and make the holes fro the cowl vent, and cover.

Your truck is a 79, and you think the cab is a 79, you won't have to make any mods.

As far as the front shaft your best bet is to go to a drive shaft shop and have one made if good used ones aren't available.

[marandall]

thank you for the help Blazin