Cab conversion

[thirsty]

Has anyone ever put a 73-80 cab together with 81-87 front clip and dash components? Will this work or are there issues? I've torn into these trucks alot but always stuck with the stock look of whatever year I was running. The reason I ask is that I was looking at a chassis with a cab that is better than the one I planned on using for a build. Problem is all of my new parts are for an 86 and the older cab is bare. I am picking up a frame from the same guy in 2 days and was thinking about getting the chassis and cab instead if it will work.

[frogman68]

The experts will give a more detailed explanation

It will work BUT (there is always a BUT) if its a 73-80 cab you will have to cut holes into the cab were the hood hinge goes thru.

Use the body mounts for the year of the frame

[Blazin]

x2 frogman. You will need to use the 73 - 80 winshield wiper stubs, and transmission. Your best bet if the 81 - 87 is a single head light system is to use the older front clip wire harness as the pin positions might be different at the bulkhead connector on the fire wall. As far as the dash the pad will fit just fine. The gage cluster will not interchange however.

[thirsty]

The cab is bare bones nothing in it or on it. I would end up using everything out of my 86.

Like every project there is more to it. I'm getting a 2wd swb frame and converting it to 4wd instead of repairing rust on the frame I have. My truck was an 86 on a 78 frame. I did the frame swap years ago and am replacing the cab now. The frame has grown some bad rust on the back where the bumper mounts and I need to replace it up to the spring hanger. I planned on taking my frame to work and blasting it Sat, then start repairing it. Today I found (or should I say it found me) A 2wd frame that was going to be a 4wd conversion In great shape. So when I went to look at it he also had a chassis all blasted and painted with a cab on it. The cab has been fixed right already and I still need to do some work to the cab that I am putting on. I thought this combo might save me some time and money. either frame I get will be an improvement but I didn't want to get to the cab part of the project and regret choosing the older cab.

[thirsty]

One more evening to decide on the cab. Making the trip to VT in the morning. Any other thoughts?

[Blazin]

So whats the story, did you buy the cab?

[thirsty]

I came home without the cab. Wasn't sure about making it all work and he had it sold if I didn't take it. I didn't notice that it was a lwb when I first looked at it either. So I figured he could use the money instead of giving it to me and also the ole chevy would live again if somebody finished it instead of me canibalizing it for the cab only. It was decent though and the frame was already done.

What I did bring home was a 79 2wd swb frame in great condition and a 80 something 4wd lwb frame in poor condition. Good 4wd frames a hard to get in NH so the plan is to make one out of the two. Alot of work ahead but I think it is better than a repair on my frame.