body swap

[79diesel]

I have 86 3/4 2wd truck and i would like to put the complete body from my 79 1/2 2wd on the 86 frame. Do i just have to switch over the body mounts from the 79 frame to the 86 frame?
thanks

[ccz145a]

The mounts for the '86 will have to stay, they are shaped different than the '79's and the '79's won't fit the mount's elongated openings. The '79 body will fit fine on them. The front bumper is the only thing that I can think of that will give you any problems... frame horns for the '86 are different and the 86 bumper won't fit the '79 fenders. Many here have fabbed up the required bracket, I am sure

[79diesel]

ok so do i use the rubber mounts from the 86 too?

[ccz145a]

Yep, the rubber mounts are what I was mainly talking about. The metal mounting ears have an larger elongated hole for '81 and up, the rubber part fits in there. I did not think you would want to remove the ears off the frame and mount your '79 ears. The mounts are in the same place, so just use the rubber from the '86 and your body will bolt right on. The parking break cable from the '86 will need to stay as well, it will snap right into the '79 pedal assembly. May have to mess with the fuel sender wiring, too. Can't think of any other issues.

[79diesel]

awesome thanks..yeah i need to use the 86 parking brake cables to clear my transmission anyway. i plan on switching over the dual tanks from the 79.