71 vs. 69 question
 

I am brand new to this site and have really been impressed with what I have seen so far, there is some great info on here so I am hoping someone can answer a question for me.

I just purchased a 71 Cheyenne long bed that had been sitting for the last five years. Overall the truck is in great shape and I couldn't pass up the great deal. I had planned on cutting it down into a shortbed; however I just also came into the possession of a 69 shortbed without a bed. The 71 is still a very driveable truck but I want to do a frame off rebuild. I am going to completely rebuild the 69 frame before I start on the body. My question is could I also use the 69 cab in place of the 71 so I can keep driving the 71 as long as possible or are the cabs that much different. From comparing the two I can't see anything that jumps out at me but I know there are people on here having to modify their 69-70's to fit a 71-72 gas pedal.

I know this is a long post but any and all help would be greatly appreciated. The cabs are very similar in shape as in both have very little rust on them.-Jamie

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

There is really not much difference. If its going to be a temp transplant, just use the 69 pedal & rod assembly to control the carb.

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

It would be permanent, not temporary as I would do all the bodywork to the 69 instead of the 71.

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

About the only difference in cabs are a high hump or low hump transmission cover....oh and the 72's had the rear view mirror mounted to the windshield, not the roof of the cab. Other than that, I believe they are all the same. Welcome to the board and good luck!

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

do not cut a long bed to a short bed i will cry

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

For a purist, the 71 cab has subtle details different than that of a 69'. It depends what you want to do for a restoration. The 71' rear view mirror mounts on a raised pad, and to my knowledge is the only year that this raised area on the cab exists. The 71' will also have a vent by the vin plate in the door jam and not on the 69'. The 71' being a Cheyenne means it has the headliner holes punched in the roof, and the 69' (unless a CST) will not. Like I said, if you don't plan to still make it a 71' Cheyenne, I wouldn't worry about it and use the 69' cab. With using the 69' frame, it wouldn't matter anyways for a stock restoration under the 71'. Good luck with what you decide, sounds like a fun project. Trevor

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

dont worry about cutting the bed people do it all the time.
i would look at both truck and figure out a plan. if u wanna keep both trucks or redo 1 and have another for parts ? id keep driving the 71 while redoing the 69 until i got to a point where i needed or wanted the 71 parts and start swapping things over. u can sell what u wont need/use and get some money for more parts.
good luck

Re: 71 vs. 69 question
 

The other plus to the 71 is disks up front. Heck with it, just redo one at a time and drive the other!