Couple of Questions

[BrettRS]

Hello, new to the board, recently purchased a 1979 C-10 LWB (straight-six, three on the tree). I've began tearing it down and thinking of an overall plan, and several questions came to mind.

1. How does one go about removing the dash structure? I'm talking about the metal structure the dash pad mounts on, etc. I want to make a custom dash out of aluminum.. is it welded in? When I looked at it, it seemed I needed to take out the windshield to get to it. Is that true?

2. What kind of rear-end came in these trucks? As stated earlier, it's a 1979 C-10 (Custom Deluxe), straight six, three on the tree. My best guess was a 10-bolt but I haven't had a chance to get down underneath it and look. Also, what is the width of it, since I'm planning on swapping in a 12-bolt if it is a 10-bolt, and if not, at least changing gearing and differential.


Thanks,

Brett

[78 Chevyrado]

The dash is welded to the lip the windshield gasket mounts to all the way across, The lower parts of it just bolt in.

I'm not sure about the rear end measurments, except I DO know you can't use a rear end out of a van without moving the spring perches. Vans have wider frames than pickups.

[Captkaos]

A 79 should have a 12bolt, but if there is a 10 under it, going to a 12 won't gain you anything except ring gear diameter. The pinion shaft on the 10 is stronger.