Is it worth it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

softballnrd27 · 09-23-2010, 12:14 PM

I am putting the truck in the body shop early next year and I have really been thinking about changing the front end to the earlier 73-74 style front end. I found a complete truck that runs for $750 on craigslist with the Service Body instead of a bed. I was planning on swapping the cab and front end on to my truck if it is in very good condition. Here is the truck:
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/1958906693.html
What do you think? Good or bad idea? I am going to check with state laws and see what the stipulations are as well.

82swampthing · 09-23-2010, 01:43 PM

sure why not you'd being saving that trucks life from the junk yard.

*Stitch* · 09-23-2010, 01:59 PM

You wouldn't have to swap cabs. Just front ends. You could put your old front end back on the 73 and turn around and sell it. You'd just have to cut holes in the firewall for the hood hinges and paint the 73. Then you wouldn't have to worry about the vin

softballnrd27 · 09-23-2010, 02:33 PM

I want the VIN to reflect being an older truck so I don't have to worry about emissions any where that I get stationed. I just don't want any legal ramifcations.

JimmyFloyd · 09-23-2010, 03:28 PM

If you hold the title for both at some point, I don't see why you would run into an issue, as long as the motor in the 73 passes all inspections an 85 would need in your state. When you sell the truck, you could always mention to the new owner that the frame and/or motor are from a 73 3/4 and some reason (you wanted to run a set of 8 lugs you had already, the truth, etc)

Davidmichael · 09-23-2010, 04:16 PM

I say buy it

*78 Chevyrado* · 09-23-2010, 04:20 PM

Depends on how much you want the look and the non emissions compliance. Id go for the older one, cab and all just to get the older VIN.

I do like the 73-80 front ends better but you know what I love about my non emissions truck? i never have to worry about anything i modify on it, ever. nobody can say anything to me, and if they should i can tell em what to go do with themselves, legally. That in itself is worth a lot!

*nbpro* · 09-23-2010, 05:01 PM

I say buy it the utility bed is going for more then that here
http://huntsville.craigslist.org/pts/1914776707.html

*Stitch* · 09-23-2010, 05:11 PM

If you don't buy it, let me know, I might go pick it up.
Posted via Mobile Device

AceX · 09-23-2010, 05:51 PM

Heads up, swapping VINs is HIGHLY illegal...

*Stitch* · 09-23-2010, 05:58 PM

Not if you get the DMV involved. And do it correctly.
Posted via Mobile Device

sandnuriz · 09-23-2010, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AceX

Heads up, swapping VINs is HIGHLY illegal...

Oh man sounds like you have done it and got caught

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stitch

Not if you get the DMV involved. And do it correctly.
Posted via Mobile Device

It's not that bad like you said with all the new laws it gets tricky

donut · 09-23-2010, 07:34 PM

Personally, I think it would make a good 2nd project.

*78 Chevyrado* · 09-23-2010, 08:20 PM

I know you can't move the actual vin plate from its original cab but i thought cab swapping was ok?

*nbpro* · 09-23-2010, 08:45 PM

also the option of having a state issued VIN number but the the truck would have to be inspected and such by a state patrol officer

westie 666 · 09-24-2010, 03:03 AM

Hate to state the obvious, but why not swap the beds and be done with it?

softballnrd27 · 09-24-2010, 06:32 AM

I would love to do that but I have a 1/2 ton 2wd SWB. I called the guy to go look at it last night but a guy came and picked up at about 5 minutes before I called. I am still on the look out for one though.

09-23-2010, 12:14 PM	#1
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Is it worth it? I am putting the truck in the body shop early next year and I have really been thinking about changing the front end to the earlier 73-74 style front end. I found a complete truck that runs for $750 on craigslist with the Service Body instead of a bed. I was planning on swapping the cab and front end on to my truck if it is in very good condition. Here is the truck: http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/1958906693.html What do you think? Good or bad idea? I am going to check with state laws and see what the stipulations are as well. __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

09-23-2010, 01:43 PM	#2
82swampthing Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: taxachusetts Posts: 138	Re: Is it worth it? sure why not you'd being saving that trucks life from the junk yard. __________________ R.I.P gm 1908-1986 1982 chevy k20,350,sm465,np205,10bolt and 14bolt s.f

09-23-2010, 01:59 PM	#3
Stitch Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken... Posts: 3,122	Re: Is it worth it? You wouldn't have to swap cabs. Just front ends. You could put your old front end back on the 73 and turn around and sell it. You'd just have to cut holes in the firewall for the hood hinges and paint the 73. Then you wouldn't have to worry about the vin Last edited by Stitch; 09-23-2010 at 02:00 PM.

09-23-2010, 02:33 PM	#4
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Is it worth it? I want the VIN to reflect being an older truck so I don't have to worry about emissions any where that I get stationed. I just don't want any legal ramifcations. __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

09-23-2010, 03:28 PM	#5
JimmyFloyd Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,458	Re: Is it worth it? If you hold the title for both at some point, I don't see why you would run into an issue, as long as the motor in the 73 passes all inspections an 85 would need in your state. When you sell the truck, you could always mention to the new owner that the frame and/or motor are from a 73 3/4 and some reason (you wanted to run a set of 8 lugs you had already, the truth, etc) __________________ 1970 Blazer 350/SM465/205 SOLD! \| 1998 Z3

09-23-2010, 04:16 PM	#6
Davidmichael Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 686	Re: Is it worth it? I say buy it __________________ 86 Suburban 2WD = rolled it and totaled it 83 LWB STD Cab 4x4 = went to the scrapper. Was my baby. 84 Suburban 2WD = stripped it/ scrapped it 81 8 foot bed made into a trailer 86 Suburban going to be made into a trailer 91 Suburban 4x4 = that's my baby 00 S10 Xtreme STD Cab 01 S10 ZR2

09-23-2010, 04:20 PM	#7
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Is it worth it? Depends on how much you want the look and the non emissions compliance. Id go for the older one, cab and all just to get the older VIN. I do like the 73-80 front ends better but you know what I love about my non emissions truck? i never have to worry about anything i modify on it, ever. nobody can say anything to me, and if they should i can tell em what to go do with themselves, legally. That in itself is worth a lot! Last edited by 78 Chevyrado; 09-23-2010 at 04:21 PM.

09-23-2010, 05:01 PM	#8
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: Is it worth it? I say buy it the utility bed is going for more then that here http://huntsville.craigslist.org/pts/1914776707.html

09-23-2010, 05:11 PM	#9
Stitch Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken... Posts: 3,122	Re: Is it worth it? If you don't buy it, let me know, I might go pick it up. Posted via Mobile Device

09-23-2010, 05:51 PM	#10
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: Is it worth it? Heads up, swapping VINs is HIGHLY illegal... __________________ Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum.

09-23-2010, 05:58 PM	#11
Stitch Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Where I come from, it's cornbread and chicken... Posts: 3,122	Re: Is it worth it? Not if you get the DMV involved. And do it correctly. Posted via Mobile Device

09-23-2010, 07:34 PM	#13
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: Is it worth it? Personally, I think it would make a good 2nd project. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

09-23-2010, 08:20 PM	#14
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Is it worth it? I know you can't move the actual vin plate from its original cab but i thought cab swapping was ok?

09-23-2010, 08:45 PM	#15
nbpro Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 2,119	Re: Is it worth it? also the option of having a state issued VIN number but the the truck would have to be inspected and such by a state patrol officer Last edited by nbpro; 09-23-2010 at 08:48 PM.

09-24-2010, 03:03 AM	#16
westie 666 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: AUCKLAND NZ Posts: 264	Re: Is it worth it? Hate to state the obvious, but why not swap the beds and be done with it? __________________ 77 Cheyenne no longer in bits



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09-24-2010, 06:32 AM	#17
softballnrd27 Always a work in progress Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Harker Heights, TX Posts: 1,599	Re: Is it worth it? I would love to do that but I have a 1/2 ton 2wd SWB. I called the guy to go look at it last night but a guy came and picked up at about 5 minutes before I called. I am still on the look out for one though. __________________ USMC Retired Never trust a man who can't laugh at his own fart! 2010 Silverado Crew Cab 73 SWB 5.3/4l80e Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=695168

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.