Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Patsfan34 · 01-30-2009, 10:20 AM

This just dawned on me, since I'm building a 4x4 SWB don't I need to find a cab that was a 4x4? If memory serves me correctly there's a special housing that is bolted into the cab floor on a 4x4 that covers the tranny and t-case. Is there an easy conversion if I find a good 2wd cab? Or is it gonna be a ****load of fab work to get a housing to fit right?

Thanks

**CPNE** · 01-30-2009, 10:22 AM

Nope, done it twice. All you need is a bolt in high hump from a 4x4 (or 2wd if you want to cut t-case shifter hole). Cust out the floor where hump goes and bolt in the high one.

The real trick is to find an affordable cab in the Northeast

Patsfan34 · 01-31-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPNE

The real trick is to find an affordable cab in the Northeast

I'm going to look at a 72 GMC 3/4ton on Monday or Tuesday. The guys says "the body is mint". I asked him how the floor was and he says, "oh well that's the only thing that has rot". So much for being mint. If the rest of the cab is truely mint then I think it would be worth the investment to just replace the floor. Guy has it listed for $1,000 but he also says the front nose is perfect as well. I'll keep you guys updated.

Thanks for all the responses!!!

Patsfan34 · 02-06-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patsfan34

I'm going to look at a 72 GMC 3/4ton on Monday or Tuesday. The guys says "the body is mint". I asked him how the floor was and he says, "oh well that's the only thing that has rot". So much for being mint. If the rest of the cab is truely mint then I think it would be worth the investment to just replace the floor. Guy has it listed for $1,000 but he also says the front nose is perfect as well. I'll keep you guys updated.

Thanks for all the responses!!!

UPDATE:

Mint..BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! There was so much rot on both sides of the floor I could get my boots threw. The rockers were replaced and already starting to rot again and I'm assuming the cab corners were replaced because they were in good shape. Fire wall had spots on both sides rusted right threw, and both doors at the bottom were starting to get bad but might have been salvagable.

The guys said the engine and tranny were original 350/TH350 and the guy told me the trucks been sitting for a couple years but was running fine when he parked it. Engine looked in decent shape but he told me the main seal was leaking, then I noticed all kinds of weird stuff. The tranny linkage was disconnected, one of the valve covers was totally unbolted and just sitting there, I literally just picked it up and was able to look right at the lifters. And the powersteering pump was disconnected from the bracket and just laying there.

One positive note, the front click was in excellent condition, the inner fenders looked brand new and this would make a really good parts truck. I told the guy if he still has it in the spring I'll make him an offer. He was looking to get $1000 today for this truck that has a "mint" body. I'm glad it was only an hour away.

This was actually a 72 GMC 1/2 longbed. The wheels were in good shape but were 5 lug. And the bed had some potential.

**CUSTOM/10** · 02-06-2009, 02:32 PM

Sent you a PM

Patsfan34 · 01-30-2009, 10:57 AM

Ok, next question. If I found a cab that is in good shape but needs new floor it there a company out there that has a new floor pre-fabed for a 4x4 so I can just weld new floor in and bolt high hump on?

**too much stuff** · 01-30-2009, 11:14 AM

If the cab you found needs a whole floor, i would check the rest of it pretty closely. You could also use a cab from a 4 speed truck, a high hump big block cab, or the 4x4 cab.
I can't help you on the repro floor question.

72armyswbtruck · 01-30-2009, 02:14 PM

Best advice when it comes to cabs, is either purchase a complete truck and part it out to pay for the cab.
Or
Pay some real money for a nice one from the west coast.
Good luck on the project.

Wreckless_71 · 01-30-2009, 02:25 PM

Agree totally. Find a good cab first. The hump can be either cut out and replaced with the bolt in 4x4 or if you find a factory big block truck with a TH400 it will have a bolt in high hump also, just missing the hole for the x-fer case shifter which can easily be cut...

**special-K** · 01-30-2009, 05:47 PM

The only repro floor is the one piece low-hump.You can cut the loor around the hump and piece it in.Or,just fab your own raised floor.But,it`s nice to have top access,so make it removeable.

oldno7 · 01-30-2009, 06:30 PM

I used to deliver to a little bar in Effingham Il. The owner had this 3/4 ton 71 GMC. He said he would take 3500 for the truck when I had asked him about selling it. I passed and I'm glad I did. About two years later the old guy ditched the truck and trashed the front end. It sat at an auto body shop for about six months and the guys there told him it had to go. He had gotten ahold of me and I picked it up for 300 bucks. Solid bed and cab. Great parts truck. Anyway the 3/4 ton had a high hump in it. You could look for a 3/4 ton doner.

72swbcamo · 01-30-2009, 07:14 PM

I think Grendel had a cab he was looking to sell. He's in NH.

Longhorn Man · 01-30-2009, 10:18 PM

a 3/4 ton would not automaticly have the high hump.
All 4 speed trucks.
All 4X4 trucks
most big block/Th400 trucks
By truck, I mean all C & K vehicles, in 5/10/20/or 30 series... or, in GMC talk, 5/1500/2500/3500.

otsenre · 01-31-2009, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patsfan34

This just dawned on me, since I'm building a 4x4 SWB don't I need to find a cab that was a 4x4? If memory serves me correctly there's a special housing that is bolted into the cab floor on a 4x4 that covers the tranny and t-case. Is there an easy conversion if I find a good 2wd cab? Or is it gonna be a ****load of fab work to get a housing to fit right?

Thanks

Too bad you are so far, as I just picked up a 72 GMC AC original bb, engine is gone though. The cab supports on this are very solid, has a little surface rust showing at kick panel-floor area. I will be parting this out, pics will be on on parts probably tommorrow

jb4short · 01-31-2009, 04:59 PM

I think Hart_Rod has a decent cab for sale. Being a New Englander myself trust me when I tell you that the shipping charges to bring a cab from New Mexico or Arizona are a BARGAIN compared to repairing a Northeast cab.

BTW....come back Tom Brady

msgross · 01-31-2009, 05:34 PM

i'd take a road trip and find a better cab as well...

otsenre · 01-31-2009, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msgross

i'd take a road trip and find a better cab as well...

I just posted the one I am talking about on parts, Check it out!

Patsfan34 · 02-06-2009, 07:30 PM

The excitement of just going to look at these trucks is great. I feel like a little kid again!

msgross · 02-06-2009, 08:50 PM

fun ain't it?

run from a truck like that... I have seen a few in my area for $200 that are fixable but require work...

Patsfan34 · 02-06-2009, 09:26 PM

Lots of fun! I would only purchase a truck like that for various parts. And I think the most I would've gave the guy is $400, only for the engine/tranny and front clip!

01-30-2009, 10:20 AM	#1
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? This just dawned on me, since I'm building a 4x4 SWB don't I need to find a cab that was a 4x4? If memory serves me correctly there's a special housing that is bolted into the cab floor on a 4x4 that covers the tranny and t-case. Is there an easy conversion if I find a good 2wd cab? Or is it gonna be a ****load of fab work to get a housing to fit right? Thanks

01-30-2009, 10:22 AM	#2
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? Nope, done it twice. All you need is a bolt in high hump from a 4x4 (or 2wd if you want to cut t-case shifter hole). Cust out the floor where hump goes and bolt in the high one. The real trick is to find an affordable cab in the Northeast __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

02-06-2009, 02:32 PM	#5
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,836	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? Sent you a PM __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

01-30-2009, 10:57 AM	#6
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? Ok, next question. If I found a cab that is in good shape but needs new floor it there a company out there that has a new floor pre-fabed for a 4x4 so I can just weld new floor in and bolt high hump on?

01-30-2009, 11:14 AM	#7
too much stuff Roadtrip! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Grand Rapids MN Posts: 13,769	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? If the cab you found needs a whole floor, i would check the rest of it pretty closely. You could also use a cab from a 4 speed truck, a high hump big block cab, or the 4x4 cab. I can't help you on the repro floor question. __________________ 67 gmc custom lwb dakota truck. Sold...And bought back 69 swb 4x4 project (in progress) 70 c-10 lwb texas truck 70 4x4/BB/bkts/posi/tach(retired) 70 swb (wifes) 70 jimmy camper 71 K-5 factory 2wd 71 cheyenne 4x4/tach/posi/ plow rig 71 Cheyenne20 BB, buckets, tach, tilt, 4 speed 72 jimmy CST wyoming rig 72 jimmy Colorado rig 72 lifted texas 4x4 3/4 ton burb 65 fury conv. 383/auto 65 chrysler 300 "L" 413 auto

01-30-2009, 02:14 PM	#8
72armyswbtruck Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,034	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? Best advice when it comes to cabs, is either purchase a complete truck and part it out to pay for the cab. Or Pay some real money for a nice one from the west coast. Good luck on the project. __________________ "Remember, They can Kill You, but they can't eat You, That's against the law!!!!!!!!!"

01-30-2009, 02:25 PM	#9
Wreckless_71 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kelso, WA Posts: 363	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? Agree totally. Find a good cab first. The hump can be either cut out and replaced with the bolt in 4x4 or if you find a factory big block truck with a TH400 it will have a bolt in high hump also, just missing the hole for the x-fer case shifter which can easily be cut... __________________ 1972 K10 4" lift, 35’s, 383 stroker, 700r4, current project. 1971 C10 3"/5" static drop, 355/350. "La Bamba.” The current daily driver.

01-30-2009, 05:47 PM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? The only repro floor is the one piece low-hump.You can cut the loor around the hump and piece it in.Or,just fab your own raised floor.But,it`s nice to have top access,so make it removeable. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

01-30-2009, 06:30 PM	#11
oldno7 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ill. Posts: 584	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? I used to deliver to a little bar in Effingham Il. The owner had this 3/4 ton 71 GMC. He said he would take 3500 for the truck when I had asked him about selling it. I passed and I'm glad I did. About two years later the old guy ditched the truck and trashed the front end. It sat at an auto body shop for about six months and the guys there told him it had to go. He had gotten ahold of me and I picked it up for 300 bucks. Solid bed and cab. Great parts truck. Anyway the 3/4 ton had a high hump in it. You could look for a 3/4 ton doner. __________________ Hi everyone, It's nice to know there's other people just as crazy about these old trucks as I am. oldno7

01-30-2009, 07:14 PM	#12
72swbcamo Active Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 591	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? I think Grendel had a cab he was looking to sell. He's in NH. Last edited by 72swbcamo; 01-30-2009 at 07:14 PM.

01-30-2009, 10:18 PM	#13
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? a 3/4 ton would not automaticly have the high hump. All 4 speed trucks. All 4X4 trucks most big block/Th400 trucks By truck, I mean all C & K vehicles, in 5/10/20/or 30 series... or, in GMC talk, 5/1500/2500/3500.

01-31-2009, 04:59 PM	#15
jb4short Damn Yankee Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 2,261	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? I think Hart_Rod has a decent cab for sale. Being a New Englander myself trust me when I tell you that the shipping charges to bring a cab from New Mexico or Arizona are a BARGAIN compared to repairing a Northeast cab. BTW....come back Tom Brady Last edited by jb4short; 01-31-2009 at 05:00 PM.

01-31-2009, 05:34 PM	#16
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? i'd take a road trip and find a better cab as well... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"

02-06-2009, 07:30 PM	#18
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? The excitement of just going to look at these trucks is great. I feel like a little kid again!

02-06-2009, 08:50 PM	#19
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? fun ain't it? run from a truck like that... I have seen a few in my area for $200 that are fixable but require work... __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer"



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

02-06-2009, 09:26 PM	#20
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Cab shopping! Don't I need one that was originally a 4x4? Lots of fun! I would only purchase a truck like that for various parts. And I think the most I would've gave the guy is $400, only for the engine/tranny and front clip!

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.