78 C20 - 83 GMC Body Swap

[60-66 Nut]

Hello everybody. I'm from nextdoor at the 60-66 board, just jumped the fence to ask you guys a question. Most of my dealings have been with the older trucks, but I have had several of the 73-87 trucks, too. I have a 78 C20 with terminal cancer and I also have an 83 GMC 1/2 ton with a solid body. I'd like to put the GMC body on the 3/4 ton frame, the only thing I'm not too sure about is the front cab mounts under the radiator support. Are they different for the 83' front end? I'm pretty sure I'll have some fab work to put the 83' front bumper on the 78' frame; just wondering what else I'll run into. Thanks for any help or comments.

60-66 Nut

[Russell]

I'm not sure what exact is different, but I do know that the cab mounts are different somehow. But apparantly it can be done

As far as the bumper goes -- You'll need to cut the frame to use the newer bumper. I'd just stick with the older style bumper, or find one for it

[beaterC10]

The mounts on the cabs are the same, the difference is in the rubber cushion used to mount the cab to the frame. Use cab and core support mounts to match the chassis, in this case 73-80, and it will work.

The later cushions are larger OD, so the holes in the frame mounts are larger. You could use the later cushions on the earlier frame if you make the holes in the frame mounts larger.

[60-66 Nut]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Don't know when I'll get the time to do it, but at least I know a little more about it now. I don't think the early style bumper would look right with the later front end, so I'd rather make the right one fit. Besides, the 83' has a nice chrome bumper in good shape. Thanks again.

60-66 Nut