body swap to newer frame?

[Idaho64GMC]

I have a 1964 GMC that I've been driving for a few months now, I put a 350/350 combo in it and I really love this body style of pickup. My question is how hard is it or has anyone swapped bodys to a newer frame? I want a 6.2 diesel and have access to a complete 1986 GMC, I'm thinking it would be easier to put the body of the 64 on the frame of the 86 so that I'd have more modern brakes, the engine I want, rear end with less miles, the list goes on. If anyone has done this or has advice I'd love to hear it! This will be a long term project but I'd like to get the ball rolling. Thanks everyone

[66 C10 383]

I've never attempted it myself but other members on here have tried it.

The general opinion is ... don't do it.

Do a search and you can find discussions on it.

[Softpatch]

I did a 63 on a 1972 C10 custom
because of the extras on the 72
the frame rails are the same width
PB, PS,
disc front HD drums rear
12 bolt rear end with leaf springs
5X5 wheel bolt pattern

[HOT WRECKS]

I am putting a 1962 on a 1980 frame. It is not an easy swap at all. Rad support mounts & Cab mounts are different, plus the 1973-87 frames start to turn upward sooner under the cab, so there is some major reworking of the rear cab floor to get it to sit level. I'm using the 1980 entire floor pan and channeling the 1962 cab 2'' lower. other wise I would not do this frame/ body swap. Just more work than its worth.

[LostMy65]

From the Faq's:
.
'60-'66 Body On A '73-'87 Frame?

Originally Posted by Captainfab

This question gets asked quite frequently and I most always recommend against it unless you're wanting to buld a lifted 4x4. Here's a thread I started a couple years ago.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=481023

If you're in need of a frame, I would look for a '63-'72 frame and transfer the front suspension, and whatever else you need.

[Captainfab]

Just put everything from the '86 into/under your '64 frame. That is so much easier. Everything will basically bolt on, versus many hours of fabricating body mounts to put your '64 body on the '86 frame. If you go switching the frames, be sure you have all the necessary paperwork and receipts as requires here in Idaho. If you get caught not having everything legally done, the State Motor Vehicle Investigator can seize your vehicle.

Originally Posted by Idaho64GMC

I have a 1964 GMC that I've been driving for a few months now, I put a 350/350 combo in it and I really love this body style of pickup. My question is how hard is it or has anyone swapped bodys to a newer frame? I want a 6.2 diesel and have access to a complete 1986 GMC, I'm thinking it would be easier to put the body of the 64 on the frame of the 86 so that I'd have more modern brakes, the engine I want, rear end with less miles, the list goes on. If anyone has done this or has advice I'd love to hear it! This will be a long term project but I'd like to get the ball rolling. Thanks everyone

[Idaho64GMC]

I appreciate all the responses, that definitely convinced me to put all the things I want from the 86 onto my 64 frame. I'll probably start with engine and transmission and go from there, be a work in progress for quite awhile but that's okay. Thanks again for the replies

[BR3W CITY]

Pause for a second and ask yourself "do I REALLY want a 6.2?"

All that weight, no power, and a fuel cost that will never even out to the benefit. The only thing I ever see that makes use of a 6.2 are the Community DOT trucks. Perfect engine if you want to idle or drive 12mph all day with a trailer....but lacks power or efficiency to really tow a big load and makes no power.

[Idaho64GMC]

I LOVE the 6.2 engine. people can bad mouth it all they want but it is by far my favorite diesel. I don't need big power, I love the mileage it makes and I've had several 6.2's. One 86 that I had would always make 26 mpg, didn't matter what I was doing with it.

[hotrodder]

Dude if it makes you happy, go for it. I'm on your side.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Idaho64GMC

I appreciate all the responses, that definitely convinced me to put all the things I want from the 86 onto my 64 frame. I'll probably start with engine and transmission and go from there, be a work in progress for quite awhile but that's okay. Thanks again for the replies

Good decision.
Another reason I prefer the route of moving the newer goodies over to your frame is you keep the frame VIN that goes with the cab.

[Idaho64GMC]

Originally Posted by hotrodder

Dude if it makes you happy, go for it. I'm on your side.

Thanks hotrodder

[Idaho64GMC]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Good decision.
Another reason I prefer the route of moving the newer goodies over to your frame is you keep the frame VIN that goes with the cab.

I do like that as well, the more I thought about it and read what people had to say on here the more I had the realization that it would be a shame to get rid of the original frame

[Captainfab]

Wise decision

[joeydirt]

has anyone ever done a 60-66 on a 99-06 frame? Looking at the frame shape it doesn't even look like its in the ballpark but Im just curious

[lowlife4life]

Check out hot wrecks he is doing a frame swap right now same thing

[Captainfab]

You are correct, it's not even close. Unless you are up for a bunch of fabrication and body mods, I wouldn't even consider it.

I see absolutely no reasion to switch a frame on the '63-'72 trucks to a '73 and up frame. If it is handling, steering and braking improvements you are looking for, just upgrade what you have and keep the frame that has a VIN that matches your cab VIN. There is so much available from the aftermarket for upgrades for these trucks, it just makes no sense to me to go to all the work of switching to a newer frame. And yes I have done it, so I am speaking from experience. It is far from a bolt together swap.

Originally Posted by joeydirt

has anyone ever done a 60-66 on a 99-06 frame? Looking at the frame shape it doesn't even look like its in the ballpark but Im just curious

[familyfast64]

Unless it's because your frame and suspension are shot and you just happen to have a good later model frame and suspension that would save you money...
I think that's why most give it a try. But what if someone did a post y2k frame and suspension. Those are clearly stronger but aftermarket suspension will always be better so really the strength of the frame is the only plus. And if your gonna c/step notch or back half or sub frame, then the newer frame again is more or less no better. Unless, its cheaper for you. Maybe?

[LostMy65]

I wonder what advantage anyone thinks they are getting with the newer frame? It makes no sense.
Just roll the goodies out from under the newer frame, and roll them under your original frame.

[familyfast64]

I think you could do it if you wanted to tho, and have fun.

[padresag]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I wonder what advantage anyone thinks they are getting with the newer frame? It makes no sense.
Just roll the goodies out from under the newer frame, and roll them under your original frame.

psychological.
ron

[joeydirt]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I wonder what advantage anyone thinks they are getting with the newer frame? It makes no sense.
Just roll the goodies out from under the newer frame, and roll them under your original frame.

I have a duramax thats pretty banged up so thats why it was on my mind....I dont think much of the stuff attached to it is going to roll under my 66 very easilly

[padresag]

Originally Posted by joeydirt

I have a duramax thats pretty banged up so thats why it was on my mind....I dont think much of the stuff attached to it is going to roll under my 66 very easilly

there are pictures on here of a suburban 4 xx 4 with a newer frame(2000+0 with a duramax in it. turquois and white. it has been posted quite a few times by Jon i think. went looking for it but didn't find it. really clean
ron

[Softpatch]

Messure the frame at the back were the bumper
Bolt to it then go ahead and messure the newer frame rails I'm thinking the newer one is wider. if so then when you bolt your 65 body to it you we see it will hang outside the box in the rear wheel wells and that is going to limit the
Width of tires in the back
Try it .....
I might be wrong and it wouldn't be the first time
But it would be sad
if I was right and you invested all that time
marrying the new frame to that awsome truck
And had to run pizza cutters out back

[Leroy-B1]

I have a 60 apache and it's a long bed....I want to convert to a short bed....is there any major issues with putting it on a 67-72 short frame?