53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

del · 12-15-2010, 01:17 AM

I have a 1953 pickup and wanted to make it a 4x4. I was thinking of just putting the cab on a 1973-87 4x4 stepside frame and leave the bed. It seems like the 73-87 stepside bed is similar except the fenders. Anyone know about that? This way all I need to do is figure out mounting the cab on the newer frame.
Any input will be appreciated.
I know there have been others who used the blazer frame, but I want to keep the length of the bed. Gonna be my work truck. Thanks

76whitelightnin' · 12-15-2010, 04:01 AM

I am in the process of doing the same. i have a 76 that i just stripped down to the frame, hopefully mocking up the 58 cab soon. I'll keep you posted on how everything works out. it'd be appreciated if you did the same, this is my first time doin somethin like this as well.

355bullet · 12-15-2010, 12:04 PM

i think for the 53 pick up people use the blazer 4x4 frame because of the shorter wheel base..

Gene Sharp · 12-18-2010, 10:49 AM

I have one on the 1980 Blazer frame
it makes a perfectly proportioned pickup
mine has a ZZ- 4
700R4 with a non lockup[ converter near stock stall
and 10' wheels

Gene Sharp

**Dieselwrencher** · 12-18-2010, 11:34 AM

Sweet truck Gene!

fosheec · 12-18-2010, 11:38 AM

Gene Sharp:

I assume you had to move the axles a bit and extend the chassis - the places I've looked show the Blazer wheelbase as a bit shorter that the AD...

Gene Sharp · 12-18-2010, 02:20 PM

No
the axels are in stock location
the fenders require a slight amount of trimming
and the front of the bed is shortened quite a lot
but looks even better
gives it a short powerful look
you can e4ven order bed sides what ever length you need from Markay

Gene Sharp

del · 12-18-2010, 08:52 PM

Do you have any more pictures of the truck. Looks great. I was considering a shortbed pickup so I can utilize the full length of the bed and it would be less work.

Gene Sharp · 12-23-2010, 08:30 PM

soon as the holidays are over will post pix
am slso doing 56 on 80 4x4 frame that is similar
to some degree

Gene Sharp

Gene Sharp · 12-23-2010, 08:38 PM

[QUOTE=Gene Sharp;4366964]soon as the holidays are over will post pix
am also doing 56 on 80 4x4 frame that is similar
to some degree

this is the 80 frame it is about an inch longer that ehe 56 frame
we welded in pieces to fill in the dip where the 80 cab set

with the blazer frame you will end up witha shorter bed

Gene Sharp

12-15-2010, 01:17 AM	#1
del Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 38	53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 I have a 1953 pickup and wanted to make it a 4x4. I was thinking of just putting the cab on a 1973-87 4x4 stepside frame and leave the bed. It seems like the 73-87 stepside bed is similar except the fenders. Anyone know about that? This way all I need to do is figure out mounting the cab on the newer frame. Any input will be appreciated. I know there have been others who used the blazer frame, but I want to keep the length of the bed. Gonna be my work truck. Thanks

12-15-2010, 04:01 AM	#2
76whitelightnin' Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Orcutt, California Posts: 22	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 I am in the process of doing the same. i have a 76 that i just stripped down to the frame, hopefully mocking up the 58 cab soon. I'll keep you posted on how everything works out. it'd be appreciated if you did the same, this is my first time doin somethin like this as well. __________________ 1976 K10 Step-Side. 6/4 lift on 37" open countrys. jsimotorsports.com

12-15-2010, 12:04 PM	#3
355bullet Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: el paso, tx Posts: 510	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 i think for the 53 pick up people use the blazer 4x4 frame because of the shorter wheel base.. __________________ www.southwestdrags.com www.elpasocalendargirls.com www.msdignition.com www.atomicefi.com https://www.facebook.com/MSDperformance

12-18-2010, 10:49 AM	#4
Gene Sharp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 183	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 I have one on the 1980 Blazer frame it makes a perfectly proportioned pickup mine has a ZZ- 4 700R4 with a non lockup[ converter near stock stall and 10' wheels Gene Sharp Attached Images Last edited by Gene Sharp; 12-18-2010 at 11:01 AM.

12-18-2010, 11:34 AM	#5
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 Sweet truck Gene! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

12-18-2010, 11:38 AM	#6
fosheec Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Cedarville, OH Posts: 61	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 Gene Sharp: I assume you had to move the axles a bit and extend the chassis - the places I've looked show the Blazer wheelbase as a bit shorter that the AD... __________________ Caleb

12-18-2010, 02:20 PM	#7
Gene Sharp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 183	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 No the axels are in stock location the fenders require a slight amount of trimming and the front of the bed is shortened quite a lot but looks even better gives it a short powerful look you can e4ven order bed sides what ever length you need from Markay Gene Sharp Last edited by Gene Sharp; 12-18-2010 at 02:20 PM.

12-18-2010, 08:52 PM	#8
del Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Posts: 38	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 Do you have any more pictures of the truck. Looks great. I was considering a shortbed pickup so I can utilize the full length of the bed and it would be less work.

12-23-2010, 08:30 PM	#9
Gene Sharp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 183	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 soon as the holidays are over will post pix am slso doing 56 on 80 4x4 frame that is similar to some degree Gene Sharp

12-23-2010, 08:38 PM	#10
Gene Sharp Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 183	Re: 53 cab on 73-87 stepside 4x4 [QUOTE=Gene Sharp;4366964]soon as the holidays are over will post pix am also doing 56 on 80 4x4 frame that is similar to some degree this is the 80 frame it is about an inch longer that ehe 56 frame we welded in pieces to fill in the dip where the 80 cab set with the blazer frame you will end up witha shorter bed Gene Sharp Attached Images

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