Need Advice on cab for 72

[4544speed]

Just purchased a 1972 and new to these trucks. It seems to have many good parts but the cab (and probably doors) has so much rust it seems like it would be better to replace them. I have found a few good used cabs. I would like to know if all the 67 to 72 are viable replacement cabs or should I stay with 70-72 era? I am trying to use as much of the old truck as possible. What is the most practical solution? Thanks

[volksworld]

the cab swap is the easy part...they all fit...the problem is the legal aspect since the vin tag is on the cab...so anything you do will fall within various degrees of illegal...and it varies state by state as to the legal way to do it...make sure you get a cab with a valid title...or you can wind up with a truck thats impossible to sell in the end...there's lots of threads on here discussing this issue...maybe someone from texas can chime in with the specifics from your state

[4544speed]

Thanks for the response. I will be sure to check out the VIN and title issue. I was not sure if all the items fit. I read a few of the threads about the swap. I also read the one about the specific differences of 67-72. I thought there may be specific years or items that would not fit. Thanks

[DUDLEY]

Once the cab is replaced, the truck will have to be titled as if were a different truck. I considered doing the same with my 68 but it has always been in the family. I found good parts (cab corners, rockers, supports,etc) at LMC. Check your local salvage yard for doors. Hope this helps

[68shortwide]

As far as cabs go, yes you can use all the years, they will work. However, 72 was a unique year that has the rearview mirror mounted on the windshield. Every other year has mounting holes in the top of the cab by the visors. Also, I believe 67-8 have different fuse blocks and ebrake locations. 69-71 I believe are the same though, I'm still new to these trucks so I could be wrong, and if I am please feel free to correct me people.

[collin70k/20]

The after market parts sometime don't fit the greatest. There pretty cheap tho.

[4544speed]

Thanks for the replies Dudley, Shortwide and Collin. The amount of rust is way over my skillset. I think I will try to find a cab and be careful with the title aspect. I just was not sure if all the parts would fit. Thanks for the help!!

[68shortwide]

No problem at all. Good luck!

[snipescastle2]

I bought a cab off of a '72 that had considerable rot in the floor around the rockers, cab corners,etc... in hindsight, I think it would have been better to have just replaced the entire floor pan, brace and all, it would have eleviated a lot of alignment/fitment issues I had. my rear cab support braces were rotted beyond the attachment point of the patch panels, so I ended up buying a complete rear cab support piece ( goes from right to left sides with the supports stamped into it) and then of course, I had to do the rockers, floor pan patches, cab corners, the usual rust repairs. biggest thing to consider when doing a full floor replacement would be bracing the cab front to rear, side to side to keep everything from moving, I welded angle irons in this manner, and it kept everything in check and I was lucky to have a template that Vic Cook made for his cab when he did his, and the door frames were spot on.
Good luck with your project.
Ben Smith

[snipescastle2]

pics of my 72' cab before and during repairs
Ben