Cab Swap

[Richard D]

I have an '87 in the process of having a rebuilt TBI 350 installed. It has rusted out in the cab corners(common, easy fix), in the right corner of the windshield, and under the back window gasket(not so easy to fix!). I rally like the '73-'80 style better, esp. with the body side molding. And to think, my first car was a '77; I wanted to shave everything!
A couple favorites:










You get the idea.
I did a some digging in old threads and have found that 73-80 cabs were different for 2WD and
4WD. Is there a thead detailing how to swap an early cab to a late frame? I have a pretty well equipped shop, so some frame modification is not a problem.

[old Rusty C10]

you can make a 2wd cab fit a 4wd if you cut the tunnel and swap it out.. if you swap an older cab onto the newer frame,you need to use the cab mounts for the chassis, and youll have to use the nose to match up to the cab there is no frame modification. there have been several threads on cab swaps i did one on a 2wd truck years back an 81 cab onto a 76 frame its pretty easy.. if things go well its a job you can do over a weekend ( as long as ya dont break too often for beers) good luck and why no?t start a thread about your swap with lots of pics

[Richard D]

Originally Posted by old Rusty C10

there have been several threads on cab swaps

Do you remember who did them? I plan to use all '73-'78 sheetmetal.

[Jonboy]

The biggest problem you might have is swapping out the wiring. There is a lot more wiring on an 87 than any other year, due to the fuel injection. I think any year cab would work just fine with the early sheetmetal; you will need to add the side moldings and swap out the wiper stands if you end up with an 81- later cab.

[Richard D]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

swap out the wiper stands if you end up with an 81- later cab.

Is there any photos of how to do this? Can I buy the parts from someone like LMC Truck, there isn't much stuff from the 70s in the junkyards around here.

[Richard D]

Looks like the wiper parts are all different after '84, and some of the parts aren't availible.

[Jonboy]

I don't see them listed in those illustrations. The stands are the part the wiper arm attaches to, held on with three bolts. Check the classifieds, I am sure someone is parting out an older truck.

[Richard D]

Seems I will need wiper motor, arms, and linkage, etc. Also, I read somewhere the hood hinges are different, and mount differently, different core support, etc. I think I will look for an early cab with all the hardware.