Transforming my 68 to a 71 ?

[Frijolito1988]

Hey guys im contemplating turning my SWB 68 into a 71 Cheyenne .

Here is the deal

I have a 68 SWB C10 Franken truck

The Chassis is a SWB 70 with 71 5 lug rear end , and 71 front steering components with 5 lug disc brakes upfront ( pretty much a 71-72 chassis since that was one of the main difference between the 67-70 / 71-72)

The Cab and front end is a 68 ( PO deleted the side markers to make it look like a 67 ) and the vin tells me the cab/front end originally came from a 3/4 ton 68 with AC cab.

Here is the tricky park. The donor truck i got to remove the suspension and rear end is a 71 LWB 1/2 ton with cheyenne emblems on the side ( no glove box sticker ) , the body is really straight with absolutely no rust . Just one minor dent on the front fender but it is no AC cab ( my 68 has ac cab ).

I am contemplating putting the 71 cab/front end on my "68". What do you guys say ??

The 71 vin says its 4x2 / v8 / 1/2 ton / pu / 71 / Flint michigan

I love the look of the 68 swb , but i think i love the look of a two tone 71/72 cheyenne with the side upper and lower trim with some nice 20-22 inch wheels ....

[tarafied1]

Well you know you don't have to swap the cab. The front clip and doors will bolt on to the 68 and you could just transfer the trim. You'll have to paint it anyway because the bed on the 71 is a lwb. Then you keep the AC and get the Cheyenne look. The VIN could stay the same as the 68. It would be cool to modify the 68 hood and keep it as well. But that's my 2 cents

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by tarafied1

Well you know you don't have to swap the cab. The front clip and doors will bolt on to the 68 and you could just transfer the trim. You'll have to paint it anyway because the bed on the 71 is a lwb. Then you keep the AC and get the Cheyenne look. The VIN could stay the same as the 68. It would be cool to modify the 68 hood and keep it as well. But that's my 2 cents

The only reason im thinking about changing the cab is because the of the rear bed light that the 71-72 have...although I can always cut the hole on the rear of my cab and add it LOL

My 68 cab already has 71-72 sport mirrors.


Other reason to do the cab change is so the title states is a 71 , its bad enough its already a franken truck , but it will be supper bad with the front end out of a 71 and title states 68

[tarafied1]

I didn't mean to try and talk you out of swapping. If it makes sense for you then go for it.
I have a 72 Cheyenne and love that "look" so I might be bias. I do like the look of the 67-68 hood slope though. I wish I had a 67/68 hood to put on mine. I know there are some threads on here showing how to do it.

[Frijolito1988]

Originally Posted by tarafied1

I didn't mean to try and talk you out of swapping. If it makes sense for you then go for it.
I have a 72 Cheyenne and love that "look" so I might be bias. I do like the look of the 67-68 hood slope though. I wish I had a 67/68 hood to put on mine. I know there are some threads on here showing how to do it.

Only downside is that my 68 is primer and has all the panels straight and aligned and looks good right now, plus I just had 67-68 buddy buckets re upholsterd....I think my best bet will probably be to sell this one and get a 71-72 cheyenne or Cheyenne Super

[tarafied1]

Originally Posted by Frijolito1988

Only downside is that my 68 is primer and has all the panels straight and aligned and looks good right now, plus I just had 67-68 buddy buckets re upholsterd....I think my best bet will probably be to sell this one and get a 71-72 cheyenne or Cheyenne Super

or... keep the Franken truck and shorten the 71

[JOJABOY]

I see nothing wrong with franken trucks. I agree with you that the slant nose 68 looks sporty and cool yet I too like the look of the two tone with upper and lower body side moldings. I think I would keep the 68 cab just because of the AC....add the 71 front clip and paint it to look like a 71-72. Who cares what the title reads?

[67_C-30]

If you're "68" was actually a '68, I'd say no way, but since its a '70 frame with '71 axles/suspension, I'd say go for it. I prefer the '67 - '68's, but if you like the '71 - '72 better, change it over.