1963 c20 on a 1984 k10 chassis ??

[daxx]

I'm having a hard time finding any posts on swapping body / chassis..

I bought a 1963 c20 and want to put the body on a 1984 k10 chassis
looking for info or experience with the mounts and what is involved.

if you know of a link here or have done it...how hard is it?
both long bed chassis

thanks

[chevy_mike]

Didn't really find any relating to swapping a 60-66 body to a later 4x4 chassis but there are a number of posts asking the question relating to a 2WD chassis. Basically all of them seem to say the same thing, don't do it unless you have the equipment and skills to do a lot of fab work. Not to say it can't be done but it will be a lot of work.

One thing to note, you will need to mount the cab and bed higher than on your current frame, due to the later chassis being very different where the bed mounts. I think I read it's like 2-3" higher.

Anyone out there have any insight to this type of swap?

[dieseldude4bt]

I have done it in the past and I don't recomend it, you end up with a 3-4 inch body lift and the motor mounts have to be moved back on the frame it get the engine where it's supposed to be.
I would use the 84 running gear under the 63 thats what I did the last time I built It, (it's on the third incarnation in ith 30+ years I have owned it.)

[Captainfab]

There should be many search results, this question gets asked quite a bit.

I agree with dieseldude4bt....I've been there and done that as well, just on a 2wd, and I always recomend against it, But yet some guys insist on doing it. There are a couple threads in the 'Projects and Builds' section.

Here is a thread I started a couple years ago for those guys asking this question.

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

For converting to a 4x4, it is still a bit of work to install the complete running gear under your original frame, but IMO less than changing the entire frame. Plus the end result is much better. Then there is the legal issue I mention in the above thread.....and every time this is asked.

Here is a build thread showing what is involved in converting to a 4x4 the way I recommend.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=448681

[daxx]

thanks for the reply guys

I've heard both sides .. I wanted to see real info

I thought that it was as simple as lifting bodies off and making a couple of cab mounts ..
but looks like WB and frame length are an issue as well...as well as motor position
not sure I like the body lift look with relation to bumper position either.

Captfab .. the 2nd link you gave for the build is a double of the 1st one you posted ?

[Captainfab]

Sorry I got in a hurry....I fixed the link.

No the frame swap you are asking about is far from simple. When I helped build the truck in the first link, 22 or so years ago, I had about 13 years welding and fabricating experience and it took me many hours to get all the mounts right so that the body lines all lined up. Then you have to add u-joints in the steering shaft. You'll have to fabricate something to hold the original radiator, or go with a different one, etc, etc.

Originally Posted by daxx

thanks for the reply guys

I've heard both sides .. I wanted to see real info

I thought that it was as simple as lifting bodies off and making a couple of cab mounts ..
but looks like WB and frame length are an issue as well...as well as motor position
not sure I like the body lift look with relation to bumper position either.

Captfab .. the 2nd link you gave for the build is a double of the 1st one you posted ?