Question about mixing cabs and frames

[blastboy]

How does it work to switch cabs with frames? I am thinking of buying a 69 C-20 to build and the cab is toast. Is it a big deal if I get a different cab and the numbers on the frame and the cab vin do not match? any help is appreciated. -JP

[mechanicalman]

Originally Posted by blastboy

How does it work to switch cabs with frames? I am thinking of buying a 69 C-20 to build and the cab is toast. Is it a big deal if I get a different cab and the numbers on the frame and the cab vin do not match? any help is appreciated. -JP

The ID tags that are read by whomever in your state will be primarily read off the ID tag on the door jamb. Laws are different, state to state. That being said,

I'd want to use whatever title matched the cab, never removing the ID tag from the door jamb, therefore you would need a C20 donor cab to keep the weight rating. Regardless of what your chassis is capable of, if you want to rent a trailer from any major vendor (hertz, uhaul, Penske, etc) of any weight significance, you need the C20 rating on the registration. Ask me how I know. However this leaves you with cab numbers that don't match frame numbers, if that's an issue for you.

However, IMO (not necessarily the opinion of the law-makers) is that you should be able to buy a cab, with an intact ID plate and title in your name to use as donor metal for your present cab.

You MIGHT have to remove ALL the metal and replace it only leaving behind the metal surrounding the un-disturbed ID plate thus retaining weight rating and numbers matching. Do not try to re-rivet it, those are special very hard to get rivets; any auto auction, theft investigator or car dealer will never accept anything less than those special rivets, if that's an issue for you.

LOL

Check your local laws, but in your entire lifetime have you ever seen or heard of anyone checking anything other than the ID tag for any reason, other than theft investigation?

That's why you should have the donor cab with ID plate and title in your name so you can prove you did not steal anything. Keep the ID plate and title off the donor cab as long as you own the C20.

[blastboy]

Thank you for the reply! I do not care about the cab and frame having matching numbers this would be a daily driver quality truck.-JP

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by blastboy

Thank you for the reply! I do not care about the cab and frame having matching numbers this would be a daily driver quality truck.-JP

Its not a matter of you not caring. The advice is so it can be licensed. Some states do check the VIN on the frame and expect it to match. More so when you are transfering title from another state.

There are a number of threads on the subject of swapping cabs and the inadvisability of swapping data plates around. The search box is your friend.

In any event start with your local DMV or Highway Patrol for your state's specifics first.