Post-66 frame question?

[special-K]

Isit feasable to use a newer frame under a pre-67 truck?I honestly have no idea.I ask because I have a 71/72 rolling frame that everything is rebuilt on,incl:p/s box brakes and f/e.It has an ECE 4/6 drop and is painted.Would it just be a matter of custom body mounts?Would it lay/fit under as well as a stock frame?Anyone ever do this.I know I can swap over to the right frame.But,wonder if this is possible,first.

[Captainfab]

Putting a 60-66 body on a 71-72 frame wouldn't be that big of a job. They are real close in configuration, so there should be only minor issues to deal with. I've never done what you're asking, but I'm familiar enough with both frames. A couple of issues that come to mind are (1) the front frame horns are different (2) I think the core support mounts will have to be moved (3) if you use a 60-62 cab you will have to extend the front cab mounts on the frame.I have put a 62 body on a 76 frame and that was a PITA

[special-K]

How did the 60-62 sit on that frame?I mean,most of the body to frame swaps I`ve seen are on 4wds where height off of frame isn`t such a concern.I`d only want to do this if it was possible to "tuck" as original.Mine will be a custom and ride height is my focus.I`d want to know that when done the body to frame relation would be as "natural" with the original frame/body.

[Captainfab]

When it was done, the 62 that I put on the 76 frame, looked about like a stock 1/2 ton 4x4. That's how it worked out due to the different configuration of the 73-87 frames. So basically the installation included a body lift. I didn't really like it, but that was what the customer wanted.

[special-K]

Yeah,unless I get everything all together I`ll just have to see how it would work out.Definately better to get frame and body together.

[tkeduk8r]

Im actually planning on puting a 63-66 body on my 72 3/4 4x4 rolling chassis, and from what I can tell they are going to be REAL close. I looked more at the body mounting locations of the cab and bed, but I cant see much other thatn minor frame horn differences that could be easily remedied. I just havn't seen too many of this body style in a 3/4 ton 4x4...
--Mike

[badpeanut]

How do the body mounts between a '60-'62 with the X member cross-member compare to the body mounts on a '63-'66?

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by badpeanut

How do the body mounts between a '60-'62 with the X member cross-member compare to the body mounts on a '63-'66?

The front cab mounts are farther apart (side to side) on the 60-62's than the 63-66's, but all you have to do is drill a new hole to swap them. The rear cab mounts are the same width. I don't remember for sure if the radiator support mounting is the same or not.....I think it is. IIRC some or all of the bed mounts are wider on the 60-62's but all of the bed cross sills I have seen have both hole sets in them. I do believe that the bed rear sill mounts are different between the 60-62's and 63-66's. It really isn't a very difficult swap IMHO.