Two trucks into one

[ArmyVette]

I have a 68 stepside with an inline six cylinder, three on the tree.

I just bought a 71 with ps, pb, front disc, five lugs and a 350.

My plans are to put the 68 body along with tranny onto the 71 frame with the 350. Has anyone done this? What problems might i incur? Any good tips or advice? I would just like to know what I am getting into. Thanks in advance.

Joel

[ChevLoRay]

What's wrong with the later cab, or are you just referring to swapping the front cap? Which tranny does the '71 have and why do you want a 3-on-the-tree? I can understand wanting the disc brakes, power steering and 5-lug bolt patterns.

We need more info.

[ArmyVette]

Sorry for the mix up.

The 71 cab is shot. The rot is so bad there are almost no A pillars and the roof at the door line is almost gone. It is in no way worth saving. On another note...i want the stepside bed and I prefer the 68 front grill. I also prefer the three speed column shift to a TH350. Any other questions...feel free to ask and I really appreciate the knowledge you guys have.

[ChevLoRay]

I don't want to dominate the post. I'd be keeping the TH350, if it is good. But the cab you want to use will already have the column shifter and the clutch linkage in it. So, I can see your point in not using the TH350. Still, I'd have to think hard about going that route. Putting a 3-gear behind the 350 is old school, but there's been a lot of 'em sold just like that. Overdrive would make it more economical at highway speeds, so that may be an issue you want to deal with.

I think you'll have to keep a good paper trail going to accomplish the registration of the finished vehicle without any flak from the gendarmes. If you are military, the MP's can tell you what they have to have before they can let it on the post. If you can get them to allow it on post, then you should be all set for the locals at the DMV.

Good luck. Use your eyes to see what is different about the two. Take a lot of pix of the befores so you can put stuff where it needs to be. There are people on here who have done what you want to do and they can help answer your questions.

Buy a shop manual. Buy an assembly manual. Look through them both. A lot. It will be fun. Yeah, you're right. There's a lot of great people on this site. They will help you by answering your questions.

[ArmyVette]

You aren't dominating the thread...i appreciate your advice.

I fully understand the economical issue with the three speed but I also have a nissan altima as well as a stingray so this will just be another recreational vehicle...one that I wont be too concerned with leaving in a parking lot while I run errands. It will be fine for now and you are right...it is in my favor for the linkage and all.

I am no longer active duty so meeting post requirements is no issue and as far as I understand the title goes with the cab. All other parts can be bought new in the aftermarket so the other parts are not important (i would imagine).

For all cosmetic purposes the truck will be strictly 68...Its just underneath that will be different.

Will there be any issues with the 68 column hooking up to the power steering?

Thanks again

[68GMCCustom]

I'm doing a similar project...and would guess you'll be OK on the PS. My '68 has had PS added to it with the 3sp column shift, and my '72 has a SBC and PS with an auto column. My question would be, would the 6cyl bell housing work on the SBC?

[ArmyVette]

anyone else?

[68GMCCustom]

mine's up and running. you should be OK except for wiring changes.

[Palf70Step]

You might find it easier to take the front cross member and rear off the 71 and bolt it to the 68 frame. Less hassle than a cab saw. Same with the 350, pop ou the 350 put it on the 6 cylinder mounts, grab a V8 Z-Bar linkage for the clutch and you are good to go. Nothing at all wrong with the 3 speed behind a 350.

[Jtrux]

My first truck was a 3 speed on the column and I loved it. I'd keep it cuz it's different.