New guy new project

[Stm3784]

Hi I'm Steve I'm from pittsburgh pa, I'm a paramedic on the side, and a train conductor is my full time gig. Anyway, I working on a 72 c/10 that's going to be converted to a k/20. The 4 speed tranny and transfer case used is out of my dads original 78 k/20. As well as the frame and 350 SB. Basically all I need is sheet metal. So I'm here with questions and just hang out a bit. So I do have questions. Hopefully someone can help with. Thanks
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[justin4260]

welcome to the forum steve

[5567Cruiser]

Welcome Steve, I have had very good luck myself with info from how to separate ball joints,how to line up hood and doors etc.. The forum has members with years of experience at restoring these trucks and they know all the tricks and short cuts for getting the job done right. Good luck and have fun with your truck.

[hugger6933]

Hi Steve glad you are here. You will find lots of good help here. I have a cousin and a friend who are paramedics I salute you sir for that lifesaving job.

[Stm3784]

Thanks guys, anyway like I said the 350 SB, frame transfer case, and 4 speed tranny are out of my dads 78. He was going to rebuild then, as always life happens. But he's got his 63 cj-5, 85 and 70 Mack R models and his current project an 86 peterbilt 379, it's my turn for the project build
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[RenoKeene]

Welcome Steve from down here in Florida!

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by Stm3784

Thanks guys, anyway like I said the 350 SB, frame transfer case, and 4 speed tranny are out of my dads 78. He was going to rebuild then, as always life happens. But he's got his 63 cj-5, 85 and 70 Mack R models and his current project an 86 peterbilt 379, it's my turn for the project build
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Welcome Steve. I think you are probably going to want to find yourself a 67-72 4x4 frame if that's the era truck that you want to put together. The Using a 78 frame with 67-72 sheet metal will require quite a bit of fab/custom work. Not saying it 'can't' be done, just not really recommended by most. You can use the search at the top for more info on why. Best bet is to type something like "72 sheet metal on later year frame"... and then select the radio button for 67-72chevytrucks.com and then hit the Google button.

Best of luck to you with your project. Ask lots of questions and use the search when you can. It's definitely helped me a ton with my project.

[Lokin4AReason]

greetings to the site ...

['68 Newtricks]

Might be easier to link the front and deal with the rear suspension than mating the two generations together. Anything wrong with the '72 frame? Trailing arm or leaf?

[Stm3784]

Just found the sheet metal. Cab bed ect. The 78 frame is solid. Thought the body mounts would just need changed around a little. Looking for steel inner fender wells, and high tranny hump. I posted about that in another thread
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[BrianG]

Originally Posted by Stm3784

Just found the sheet metal. Cab bed ect. The 78 frame is solid. Thought the body mounts would just need changed around a little. Looking for steel inner fender wells, and high tranny hump. I posted about that in another thread
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Almost all of the aftermarket parts places and also a lot of venders on this bb sell steel inner fenders. LMC, ClassicParts, Classic Industries, Brothers. These are very readily available. Using the 78 Frame is going to be a much bigger issue though. Unless you are really up for a challenge, I'd look for a 69-72 4x4 frame. They are out there.

[Stm3784]

Ok, now there are few saying don't do the frame swap, how involved is it?
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