Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

inkfamous13 · 10-20-2016, 05:02 AM

Dont know if this is the right spot for this but ive got a 1966c20 fleetside long bed pick up truck. I lowered rebuilt front end now rearend is going out. Have a chance to buy a 71 c10 long bed complete truck minus motor & trans. Would i beable to drop this 66 onto the 71 frame? Im sure id have to make up some new rear cab mounts or relocate from inside frame to out on back of cab? I think? Just need to know differences if any in shape/ flow of frame. I know there same length and width so if its just a few mounts id be golden. Can buy that 71 swap it out and part out a good truck. I know it all bolts onto the orig frame but would be easier for my situation and disability to lift on and off cab and bed and drop motor in. Any help or expert tutelage is greatly appreciated.

62stepside longbox · 10-20-2016, 11:34 AM

I'm not sure about the mounts but one really good thing to using the 71 frame is that you will get disk brakes up front with five lug, and power steering. you will however need to install a dual master cylinder to use the newer brakes.

**Captainfab** · 10-21-2016, 12:59 AM

The '67-'72 frames are basically the same as the '63-'66 frames, but with some minor differences. The first being the frame horns at the front are different to accomodate the different bumpers. Secondly is the radiator support mounts. I have heard that they must be moved. Also the rear cab mounts are I believe lower than what the '63-'66 cab needs. Of course your C20 will have the rear cab mounts that are bonded with rubber, which are different than what the C10's use. I would go with the C10 style. Other than that, I believe everything else will bolt onto the '71 frame.

Now with that said, before you get too carried away, you may want to check with the California DMV and see what is needed to make this swap legal. Having a cab and frame with different VIN's is frowned upon in certain states. Here in Idaho, it can get your vehicle consficated if they find out and you do not have the proper documentation/paper work.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-21-2016, 01:12 AM

You could just swap out the suspension on to your existing frame. It is all pretty much a bolt in.
Keep your 66 frame and swap in the later suspension.

andyh1956 · 10-22-2016, 10:27 AM

I am using a 71 frame for my 66 & here is what I have learned. The afore mentioned cab mounts need changing. Front radiator supports & front frame brackets & bumper brackets different. Frame is 1/2" taller so you need the 71 engine mount stands. The steering column is gonna be different. But mine is a 4wd so you mileage may vary from mine.

Vinceg · 10-22-2016, 11:02 AM

I did what Chevy Fleetside recommended. I was going to do the frame swap so I would have the indent for the power steering box. In the end I didn't think it was worth all the messing around. I was very surprised how easy it was to roll the 71 front cross member under the 66 frame. You have to round out a couple holes and drill new holes in the cross member where the motor mounts sit. Drill holes for the sway bar and the idler arm. That's it. Good luck which ever way you decide to go.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-22-2016, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinceg

I did what Chevy Fleetside recommended. I was going to do the frame swap so I would have the indent for the power steering box. In the end I didn't think it was worth all the messing around. I was very surprised how easy it was to roll the 71 front cross member under the 66 frame. You have to round out a couple holes and drill new holes in the cross member where the motor mounts sit. Drill holes for the sway bar and the idler arm. That's it. Good luck which ever way you decide to go.

You could also just leave your original cross member in and just bolt up the control arms and then drill for the idler arm and sway bar.

**Captainfab** · 10-23-2016, 12:24 AM

That will work on a C10, but on a C20 as the OP has, the entire suspension, including the crossmember must be changed out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chevy Fleetside

You could also just leave your original cross member in and just bolt up the control arms and then drill for the idler arm and sway bar.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 10-23-2016, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That will work on a C10, but on a C20 as the OP has, the entire suspension, including the crossmember must be changed out.

Oh yeah... C 20 huh. duh I think I did one of those not to long ago.

Here is the thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=357610

10-20-2016, 05:02 AM	#1
inkfamous13 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: lancaster ca Posts: 138	Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? Dont know if this is the right spot for this but ive got a 1966c20 fleetside long bed pick up truck. I lowered rebuilt front end now rearend is going out. Have a chance to buy a 71 c10 long bed complete truck minus motor & trans. Would i beable to drop this 66 onto the 71 frame? Im sure id have to make up some new rear cab mounts or relocate from inside frame to out on back of cab? I think? Just need to know differences if any in shape/ flow of frame. I know there same length and width so if its just a few mounts id be golden. Can buy that 71 swap it out and part out a good truck. I know it all bolts onto the orig frame but would be easier for my situation and disability to lift on and off cab and bed and drop motor in. Any help or expert tutelage is greatly appreciated.

10-20-2016, 11:34 AM	#2
62stepside longbox Registered User Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Kelowna, B.C, Canada Posts: 1,747	Re: Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? I'm not sure about the mounts but one really good thing to using the 71 frame is that you will get disk brakes up front with five lug, and power steering. you will however need to install a dual master cylinder to use the newer brakes. __________________ Nik...................____ 62 lwb c10 step-side 261 5 spd .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(O)___//___/__(O)_/ my build thread. Sending unit solution

10-21-2016, 12:59 AM	#3
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,250	Re: Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? The '67-'72 frames are basically the same as the '63-'66 frames, but with some minor differences. The first being the frame horns at the front are different to accomodate the different bumpers. Secondly is the radiator support mounts. I have heard that they must be moved. Also the rear cab mounts are I believe lower than what the '63-'66 cab needs. Of course your C20 will have the rear cab mounts that are bonded with rubber, which are different than what the C10's use. I would go with the C10 style. Other than that, I believe everything else will bolt onto the '71 frame. Now with that said, before you get too carried away, you may want to check with the California DMV and see what is needed to make this swap legal. Having a cab and frame with different VIN's is frowned upon in certain states. Here in Idaho, it can get your vehicle consficated if they find out and you do not have the proper documentation/paper work. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

10-21-2016, 01:12 AM	#4
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,781	Re: Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? You could just swap out the suspension on to your existing frame. It is all pretty much a bolt in. Keep your 66 frame and swap in the later suspension. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536

10-22-2016, 10:27 AM	#5
andyh1956 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: thomastown mississippi Posts: 1,261	Re: Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? I am using a 71 frame for my 66 & here is what I have learned. The afore mentioned cab mounts need changing. Front radiator supports & front frame brackets & bumper brackets different. Frame is 1/2" taller so you need the 71 engine mount stands. The steering column is gonna be different. But mine is a 4wd so you mileage may vary from mine.

10-22-2016, 11:02 AM	#6
Vinceg Registered User Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Posts: 166	Re: Can you swap a 66c20 fslb onto a 1971 c10 fslb frame. Help? I did what Chevy Fleetside recommended. I was going to do the frame swap so I would have the indent for the power steering box. In the end I didn't think it was worth all the messing around. I was very surprised how easy it was to roll the 71 front cross member under the 66 frame. You have to round out a couple holes and drill new holes in the cross member where the motor mounts sit. Drill holes for the sway bar and the idler arm. That's it. Good luck which ever way you decide to go.



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