1970 C20 long bed Duramax, Allison, on a 2003 4x4 chassis

[Clrussell]

Originally Posted by Lazzardkng

I upgraded the inter cooler that came with my BANKS system. But everything else is 2003. I used the 2003 radiator support so all of these and the fan shroud attach and fit as stock on the 2003. The just adapted the headlight buckets and fender attaching points from the 1970.
I'll post lots of pics during assembly once I take it apart to paint jams and firewall.

Perfect thanks!

[Lazzardkng]

Made front bumper brackets
Fit front chin spoiler
Started deconstruction to finish firewall

[Lazzardkng]

[Lazzardkng]

[nds1968]

Looking good, I like it. So are you gonna do something under the cab to camouflage or hide the frame? Maybe some step/nurf bars.

[Lazzardkng]

Yes. I've already made brackets on the frame to mount wheel to wheel nerf bars on it.

[hick]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Did you just move the factory cab mounts to match the new cab, or did you build new mounts from scratch and weld them in place?

[Lazzardkng]

I fabricated new cab mounts and welded them in place. Because of the difference in the 1970 and 2003 frame design I had to start by locating the bed mounting height. From there I was able to locate the cab at the correct height to line up with the bed.

[Lazzardkng]

I also modified the bed floor support ribs to lower the bed as much as possible and get it on the correct angle with the 2003 radiator support height so it would be easier to attach the 1970 fenders with 2003 radiator support

[NastyBuzzard]

How much alike are the 70s frames compare to the 73-87 frame? I ask because I have a 87 4x4 single cab long bed and a 2001 ecsb donor. I am currently using the donor for an ls swap but I'd much prefer to drop the 87 body on the 01 frame. Thoughts? I havn't found anyone whos really done that and documented it.

Your truck is looking awesome by the way!!

[mcbassin]

Incredible build you have going!

[Lazzardkng]

Originally Posted by NastyBuzzard

How much alike are the 70s frames compare to the 73-87 frame? I ask because I have a 87 4x4 single cab long bed and a 2001 ecsb donor. I am currently using the donor for an ls swap but I'd much prefer to drop the 87 body on the 01 frame. Thoughts? I havn't found anyone whos really done that and documented it.

Your truck is looking awesome by the way!!

It's been a while since I've been under a 73-78 but I think the process I used for mounting the 70 body to the newer frame should work about the same and is pretty straight forward. WARNING. There is lots and lots of fab work to make it right besides just the body mounts. Inner fender wells change, headlight buckets have to be made to fit the newer radiator support, hood latches, etc. but rest assured it can be done with minimal tools. My whole project has been done in a 3 car garage mainly with hand grinders and a mig welder.
Imagination, and sheer determination goes a long way.

[NastyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by Lazzardkng

It's been a while since I've been under a 73-78 but I think the process I used for mounting the 70 body to the newer frame should work about the same and is pretty straight forward. WARNING. There is lots and lots of fab work to make it right besides just the body mounts. Inner fender wells change, headlight buckets have to be made to fit the newer radiator support, hood latches, etc. but rest assured it can be done with minimal tools. My whole project has been done in a 3 car garage mainly with hand grinders and a mig welder.
Imagination, and sheer determination goes a long way.

Thanks for your insight!! I believe it can be done fairly easily just with some time. However since the 01 donor is a 3rd door/ext cab I think I may save the frame for a crew cab square body swap. Still haven't decided.

Although, I did get all the LS drive train removed from the 01 donor and am mocking up the 01 fuel tank in the 87 now.

[Lazzardkng]

stood the cab up on its nose to primer, seam seal and paint the under side of the cab floor.

[Lazzardkng]

attached 12 gauge plates over L and R sides of firewall to relocate holes for new equipment and clean up the looks.

Hope to have cab interior, and jams painted this weekend so I can start assembly next week

[71duramax]

I just joined this forum this morning. I am in the process of swapping my 71 chevy Custom Camper onto a 2004 Duramax chassis. I have some questions about what you have done to shorten your frame. I would like to pick your brain on this subject. How would I do that??
Thanks,
71duramax

[Lazzardkng]

Originally Posted by 71duramax

I just joined this forum this morning. I am in the process of swapping my 71 chevy Custom Camper onto a 2004 Duramax chassis. I have some questions about what you have done to shorten your frame. I would like to pick your brain on this subject. How would I do that??
Thanks,
71duramax

Two different ways I can think of depending on the configuration of the 2004 frame your starting with. Reg, extended, or crew cab?

[71duramax]

I am starting out with a 2004 regular cab long box frame. I see you moved the rear axle forward instead of making the frame shorter. In your opinion, do you think this is the easier, better way to go rather than making the frame shorter? Do you have your truck up and running yet?

[Lazzardkng]

With a reg cab I believe moving the axle forward about 7.5" is the easiest to do. You will have to also move fuel tank, the two rear crossmembers, and spare tire mount/crossmember and shock mounts. The other option is to seperate the front frame section at the factory joint under the cab floor. In this option you will have to move the trans crossmembers and I would expect that you would still have to move the rear axle to get the correct wheel base.
Because all my frame changes are behind the trans I did not have to modify fuel lines, abs brake lines, wire harness.
If you would like more details send me a message and I'll send back my phone number

[allchevy58]

Did you get the truck done. I didn't see it.

[Lalla666]

Sweet build

[ericjon262]

I'd like to see this updated as well...

[Lazzardkng]

We'll I didn't make my deadline to get to hot August nights this year. However I have made lots of progress.

Painted dash, cab interior, jam's, firewall, core support and cut in doors, hood and fenders.

Installed
*Cab onto chassis
*Cab wire harness with body control module, fuse blocks and harness junction blocks
*Air bag wire harness
*Interior controls and switches
w*Stained wood gauge cluster bezel and installed gauges and new gauge face w needles.
*Steering column
*engine wire harness
*Banks tuning module W/ IQ display / controller
*exhaust gas temp probe
*master cylinder and power booster
*Vintage air heat and AC unit
*carpet
*core support
*Radiator
*Innercooler
*Trans cooler

What's next
@block sand body exterior
@fit doors, fenders, and hood
@install
@inner fender wells
@under hood fuse block
@batteries
@ECM & TCM
@Banks Ram air box
@Surge tank
And........ Misc

[Lazzardkng]

[Lazzardkng]