65 to 81 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Stepside65 · 11-05-2008, 03:35 AM

Might be sealin a deal on an 81 GMC 1500. How much work would it be to put our bodystyle on the 80's frame? or is it better for me to simply gut the 80 and call it good? I'm looking at buying it for the motor, trans, power disc brakes, and maybe the seat too. But i'd rather use the wires and ac out of it too since both of mine are practically non existent. Thanks for your time.

jonzcustomshop · 11-05-2008, 08:04 AM

I have paid attention to this question numerous times.
I think your best bet is to gut the 81, front suspension is a bolt on,motor ,trans booster, and wiring would be an easy swap.
Your biggest fab would be a correct length driveline, tranny mount , and the trailing arm pads for the rear axle.

kdrodworks316 · 11-05-2008, 12:21 PM

I agree with Jon, A body sway is alot of work for not much gain. But if you transfer everything to your other truck, same result with out the heavy lifting and fab work.

killthewabbit · 11-05-2008, 02:54 PM

I don't know how much the seat is going to do for you. The brackets are really weird for the 73-87 seats. The floors aren't flat like they are for pretty much all the other models due to the saddle gas tank(s).

62ChevyStep · 11-06-2008, 02:54 PM

You probabley already know what I am going to say, but i agree with Jon and the others, as this is what I did to my 62. got the full benefit of all things 23 years newer. Just my .02 worth. I cannot begin to tell you the difference of having the updated suspension, brakes, motor, transmission, rear diff, etc etc etc. and the availabilty of parts, and a wide selection of aftermarket parts, kits etc. to go from bland to completely exotic on practically every area. No matter what you chose - all the Best on the Build

gulfcoast66 · 11-06-2008, 04:38 PM

Whats up Stepside, man get the 81 for parts use the whole front steering components ,ps gear box, drag link, upper and lower a-arms with the spindels and disk still attached to the arms . Then get the power steering kit for 80.00 bucks. Use the booster master cylinder and prop. valve . And you know the rest. Peace Bro. Chris

11-05-2008, 03:35 AM	#1
Stepside65 Still Truckless! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Valrico, Florida Posts: 3,166	65 to 81 Might be sealin a deal on an 81 GMC 1500. How much work would it be to put our bodystyle on the 80's frame? or is it better for me to simply gut the 80 and call it good? I'm looking at buying it for the motor, trans, power disc brakes, and maybe the seat too. But i'd rather use the wires and ac out of it too since both of mine are practically non existent. Thanks for your time. __________________ ~James Truckless 2009 Hyundai Sonata<~~Wife's sedanomatic 1997 Nissan Pickup Father-in-law's tonka toy I am forced to drive Founder of The 60-66 Club Tutor Et Ultor

11-05-2008, 08:04 AM	#2
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: 65 to 81 I have paid attention to this question numerous times. I think your best bet is to gut the 81, front suspension is a bolt on,motor ,trans booster, and wiring would be an easy swap. Your biggest fab would be a correct length driveline, tranny mount , and the trailing arm pads for the rear axle.

11-05-2008, 12:21 PM	#3
kdrodworks316 KOFFIN DRAGGER Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: st.anthony Idaho Posts: 864	Re: 65 to 81 I agree with Jon, A body sway is alot of work for not much gain. But if you transfer everything to your other truck, same result with out the heavy lifting and fab work. __________________ If the life I live dont kill me, then I guess I'll never die! New updated stuff at www.kdrodworks.com My site still needs help, web guys and gals pm me. the best guys in the whole world: sweet70beast, jonzcustomshop, runninlow, captainfab, and the one I havent met yet, joe231

11-05-2008, 02:54 PM	#4
killthewabbit Spear and magic helmet! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,226	Re: 65 to 81 I don't know how much the seat is going to do for you. The brackets are really weird for the 73-87 seats. The floors aren't flat like they are for pretty much all the other models due to the saddle gas tank(s). __________________ -- Will

11-06-2008, 02:54 PM	#5
62ChevyStep Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Portales, NM Posts: 359	Re: 65 to 81 You probabley already know what I am going to say, but i agree with Jon and the others, as this is what I did to my 62. got the full benefit of all things 23 years newer. Just my .02 worth. I cannot begin to tell you the difference of having the updated suspension, brakes, motor, transmission, rear diff, etc etc etc. and the availabilty of parts, and a wide selection of aftermarket parts, kits etc. to go from bland to completely exotic on practically every area. No matter what you chose - all the Best on the Build __________________ ________________________ 62' 3.5/5 drop SWB Fleet, PS, PB-Dsk/Drm,350/700R4 08' Chevrolet Silverado CrewCab 05'Toyota Tacoma Prerunner SR5

11-06-2008, 04:38 PM	#6
gulfcoast66 64-66 CHEVY JUNKIE Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cypress ,Texas Posts: 1,516	Re: 65 to 81 Whats up Stepside, man get the 81 for parts use the whole front steering components ,ps gear box, drag link, upper and lower a-arms with the spindels and disk still attached to the arms . Then get the power steering kit for 80.00 bucks. Use the booster master cylinder and prop. valve . And you know the rest. Peace Bro. Chris __________________ 1966 C-10 Fleetside LWB, 350 Lt1 4l60-E 2008 Silverado Crew Cab, 4.8 4l60-E 1998 GMC Yukon 4x4 L-31 Vortec, 4l60-E 2017 GMC Serra 4x4 5.3 Vortec, 4l60-E Do It In A Chevrolet



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