Another What Would You Do thread...engine or cab swap?

[lks dcvn]

Okay a little break down...

I have a running/driving 72 LWB C/20 project that has rust in the select spots (floors, inner/outer rockers, floor supports, pillars, etc) on the cab...it is driven year round, but not that often.

I also recently found a another LWB C10 that has no engine (was a 402BB truck), or trans but the rest is there with very little rust (floors, inner rockers, floor supports, etc.) are clean. For this area I would say the cab looks new. Floors and surrounding metal seems to be original. Some minor rust on outer rockers...but the thing is loaded - A/C (newly rebuilt), new carpet, stock Tilt, stock Tach, rebuilt doors (felts and guides), etc. I haven't decided if I will get it or not - I have to call the guy back tomorrow. Any idea what it would be worth? He is trying to get rid of it (complete truck without engine or trans) taking up garage space.

Sooo - my question is should I swap the cabs or should I swap the engine/trans into the C/10 BB chassis. Anything I should be concerned about moving a 350/350 into a previous BB truck besides motor mount (location)?

I won't be doing a LOT of hauling (other than normal stuff) so the 8 lug stuff isn't a NEED option for me, but not worrying about body work would be a major plus...

Let me know what you think.

Thx.

[JimKshortstep4x4]

My choice would be to buy the truck and swap in the engine.

Jim

[GM72K10]

Swap engines, its a LOT easier.

[special-K]

I`d swap the drivetrain since a 1/2t will do for ya and you wouldn`t need to touch the body work.The motor will go right in with all you have to work with.

[72gord]

Engine swap.....sometimes you find bigger rust problems than was thought when removing and remounting a cab..Just my opinion

[lks dcvn]

Well - I am working out the details for the rust free (relative term) truck in my area. Could get it as soon as this weekend, but nothing is set yet. Just what I need more truck parts -

I will let you know what happens - and yes - I will take some pix for you...when I have it.

Thanks for the input - I appreciate it.

[Longhorn Man]

I would rather swap engines, and even suspentions over a cab swap.

[jsbgump]

Swap the drivetrain and drive it

[lks dcvn]

OK - I bought the other truck just finalized details - it will be delivered to me on Sunday...stay tuned.

[rambler]

keep both trucks running and do a LS1 swap in the new one !!!!

[Select]

How much did you get it if I may ask? POST PICS!

[lks dcvn]

The final details with total price will be posted on Sunday night/Monday morning-

I am haggling on the price for shipping as we speak.

For this area (MidWest) and the condition of the metal (and the parts that are new/replaced in the cab) - I think I did pretty good.

Here is a rundown of the new stuff I got:

1970 LWB Chevy White Truck – was a BB truck from factory
Clear Title
No Engine
No Trans
Front Clip was removed, but comes with the truck (easier for motor install anyway)
Basically everything but the motor and trans
4 core BB radiator

A/C cab with stock A/C (just rebuilt)
Newer Pioneer CD player installed in dash - yes it was cut...
Matching stock interior (black) in good shape (driver side has a split/wear)
New Door Seals
New Door Felts
New Window Channels
Stock Tach
Stock Tilt
Stewart Warner white gauges installed in bottom of dash cluster (instead of stock gauges)
New Tires

Hardly any (visible) rust – few spots on outer rockers – but the rest is solid (floors, cab corners, cab supports, inner rockers, kick panels, etc.)

I am sure that there is some hidden rust though after looking at Rokcrln's Rocker Replacement 101 post…that looked pretty good before it was cut into.


I know there is some other stuff that I am not thinking of right now...

[lks dcvn]

OK - I will have to correct some things on my 'what it has' listing...I was wrong on a few things (sorry) - it was 6+ weeks ago...

Stock Tach = no (Sun Super Tach II)
Newer Pioneer CD Player = no (Pioneer Tape Deck)
Little more rust than I remember in spots, but not too bad in the usual areas...

None of these were a deal breaker to me...so no big loss.

He also called me and said that he had an 350 engine that he was rebuilding that he would let go for a bit more $ - it needs a cam and a few other things, but looks like a great start. Here are the specs...

Chevy SBC 350
.30 over bore
Flat top piston
194 Cast Iron cylinder heads
Heavy Duty Valve Springs
3 Angle Valve Job
Polished valve bowls
High Volume oil pump (high pressure)
Brand New Edelbrock Performer Intake (still in box)

Here are the pix...tell me what you think.

[lks dcvn]

continued

[lks dcvn]

and more

[lks dcvn]

and more...

[lks dcvn]

yet more

[lks dcvn]

last ones...

I had him throw in the engine stand as well...

He said "...I want my garage space back..." - so I helped him out a bit.

I hung the front fenders on with a few bolts to see how it looked...

Can anybody Identify the rims on this thing - they looked familiar, but can't think of where I have seen them - not sure if they were stock on something or not...

Well- what do you all think?

[Big J]

Looks like a good buy to me. I think I'd finish up the 350 and find me a tranny. Maybe just sell the C20 if ya don't need it. The wheels look like American Racing wheels, I don't remember the model.

[bad6772]

wheels look like old A.R.E wheels pretty popular in the late 80s early 90s