Another body swap question

[Critter]

I have a lead on a pretty nice 86 C-20 for basically free and I was considering putting the body/bed on the frame and chassis of the 78 in my signature. I am aware of the rear cab mount difference and slight bumper mount difference, but is there anything else? I have searched and seen a few posts where people have done this but usually they are putting an older body on a newer chassis, opposite of me.

I hope to pull the complete cab, front clip, core support, bed etc and put it straight on the 78 frame and use all the wiring and interior from the 86. They are both 3/4 tons, both 4 speed manuals, and both single cab long beds so I'm hoping it will be pretty easy. The 86 C-20 was originally a diesel but has had a 350 in it most recently if that makes a difference. The only thing that came to mind is the hydraulic clutch setup on the 86 which I will use if I get all the parts (the guy will be pulling the engine and tranny out before I get it). Anything else I should worry about??? Sorry if this has been hashed out before, I'm just trying to get some confirmation on my particular swap so I don't waste any extra time or money. Thanks!

[joe231]

From what i under stand you will need to use the body mounts for the year of the frame. I don't have any hands on experisnce with it though.
I do know for a fact that the front of the frames where the bumper mounts are different.

[85sierraclassic]

ive seen people get away with the older style bumpers with newer bodys too, it really doesnt look to bad

[Critter]

As far as the rear cab mounts go, I bought a new set for the 78 a couple months ago but haven't put them on yet. I should be good to go with them regardless of whether I use the 86 or keep the 78 cab beings they are for the 78 frame. BUT from what I understand the 78 cab bolt/mount is the longer of the 2 setups. I also believe the bolt or "studs" are welded to the cab. If I just drop the 86 cab on the 78 mounts and frame, will these studs be too short to get a nut on? Do I just get inside the cab and swap out the longer bolts? Am I seeing this wrong or overthinking it?

[85sierraclassic]

cabs have bolts that come up far as i know not studs nuts are fastened in the floor.

[Tx Firefighter]

Yes, I just pulled an 85 cab off. All 4 cab mounts use bolts that thread up through the mounts and into the cab.

[76stepsidechevy]

Whats the difference in the cab mounts ? are the 80s mounts taller or shorter then the 70s mounts?

[Critter]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Yes, I just pulled an 85 cab off. All 4 cab mounts use bolts that thread up through the mounts and into the cab.

Ahh, so it sounds like if use the longer bolts that are currently in the 78 I will be fine. Or in my case I'm sure they are rusted and I will need to find new ones.

[bnb0221]

i have a 80, and a buddy gave me some poly mounts off of is 84 that he didnt use the bolts r the same but the holes on my 80 are a smaller opening then the 84 so i had to open the holes up on my frame to use them

[Critter]

Originally Posted by bnb0221

the bolts r the same but the holes on my 80 are a smaller opening then the 84 so i had to open the holes up on my frame to use them

So you are saying the frame hole where the mount "shoulder" sits into is smaller on the 73-80 than it is on the 81+?

[bnb0221]

On my 80 it is, i didnt know until i went to put them in, i had to enlarge my holes 1/4" i used a air saw from HF tools no big deal to do it.

[Sarge261]

I'll be doing the same thing soon. I am picking up a 76 frame to put my 85 body on. I will be interested to see what works for you.

Sarge

[Critter]

I work pretty slow, I'll probably be watching you!

[Sarge261]

Um....I work pretty slow too. My problem is Im always lookign for something better to make this truck perfect. Its a tribute to my brother who was supposed to help me restore this thing, but he passed in a accident 2 years ago.

Anyhow, I do have a build thread, its called project Zues. Check it out. If you need anything let me know, you can PM me and I'll give you my cel number, and I can pick your brain and you can pick mine.

Sarge

[76stepsidechevy]

Is the height different on the mounts or just hole sizes?

[bnb0221]

just the hole size

[Critter]

Originally Posted by Sarge261

Anyhow, I do have a build thread, its called project Zues. Check it out. If you need anything let me know, you can PM me and I'll give you my cel number, and I can pick your brain and you can pick mine.

Sarge

Will do!

Originally Posted by bnb0221

just the hole size

Makes sense, good to know!

Unfortunately it looks like my 86 C-20 is going to fall through, but I like the idea of making this swap so I'm going to keep my eyes out for another donor. There are a lot of nice 84, 85, 86 long bed 2wd half ton trucks sitting around here that would be great for this. I will definitely update this thread when I find one.
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[Critter]

So, from a titling standpoint, would I be better off using the title of the donor cab or is it possible to keep my 78 paperwork? And I'm asking from a 100% LEGAL point of view. I know it can be done a bunch of different ways but is anyone familiar with the CORRECT way to do this in Texas?

[Tx Firefighter]

The legal and correct way in Texas is to complete a form 58A.

You fill out the form and have your truck evaluated by an auto theft cop. In my case, I call the city PD and they give me the number for their designated guy. I meet him and show him what I'm doing. He researches the VINs on the donor and original truck. If it all pans out as clean, he completes filling out the form 58A and they issue and affix you a new VIN sticker.

[Critter]

So you do it DURING the swap so he can see all the parts as opposed to after everything is completed? And its a completly new vin, the two old ones get thrown away?