What do I do with my hacked 72 cheyenne?

[esahic]

Ive been dealing with a problem with my 72 c10. I purchased the truck as a SWB that had a 90s bed on it. So after getting a 67-72 fleet side bed to replace the 90s bed I noticed that the truck was originally a LWB cut down to a SWB. It was really ****ty work. I think it was cut to short as well.

So what are my options?

I also have access to a 2002 gmc single cab truck! Could I swap the 72 cab and bed onto the 02 gmc truck and keep it titled as the 72 c10?

[Tim Christian]

I would just find me a good short bed frame and move everything over.

[68bowtie]

title goes with the cab, so you should be good to go with the 02 frame. or since you have the right bed the easiest/cheapest would be to find a donor 67-72 swb rolling chassis. or if you had a bare frame, swap all the suspension from the shortened frame.

[esahic]

How hard would it be to swap the 72 cab, front end and bed onto the 2002 gmc? That way I have newer suspension and the LS motor. Has anyone done this? I tried searching the forum, but I couldn't find anything.

[65standard]

I would just repair the frame on the truck.

[1968aj]

get frame welded properly then drive it like you stole it.

[Hubscrub]

Originally Posted by 65standard

I would just repair the frame on the truck.

X2 or sell it for another

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by esahic

Ive been dealing with a problem with my 72 c10. I purchased the truck as a SWB that had a 90s bed on it. So after getting a 67-72 fleet side bed to replace the 90s bed I noticed that the truck was originally a LWB cut down to a SWB. It was really ****ty work. I think it was cut to short as well.

So what are my options?

I also have access to a 2002 gmc single cab truck! Could I swap the 72 cab and bed onto the 02 gmc truck and keep it titled as the 72 c10?

The factory assembly manual for your truck contains a dimensioned drawing of the longbed and shortbed frames. Get the book, measure out your frame. If you need to add a piece to get it to the correct length measuring the frame from reference point to reference point as shown in the drawing will show you where length needs to be added. Then you can get it repaired correctly. Fixing a hack job isn't that herd if you can weld.

[Greasey Harley]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

title goes with the cab, so you should be good to go with the 02 frame. or since you have the right bed the easiest/cheapest would be to find a donor 67-72 swb rolling chassis. or if you had a bare frame, swap all the suspension from the shortened frame.

I keep seeing people saying this, but it's not true in every state. If you have the titled cab on an untitled frame, there are multiple states that you can never register that vehicle in.
Some states will even impound the vehicle, pending further investigation!
It is always a good idea to document frame changes with the DMV.

[esahic]

Okay so most everyone is saying fix the frame or buy another 67-72 frame.

So swapping the body onto the 2002 gmc would be more work then what its worth?

I have never welded anything, but it is something I want to learn how to do!

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by esahic

Okay so most everyone is saying fix the frame or buy another 67-72 frame.

So swapping the body onto the 2002 gmc would be more work then what its worth?

I have never welded anything, but it is something I want to learn how to do!

Yes... nothing will line up and there will be a lot of fabrication work. Way more than if you were to even weld your existing frame yourself.

A competent welding shop should be able to repair the frame for under 500 bucks. That's just a number I pulled out of my rear... so it will probably be lower.

Post up a pic if you can.

Gary

[chevytruckluver]

Originally Posted by esahic

Ive been dealing with a problem with my 72 c10. I purchased the truck as a SWB that had a 90s bed on it. So after getting a 67-72 fleet side bed to replace the 90s bed I noticed that the truck was originally a LWB cut down to a SWB. It was really ****ty work. I think it was cut to short as well.

So what are my options?

I also have access to a 2002 gmc single cab truck! Could I swap the 72 cab and bed onto the 02 gmc truck and keep it titled as the 72 c10?

What part of Texas are you in? maybe an experienced member would take a look and give a recomendation based on actual observation of the frame.

[bbcmudtruck]

Originally Posted by esahic

Ive been dealing with a problem with my 72 c10. I purchased the truck as a SWB that had a 90s bed on it. So after getting a 67-72 fleet side bed to replace the 90s bed I noticed that the truck was originally a LWB cut down to a SWB. It was really ****ty work. I think it was cut to short as well.

So what are my options?

I also have access to a 2002 gmc single cab truck! Could I swap the 72 cab and bed onto the 02 gmc truck and keep it titled as the 72 c10?

I literally laughed out loud when I read this haha. I found myself in the EXACT same position when I bought my swb. It had a 90s style step side bed that was fitted to a lwb leaf spring frame. I bought an original 67 bed for it and when I went to put it on the truck, I found out that the truck had been cut 3 inches too short... So what I ended up doing was buying a complete 68 short bed truck to swap frames. Its since turned into a complete frame up resto-mod. Dam you ocd!

[Mock1]

Really need to see some pics of the hack to give you an idea of how bad the work is.
To you it my look like to rail cars were playin chicken at ,100 mph.
To me it may not look like much at all.
Swappin the old body on the new chassis would be more for a level 6 builder, you're at best probably a two. ( no offense)
If you have never welded before, your first welding job should NOT be a frame.
Post pics.

[Trixxterr]

In to see this truck...

[special-K]

I'd find another good frame or fix if not too bad.

[esahic]

I am located in Arlington TX. I have been on the look out for a another frame. I will post some pics of the frame when I get a chance.

I would Just sell the truck and move on, but this one is a cheyenne and has a lot of options that I think is worth fixing.

I also have a 69 c10 swb that I have been working on. Im new to all this so im trying to get some experience and learn as I go.

[esahic]

This is my 69. I had to buy a bed or this one too, because it didn't come with one.

[esahic]

This is the 72. You can see how the bed doesn't even sit right on the frame and the holes for the bolts are about 1-2" off.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Nice short fleet beds seem to be harder to find than frames and it looks like you found two of them! Just keep looking for a frame, you'll find one. Bring a tape with you to make sure it's square. Find similar points (holes/rivets, etc) and cross measure, etc.

[esahic]

Man it took me a while to find the beds but I got lucky. I found a rolling frame for $500 and I found another guy selling frame only, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet on price.

[leftybass209]

Originally Posted by 68bowtie

title goes with the cab, so you should be good to go with the 02 frame. or since you have the right bed the easiest/cheapest would be to find a donor 67-72 swb rolling chassis. or if you had a bare frame, swap all the suspension from the shortened frame.

This isn't accurate for California either as I've spoken to the CHP and DMV extensively about this for my situation. All states have different requirements and everything isn't lumped into one generic category. The amount of documentation you have can greatly support you in certain situations.

[GASoline71]

So was a late model rear part of the frame spliced on to the existing '72 frame?

Need pics of where the frame is spliced/cut and welded.

Gary

[bbcmudtruck]

When looking for a donor frame, pay special attention to the rear area around the coil springs. Right above where the coil springs mount to the frame. I didn't pay close enough attention when I went out and bought my donor truck and I had to spend major time and effort cutting the bad spots of the frame out and fitting/welding new pieces in.

[mcbassin]

Find another frame and put your stuff on it. They come up on craigslist occasionally.