short bed frames the same? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ggtsvnv · 06-16-2017, 11:34 PM

So I have some frame damage on my 1987 Silverado 2wd short bed. I have found a 1978 Scottdale short bed 2wd for cheep so my question is are the frames the same between the two years?
Thanks in advance

andrewmp6 · 06-17-2017, 05:22 AM

Yes its the same body style but if one has a gas door and the other is cap only,You have to change out the filler neck to match the bed your using.

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 06-17-2017, 07:18 AM

The front of the frames are different 81-87 they are open angle cut and the 73-80 they are closed not a big deal and also the cab mounts are different just make sure you use 78 cab mounts other than that pretty much the same

Mr.Chevy4x4 · 06-17-2017, 08:43 AM

Yep, Jeff nailed it. You can cut off the front rounded portion of the frame horns. New 73-80 body mounts and your set.

Mike

KrazyRay · 06-17-2017, 09:00 AM

The 87 frame will have provisions for the e brake cable to run along the driver side. If you want the correct frame, I will trade you frames. I have an 84 that's in nice shape.

Jstock85 · 06-17-2017, 10:41 AM

If I'm not mistaken the trucks are almost identical 81-87. I have an 85 c10 and have used a lot of junk yard parts from those years without any problems

**Jeff's bowtie's** · 06-17-2017, 01:44 PM

81-87 are almost identical but he's comparing 78 to 87

Jstock85 · 06-17-2017, 02:53 PM

my bad! misread.

bdiamond · 06-17-2017, 06:32 PM

I agree on the frame horn differences, but I think the core support mounts are in different spots too.

sweetk30 · 06-17-2017, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdiamond

I agree on the frame horn differences, but I think the core support mounts are in different spots too.

nope . i have 2 trucks with 81-87 bodys on 73-80 frames . other than said front frame horns / body bushings / e-brake stuff it was a bolt on swap .

*gmachinz* · 06-19-2017, 12:09 AM

One silly difference I noticed was that the fuel sending unit grounding hole was on the inside of the frame-instead of 81-87 frames where its on the top of the c-channel of the frame. I discovered while rebuilding my project truck it is an 86 cab on a late 70's 4x4 shortbox frame.

Pontiac1976 · 06-19-2017, 07:29 AM

Good thing the 73-80 frames are a little thicker then the 81-87
+ all the all ready listed.

06-16-2017, 11:34 PM	#1
ggtsvnv Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Cold Springs NV Posts: 85	short bed frames the same? So I have some frame damage on my 1987 Silverado 2wd short bed. I have found a 1978 Scottdale short bed 2wd for cheep so my question is are the frames the same between the two years? Thanks in advance

06-17-2017, 05:22 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: short bed frames the same? Yes its the same body style but if one has a gas door and the other is cap only,You have to change out the filler neck to match the bed your using.

06-17-2017, 07:18 AM	#3
Jeff's bowtie's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kearneysville Wv Posts: 3,944	Re: short bed frames the same? The front of the frames are different 81-87 they are open angle cut and the 73-80 they are closed not a big deal and also the cab mounts are different just make sure you use 78 cab mounts other than that pretty much the same

06-17-2017, 08:43 AM	#4
Mr.Chevy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sims, NC Posts: 531	Re: short bed frames the same? Yep, Jeff nailed it. You can cut off the front rounded portion of the frame horns. New 73-80 body mounts and your set. Mike __________________ All things Chevy truck: 1986 SWB "Jolene" boosted 5.3/4l80e project

06-17-2017, 09:00 AM	#5
KrazyRay Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, CA Posts: 4,827	Re: short bed frames the same? The 87 frame will have provisions for the e brake cable to run along the driver side. If you want the correct frame, I will trade you frames. I have an 84 that's in nice shape.

06-17-2017, 10:41 AM	#6
Jstock85 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Brandon,MS Posts: 489	Re: short bed frames the same? If I'm not mistaken the trucks are almost identical 81-87. I have an 85 c10 and have used a lot of junk yard parts from those years without any problems

06-17-2017, 01:44 PM	#7
Jeff's bowtie's Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Kearneysville Wv Posts: 3,944	Re: short bed frames the same? 81-87 are almost identical but he's comparing 78 to 87

06-17-2017, 02:53 PM	#8
Jstock85 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Brandon,MS Posts: 489	Re: short bed frames the same? my bad! misread.

06-17-2017, 06:32 PM	#9
bdiamond Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wichita Falls, Texas Posts: 459	Re: short bed frames the same? I agree on the frame horn differences, but I think the core support mounts are in different spots too.

06-19-2017, 12:09 AM	#11
gmachinz Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA. Posts: 4,143	Re: short bed frames the same? One silly difference I noticed was that the fuel sending unit grounding hole was on the inside of the frame-instead of 81-87 frames where its on the top of the c-channel of the frame. I discovered while rebuilding my project truck it is an 86 cab on a late 70's 4x4 shortbox frame.

06-19-2017, 07:29 AM	#12
Pontiac1976 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 755	Re: short bed frames the same? Good thing the 73-80 frames are a little thicker then the 81-87 + all the all ready listed. __________________ 1977 REG cab Long Bed with a 1984 Front Clip, 82 305 .60 over 9.0.1 flat top pistons, 4bbl, TH350, w/84 SS-intake & cam , w/ 1977 big block rad, 1975 gear box, 1984 master w/ metric fittings top & SAE fitting @ portion block, 1975 3.42 gear open diff. Duel 77-87 Factory air cleaner, duel inlet from rad support . Down sized 9' to new 8' Steel flat bed Was a 77 454 w/308 gear. Taken out 550 lbs. up front with motor clip change.



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