'72 body on '91 Frame??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ashx2 · 11-29-2019, 09:34 PM

Hi folks! I've been wondering if it's possible to put the shell of a '72 onto the frame of a '91. The '72 is a half ton and the '91 is a 3/4 ton. The '91 was my dad's and the '72 is mine. I would like to try and combine the two. So what say you......am I crazy or is this a possibility? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Greg

Gigem · 11-29-2019, 10:35 PM

Anything is possible, but it would be a metric **** ton of work

**special-K** · 11-30-2019, 07:55 AM

Does the '72 need another frame? I can think of better/easier ways to combine both trucks if mixing what was your dad's truck with yours is the only thing you're after. Who would know unless you told them or they laid under the truck? I can't say for sure, but I believe the frame contours are very different. I am 99% sure the wheelbase got longer. You could start with checking that.

**AussieinNC** · 11-30-2019, 08:41 AM

The wheelbases are different as follows:

1967-1972 Wheelbase
115 in (2,921 mm) (short box)
127 in (3,226 mm) (long box)
133 in (3,378 mm) (Longhorn)

1988-2002 Wheelbase
117.5 in (2,984 mm)
131.5 in (3,340 mm)
141.5 in (3,594 mm)
155.5 in (3,950 mm)

The body mounts are in different locations, bed mounts are in different locations...

It would be so much easier to replace the chassis on the 1972 rather than undertake the HUGE task of chopping the body up to fit the 1991....

**special-K** · 11-30-2019, 08:49 AM

I think he'd be chopping the frame up. I believe frame rail spacing is different, among other things. I know the spacing is way different up front, 88-98 is wider. And it is boxed with the end open. Just bumper mounting would be a major challenge if you ask me.

**StingRay** · 11-30-2019, 01:17 PM

I've seen it done with a wheel base change and swapping the floor and firewall into the 72. There are better options in my mind.

57taskforce · 11-30-2019, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I think he'd be chopping the frame up. I believe frame rail spacing is different, among other things. I know the spacing is way different up front, 88-98 is wider. And it is boxed with the end open. Just bumper mounting would be a major challenge if you ask me.

I agree The frame is definitely wider all the way to the rear and as said above the bends in the frame are way different. A square body frame would be a better alternative if a 67-72 frame isn’t an option in my opinion.

11-29-2019, 09:34 PM	#1
ashx2 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Graham, Texas Posts: 239	'72 body on '91 Frame??? Hi folks! I've been wondering if it's possible to put the shell of a '72 onto the frame of a '91. The '72 is a half ton and the '91 is a 3/4 ton. The '91 was my dad's and the '72 is mine. I would like to try and combine the two. So what say you......am I crazy or is this a possibility? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Greg

11-29-2019, 10:35 PM	#2
Gigem Registered User Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lakeway, TX Posts: 335	Re: '72 body on '91 Frame??? Anything is possible, but it would be a metric **** ton of work __________________ 1972 GMC Sierra Grande (current truck) 1980 Chevy Stepside (gone) 1987 Chevy Blazer (gone) 1972 Chevelle SS Convertible (gone) 1973 Chevy Corvette (gone) 1967 Chevy Camaro (STOLEN!)

11-30-2019, 07:55 AM	#3
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: '72 body on '91 Frame??? Does the '72 need another frame? I can think of better/easier ways to combine both trucks if mixing what was your dad's truck with yours is the only thing you're after. Who would know unless you told them or they laid under the truck? I can't say for sure, but I believe the frame contours are very different. I am 99% sure the wheelbase got longer. You could start with checking that. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 11-30-2019 at 08:13 AM.

11-30-2019, 08:41 AM	#4
AussieinNC Moderator Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 2,204	Re: '72 body on '91 Frame??? The wheelbases are different as follows: 1967-1972 Wheelbase 115 in (2,921 mm) (short box) 127 in (3,226 mm) (long box) 133 in (3,378 mm) (Longhorn) 1988-2002 Wheelbase 117.5 in (2,984 mm) 131.5 in (3,340 mm) 141.5 in (3,594 mm) 155.5 in (3,950 mm) The body mounts are in different locations, bed mounts are in different locations... It would be so much easier to replace the chassis on the 1972 rather than undertake the HUGE task of chopping the body up to fit the 1991.... __________________ Family and country before all others... 2006 Chevy Silverado (Daily Driver) 2012 Chevy Equinox

11-30-2019, 08:49 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: '72 body on '91 Frame??? I think he'd be chopping the frame up. I believe frame rail spacing is different, among other things. I know the spacing is way different up front, 88-98 is wider. And it is boxed with the end open. Just bumper mounting would be a major challenge if you ask me. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-30-2019, 01:17 PM	#6
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	Re: '72 body on '91 Frame??? I've seen it done with a wheel base change and swapping the floor and firewall into the 72. There are better options in my mind. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada



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