1/2 ton cab to a 1 ton frame

[jexo69]

I've looked all over but I can't find an answer. I have 1981 chevy 1 ton frame but I want to mount a 73-80 cab on it. Will a cab from a c10 or 20 work? Or do I have to find a cab for a 1 ton? I know the frame is bigger hence the question. Just need to know if they will line up and mount up.

 

[CSFJ]

the different frame dimensions have to do with the height of the frame rails. the cabs all bolt up the same. some minor differences on the trans tunnel between different transmissions and 2 wheel drive versus 4 wheel drive, but the cabs all bolt up the same. there are some differences in the how the front clips will match up between those years though. GM changed the cowl and fender design slightly in '81. not much, but enough to cause you to make a few changes to the cowl and wiper assembly to get the newer cab attached to the older front clip.

 

[jexo69]

Cool, thanks for the info. I thought they would but wanted a second opinion. Im aware of the changes to the front, so I take it the front clip from a 73 80 will also bolt to an 81 frame as well? Especially if it's going to the older cab I would think?

 

[Honky Kong jr]

I'm pretty sure 81-87 cab mounting is different then 73-80.

 

[CSFJ]

I'm pretty sure 81-87 cab mounting is different then 73-80.

nope. same mounting

 

[CSFJ]

Cool, thanks for the info. I thought they would but wanted a second opinion. Im aware of the changes to the front, so I take it the front clip from a 73 80 will also bolt to an 81 frame as well? Especially if it's going to the older cab I would think?

Yeah the 2 mounts under the core support are in the same place on both.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

nope. same mounting

Yes but you have to use the style of mounts that the frame used not the cab. I thought there was something different between 73-80 and 81-87

 

[CSFJ]

Yes but you have to use the style of mounts that the frame used not the cab. I thought there was something different between 73-80 and 81-87

Yeah, you have to use the bushings that match whatever year body it is, The difference between the '73-80 and '81 up was the way they changed the hood and fenders up at the cowl. mount locations all stayed the same.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

The mounts are a bit different on the frames probably in the same spot. Older trucks appear to have individual rear cab mounting and newer ones have a crossmember and it also appears to be 3 different styles of bushings.

 

[Rusty Nail]

No pics?

 

[bucket]

You use the bushings to match the year of the frame. When mixing a newer frame with an older front clip, the core support mounts are in slightly different locations. It's nothing that can't be overcome with some grinding/drilling/slotting or some custom mounts.

 

[Honky Kong jr]

No pics?

Here are 2.

 

[jexo69]

What kind of grinding, drilling, slotting are we talking about? I'm pretty new to fabricating with limited tools. Am I gonna need to take it to a shop for a lot of custom work? Or do the holes just need to be bored out a little, with some minor cutting?

 

[Rusty Nail]

Much better, thanks!

 

[Honky Kong jr]

Didn't mean to dwell just don't like missinformation