1980 K10 Stepside Frame / Help

[Buell056]

Good Afternoon!

I have a 1980 K10 step side with a rotted frame up front by steering gear box and of course in the rear. My father bought this truck new in 1980 and it was being driven and used up until 5 years ago. He passed in 2009 and I've been nursing it along ever since but it's shot.

I am in a position to restore the truck now. I have a few options if like opinions and perhaps help with.

I was thinking of finding a frame that's compatible for that generation truck and then swap everything over side by side and replace what I need as I go.

I looked in to buying a complete resto-mod frame but haven't found a company that does 4wd frames.

I'd also entertain a donor truck for a frame and strip it down.

The truck won't be a show truck. It will be what it always has been... a family truck. Helping people move, bringing feed home for animals, etc. It's going to be a driver.l BUT I'm willing to put what it takes in to it to do that.

From 1998 to 2000 I restored and still own a 1972 C10 w/ 8' step side bed, 3 speed on the tree. Frame off restoration. I'm a third generation body man...cars, motorcycles, and even antiques. I'm just looking for some direction and help if it's available to source a frame or donor truck.

I messages someone here with a K10 frame that they said they were changing directions on their build but haven't heard back.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bucket]

If your goal is a stone stock and correct restoration, you will want a '73-'80 frame.

You can make an '81-'87 frame work without a lot of trouble, but there will be visual differences to those that are familiar with them. It's really not an issue though unless you want 100% original look.

 

[Buell056]

Thanks for the info on years to use. Still weighing my options.... may come down to what's available

 

[bucket]

If you end up with a newer frame, you will need to use the later style cab mounts. The core support frame mounts will put the core support about .5" rearward of where it needs to be. There a few ways of dealing with that. The other big difference is the front frame horns, where the bumper mounts up. There's a few ways to deal with that as well.

 

[Big Chip]

Try www.car-part.com. There's a frame in MA but there may be others closer to you.

 

[Grumpy]

Also, after 1981, the bolt spacing for the box is different.
If you look at the specs for the frames, other than what the guys have previously mentioned, the only real differences are the frame horns and the locator hole beside the front shocks.

 

[Buell056]

Try www.car-part.com. There's a frame in MA but there may be others closer to you.

Hey thanks for the Website! I cannot see a frame in MA but I see some in other states.... maybe I'm looking it up wrong? If you still have the page open can you share it or the source of the frame? Maybe it sold already...

 

[Buell056]

Also, after 1981, the bolt spacing for the box is different.
If you look at the specs for the frames, other than what the guys have previously mentioned, the only real differences are the frame horns and the locator hole beside the front shocks.

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can find a '73 to '80 frame. If not I'll take that deep dive.

 

[DanMcG]

Check with this guy, I've dealt with him before without issues.

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he's near Syracuse.

 

[Big Chip]

Hey thanks for the Website! I cannot see a frame in MA but I see some in other states.... maybe I'm looking it up wrong? If you still have the page open can you share it or the source of the frame? Maybe it sold already...

My mistake, it appears I found a 2wd shortbox frame. I'm not sure what it takes to convert or if it can be converted to 4x4 as a last resort.

 

[Grit dog]

What a bummer on the rotted out frame. Even more of a bummer, out here, the guys parting out these trucks (and other old vehicles as well probably) end up taking the cabs and frames to the scrap yards frequently.
The guy I bought some takeoff parts from gave me a couple A pillar pieces out of a rust free cab to use to patch around my windshield, for free, since cabs don't sell well out here.
And 2wd Burbs generally get parted out as well, noone wants them whole.
Not sure she's actually sold any parts or is willing to, but WI is much closer to NY than here and @AuroraGirl I think has the frame you need

 

[Buell056]

Check with this guy, I've dealt with him before without issues.

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he's near Syracuse.

Dan this is exactly what I'm looking for!! I just sent him a message!

 

[DanMcG]

Dan this is exactly what I'm looking for!! I just sent him a message!

Let me know if I can be of any help.

 

[Buell056]

Check with this guy, I've dealt with him before without issues.

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he's near Syracuse.

@DanMcG I spoke to Dennis and his frame, he believes is a 1984 but he is going to confirm some numbers for me.

@bucket and @Grumpy thanks for the info about differences. I may need to pick your brains further about dealing with some of the issues. I know on my frame where steering gear bix mounts is rotted and areas in the rear. I'm hoping some areas that ate different can be swapped between the two frames....?

 

[Buell056]

Update:

I purchased a frame from Dennis (person DanMcG hooked me up with). Also found a bed with rear fenders and steps from a late 70s truck that I'm going to purchase as well. Just need to figure out getting it to my place lol.