Cab interchange ?

[Lightning3352]

I have a swb 1980 Chevy 4 wheel drive 5 speed starting a frame off resto. The question I have is will a 1982 Chevy pickup cab work on my 80 frame. Origional cab has massive rust in complete floor pan, rockers, cab corner and big dent in driver side rear post. Can't find 1980 doner cab but do have 82 cab in great shape. Know that doors interchange as well as interior but not for sure on cab mounts and front fenders and hood can be interchanged. Does anybody know if cab swap is possible? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[smurph20]

73 thru 87 and up to 91 on the 1 ton blazers and burbs will interchange. With the right core support you can interchange any fron clip with any year cab

 

[HotRodPC]

Uhhh, I"m not so sure that info is correct smurph. You still have to consider the way fenders mount to the cab. 73-80 for sure interchange, 81 up interchange for sure. Difference being the 73-80 have the hood and cowl as 1 piece with the older style springs and hood hinges. 81 up uses the newe style hinges and the cowl is seperate from the hood.
Also the body mounts and bushings are different from 73-80 and 81 up. But, the cabs do interchange on the frames without problems, SO LONG AS, you use the correct mounts for the frame, not the cab. So in his case, he'll want to use the 73-80 mounts and the cab will bolt right on.
Now here is my question, I know for a fact, to make the 81 up front clip bolt onto a 73-80 cab, there has to be some cutting and fab work, BUT, can a 73-80 front clip bolt onto a 81 up cab without fab and mods???
The only other issue to consider, is the front of the frame and the bumpers. He'd want to use the 73-80 front bumper on the 80 frame, or mods will have to be done since the front frame horns are a bit different.

Welcome aboard David, I'm sure others will chime in and make any corrections I might be wrong about. None of us here know everything, but between all of us, we damn sure know everything about squares you'll need to know.

 

[smurph20]

Ok i understand about the fender mounting and stuff but why is there a different part number for the doors between the year splits.

 

[HotRodPC]

73-76 should be the same part #, but 77 up will be a different part #. Difference is, 77 was first year for power window option so provisions had to be made for the power motors. But, the doors will interchange all models. If you need power windows though, you HAVE TO USE 77 up doors.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Since he's using the cab and not the frame, he'll be okay on the bumper.

A 1973-80 front end will bolt onto the 1981+ cab without mods as far as I know.

The interchange show the doors being the same 1977-91.

 

[HotRodPC]

Since he's using the cab and not the frame, he'll be okay on the bumper.

A 1973-80 front end will bolt onto the 1981+ cab without mods as far as I know.

The interchange show the doors being the same 1977-91.

I am thinking your right too Retro, that the 73-80 front clip will bolt onto 81 up cab, but the 81 up front clip will NOT bolt onto the 73-80 cab and if that's true, then he is all good to go with a cab swap. Only other question I'd have is about the dash pad. Can you use the slopped 73-80 dashpad on the 81 up cab that used the flat dash pad?

 

[Lightning3352]

The dash pad off of my 80 fit perfectly into the 82 cab. The main thing I was worried about is the fitment of my 80 hood onto the 82 cab since the hood springs are different. I believe I can cut around the hood bumps on the 80 cab and weld into the 82 cab and also cover the slit in the 82 cab where the hood pivoted.

 

[Lightning3352]

Also what would one do about the vin? Or would I have to get a salvage title to do the cab swap. First time I have had do one.

 

[oneluckypops]

Also what would one do about the vin? Or would I have to get a salvage title to do the cab swap. First time I have had do one.

Honestly your best bet would be to contact your local highway patrol, they can give you the contacts for the VIN question.

 

[nekkidhillbilly]

new clip to old cab you have to cut the cowl for the hinges slots change the wiper post or whatever its called for the cowl its pretty easy.

old clip to new cab it all will bolt on again you have to change the wiper post around

 

[HotRodPC]

Welcome to GMSB Jeff, just keep your clothes on while here and all will be great. I didn't know you had a square.

 

[Jerry White]

I am sorry to but in on this thread but I have a question and I have asked and not received an answer can I put a 1986 c10 cab and front clip on a 1980 c10 frame without any issues if things have to be change it would be nice to know what thank you

 

[crpntr78]

Just reread this thread. Questions are answered.

 

[RoryH19]

IMO, I would stay with a 73-80 cab. Also the Vin location is by the striker where the 81+ is by the window. BTW, bed is not an issue. Gas caps from 73-78 are round. 78+ are flaps. Tailgate changed a little in 81+