Cab swap years and also cab removal.

[Itali83]

Ok, can anyone tell me for certain any issues with mounting an 81-87 cab on a 76 truck with 76 nose please. I’m not talking about things like the 76 doors take the smaller door panel, the 80’s cab has wiper switch on the turn stalk. I just want to know that the round eye nose will bolt on and cab mounts are the same. I do know that the hoods mount differently and from my trucks at home I think that it should be easier to put an 80’s cab on a 70’s nose truck because there is an extra mounting tab on the 80’s cab for the hood hinges that isn’t needed with the 70’s hood hinges. Anything else I’m missing?


Also, how do you guys lift the cabs off the frame and have it stable, fairly level and above all, NOT DAMAGE THE CAB? I’m talking lifting with a loader from above. That’s the equipment I have to work with. Don’t want to hear about your engine crane jig, some crazy one man floor jack contraption etc. do you run 4x4 through the open door windows and just lift, or wrap straps around the A pillar if the windshield is out and that lifts nicely etc.

Thanks!
Ben

 

[Jawzjeep]

I put a 84 dual headlight front clip on a 78 k5. So the opposite way you're going.

As you mentioned the hood and mounting is different.

The 80's cab will have a cowl piece with tall pedestals for the wipers. You won't need the cowl with the early hood and you'll have to change to the short pedestals. Cant remember if the wiper arms and linkage were different too.

The headlight wiring was different between my dual headlight and round eye version.

I had to oval out the holes on the core support to mount to the older frame. My 78 had been in a small crash that required the core support being replaced years prior so it may have been why it was off a tiny bit. YMMV

You won't need the hood pop stuff from inside the cab anymore IIRC.

Some of the under hood stuff mounted on the inner fenders was a little different but easy to make work between the 2.

The 84's radiator and fan shroud went on the 78 with the rest of its front clip too.

I cant remember exactly but something about the frame horns and how the front bumper fits may matter.

I do have some pictures of the process that might include some of the stuff we're talking about if you need.

 

[AuroraGirl]

I put a 84 dual headlight front clip on a 78 k5. So the opposite way you're going.

As you mentioned the hood and mounting is different.

The 80's cab will have a cowl piece with tall pedestals for the wipers. You won't need the cowl with the early hood and you'll have to change to the short pedestals. Cant remember if the wiper arms and linkage were different too.

The headlight wiring was different between my dual headlight and round eye version.

I had to oval out the holes on the core support to mount to the older frame. My 78 had been in a small crash that required the core support being replaced years prior so it may have been why it was off a tiny bit. YMMV

You won't need the hood pop stuff from inside the cab anymore IIRC.

Some of the under hood stuff mounted on the inner fenders was a little different but easy to make work between the 2.

The 84's radiator and fan shroud went on the 78 with the rest of its front clip too.

I cant remember exactly but something about the frame horns and how the front bumper fits may matter.

I do have some pictures of the process that might include some of the stuff we're talking about if you need.

You can also buy the right year core support to match the front clip being put on , or swap it

Ok, can anyone tell me for certain any issues with mounting an 81-87 cab on a 76 truck with 76 nose please. I’m not talking about things like the 76 doors take the smaller door panel, the 80’s cab has wiper switch on the turn stalk. I just want to know that the round eye nose will bolt on and cab mounts are the same. I do know that the hoods mount differently and from my trucks at home I think that it should be easier to put an 80’s cab on a 70’s nose truck because there is an extra mounting tab on the 80’s cab for the hood hinges that isn’t needed with the 70’s hood hinges. Anything else I’m missing?


Also, how do you guys lift the cabs off the frame and have it stable, fairly level and above all, NOT DAMAGE THE CAB? I’m talking lifting with a loader from above. That’s the equipment I have to work with. Don’t want to hear about your engine crane jig, some crazy one man floor jack contraption etc. do you run 4x4 through the open door windows and just lift, or wrap straps around the A pillar if the windshield is out and that lifts nicely etc.

Thanks!
Ben

what is the truck you have and whats the donor cab? both 4x4? both 2wd? one will have a tunnel screwed on vs part of the floor most likely. What about options, what about fenders etc etc.,

 

[Itali83]

Thank you very much. Sounds along the lines of what I was thinking. I’m hoping to start prepping the cab once weather gets a little warmer in March or so.

Ben

 

[Itali83]

You can also buy the right year core support to match the front clip being put on , or swap it

what is the truck you have and whats the donor cab? both 4x4? both 2wd? one will have a tunnel screwed on vs part of the floor most likely. What about options, what about fenders etc etc.,

The truck I’m building is a 76. Cab is a mid 80’s cucv cab. Both 4wd. Both automatic. Cucv cab is just a shell so all of my interior wiring etc is going in that cab. Front end is staying all 76. The more I look at the two, the more it looks like direct bolt on no issues.

Ben

 

[Turbo4whl]

Also, how do you guys lift the cabs off the frame and have it stable, fairly level and above all, NOT DAMAGE THE CAB? I’m talking lifting with a loader from above. That’s the equipment I have to work with. Don’t want to hear about your engine crane jig, some crazy one man floor jack contraption etc.

No crazy contraption. Strip the cab, leave the windshield and rear glass in. Four people lift the cab and set one side on the ground and the other side up on the frame. Then two of us climbed onto the frame, all four lift and move the cab across the frame to the side. Trans, transfer case and rear drive shaft still mounted in the frame give more spots to walk across the frame.

This method only requires a case of beer or other suitable libation.

 

[Strick]

If you have a lift it will make life EASY...er anyway.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Outbackjak]

The truck I’m building is a 76. Cab is a mid 80’s cucv cab. Both 4wd. Both automatic. Cucv cab is just a shell so all of my interior wiring etc is going in that cab. Front end is staying all 76. The more I look at the two, the more it looks like direct bolt on no issues.

Ben

Take the tires off

 

[Outbackjak]

No crazy contraption. Strip the cab, leave the windshield and rear glass in. Four people lift the cab and set one side on the ground and the other side up on the frame. Then two of us climbed onto the frame, all four lift and move the cab across the frame to the side. Trans, transfer case and rear drive shaft still mounted in the frame give more spots to walk across the frame.

This method only requires a case of beer or other suitable libation.

Take the tires off

 

[Ricko1966]

Take the tires off

Off the loader? How's that going to help?