How to tell cabs apart

[Overthedge21]

I know variants of this question have been asked before but I can't seem to find the the answer I need. I'm looking at swapping the cab off my truck, an 85 K20 Silverado, with a spotless, but totally stripped out cab a friend of mine has for really cheap. Thing is, I don't know if it's a 73-80 cab, or if it's 81-87. From what I've read it seems the difference is in the mounts for the cab and that's about it, but I don't know how to tell. Is there any way to figure out what style can it is? As I said, it's totally stripped out, even the steel dash support is gone, so I can't check the VIN or aything. If the mounts are different, what is entailed in putting the cab on, cutting and welding, or just different bushings and bolts?

 

[73c20jim]

Using a cab without a VIN is asking for trouble.

 

[Termite_Delight]

Pictures?

 

[DanMcG]

hood hinges are different.

 

[shiftpro]

Windshield wipers.... cowl differences. The change was in '81.

 

[rpcraft]

The better question to ask is does the cab still have the VIN plate where it belongs and then does it have a title if it does? If the dash is gone and so is the VIN plate then move on. The trucks title is tied to the vin and the cab FWIW and if the VIN plate has been removed then you are probably never going to be able to get it inspected therefore you won't be able to register it either

 

[shiftpro]

Fortunately in Canada we can 'tweak' the laws a bit and also they don't have a lot of interest on 40 yr old trucks that are worth $1.99 in the Black book.
Most of us aren't too worries about the frame VIN mismatching the cab vin. I'm always on the lookout for '81 and up trucks, rusted out completely but if the owners have the papers then I'll grab it just for the plate and reggi.

 

[rpcraft]

Ah, yeah I guess once you get up in the frontier vehicle laws may change some. Then again it varies from state to state down furhter south as well. Just figured it was worth observing just in case.

 

[bucket]

If the VIN was on the dash and not in the door jamb, it is '79 or newer. If the cowl has provisions for hood hinges and the wiper posts have 3 mounting holes, it '81 or newer.

If the plan is to use the original dash in the replacement cab, I see no issue. The VIN will still be attached to the dash with the factory rivets.

 

[Termite_Delight]

1973-78 the Vin was on the drivers side latch post, after that it was on the dash.

 

[Termite_Delight]

If the VIN was on the dash and not in the door jamb, it is '79 or newer. If the cowl has provisions for hood hinges and the wiper posts have 3 mounting holes, it '81 or newer.

If the plan is to use the original dash in the replacement cab, I see no issue. The VIN will still be attached to the dash with the factory rivets.

Looks like you beat me on that one...

 

[beaugranbois]

As far as I know the cab mounts are the same through all years 73-87. Major differences to consider. 2wd or 4wd? Transmission humps are different. Auto or manual? Manual has a shifter hole. AC or non AC? Holes and mounting surfaces are different. Cowls are a little different but you cant get them to work together.

 

[NotKewl]

The better question to ask is does the cab still have the VIN plate where it belongs and then does it have a title if it does? If the dash is gone and so is the VIN plate then move on. The trucks title is tied to the vin and the cab FWIW and if the VIN plate has been removed then you are probably never going to be able to get it inspected therefore you won't be able to register it either

That depends on the state. Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi don't care for a vehicle older than X (age varies by state). TN, where I live, does care. NC if I remember correctly also depends on the year. You don't even need a title in Georgia and Alabama, just a bill of sale with signatures and no problem, you can register it and drive it legally.