New or old

[Chebbyfan]

Looking to put another frame under my truck. The truck is a 79-80 right now, with a newer cab. I cant remember, but someone told me to use the 73-80 frame, instead of an 81-87 frame, or maybe it was the other way around? Something about the front frame horns on one or the other. Can somebody help me with clarification? I want to stay with the round headlight look.

 

[legopnuematic]

73-80 is what you want, but 81-87 frames can be used if the body mounts for the frame are used and the frame horns are modified to fit the earlier bumper.

 

[Shorty81]

My truck has 79 frame, 86 cab and bed. No issues, used the 79 front bumper which I like better anyway.

 

[Chebbyfan]

73-80 is what you want, but 81-87 frames can be used if the body mounts for the frame are used and the frame horns are modified to fit the earlier bumper.

Is there a lot of modification needed to fit the earlier bumper? I found a clean Nevada shortbox frame very local to me. I understand the body mounts. I once put an 84 body on a 73 frame.

 

[Chebbyfan]

Can somebody explain how to put the old style bumper on the front of the newer frame? Looking online and there is a definite difference in frame horns in the front

 

[legopnuematic]

Give this a read.

 

[Chebbyfan]

Give this a read.

No link to follow

 

[legopnuematic]

Click on the blue text

 

[Chebbyfan]

Click on the blue

Thank you, that did answer my questions on how to do that.

 

[JBswth]

Can somebody explain how to put the old style bumper on the front of the newer frame? Looking online and there is a definite difference in frame horns in the front

Simple - drill mounting holes in the proper location through to top of your frame horns - first put the upper mounts in your bumper and have a helper hold the bumper in the proper location, then drill the mounting holes. For the lower mounts, use another set of upper mounts, you will have to do some bending - mount them to the bumper, mount the pumper to the frame with the upper mounts. You will then see where to drill mounting holes for the lower mounts. You will use the older style side braces as well, but I can't remember if any drilling is required. Might be able to use the mounting holes that are already there.

J. B.