70s cab on 80s frame

[NorthernMainer]

Hey everyone, I'm toying around with ideas to build one truck out of two. I have a great 82 K20 rolling chassis, and a 74 K20 I just got for free. I'd like to swap the 74 cab onto the 82 frame because the 82 frame, and running gear are much cleaner. I can't seem to find a specific answer to this question.. but what will I have to do, and use to make the 74 cab bolt to the 80s frame?

 

[legopnuematic]

To physically bolt the cab to the frame, just use the cab mounts from the frame you are using.

If you intend to use an 81+ front clip there are quite a few minor differences from an 80- cab to 81+.

If you intend to use the 74 front clip too, then the only change should be the front bumper to put a 73-80 bumper on it, the frame horns are different b from 73-80, and 81-87. You may not have to change the bumper, but personally a later bumper with an earlier clip looks odd to me.

 

[NorthernMainer]

To physically bolt the cab to the frame, just use the cab mounts from the frame you are using.

If you intend to use an 81+ front clip there are quite a few minor differences from an 80- cab to 81+.

If you intend to use the 74 front clip too, then the only change should be the front bumper to put a 73-80 bumper on it, the frame horns are different b from 73-80, and 81-87. You may not have to change the bumper, but personally a later bumper with an earlier clip looks odd to me.

Thats good to know, thank you for the info. I thought I read somewhere about the cab mounts, but couldn't find the link again. I'm going to use the 74 cab, and front sheet metal. I'd for sure swap to the earlier front bumper.

I like the look of the 70s front end better.

 

[Shorty81]

I have a 86 cab on a 79 chassis.

 

[89Suburban]

I swapped a 78' Burby body onto an '85 frame, bolted right up for the most part.

 

[NorthernMainer]

I have a 86 cab on a 79 chassis.

I like the wagon wheels on yours, that looks great!

 

[NorthernMainer]

I swapped a 78' Burby body onto an '85 frame, bolted right up for the most part.

That's good to know! Now the question is do I get the correct bed sides to match the cab, or just leave the newer bed sides with the square gas filler door.