Are the cabs, fenders swappable between a 1975 and 1980?

[Doug Stokes]

I have an old truck that I inherited from my Dad. It was his 'mountain truck'. I would like to bring it back to life and have found a 1980 1500 that I was wondering how well it would fit on my frame. On the flip side, if the cab won't fit on my frame, would my axles, etc, fit on it's frame?

 

[dvdswan]

Same body and fenders will swap from 73-80. 81 was where GM change the front clip. Some fabrication work would have to be completed for the clip to work properly.

 

[Doug Stokes]

Thank you very much, sir.

 

[dvdswan]

BTW, Welcome to the site.

 

[bucket]

There are many differences as far as the electrical components go, but if you are just using the cab itself, it's the same. The biggest difference that I can think of is the hole in the dash for the wiper switch is in a very slightly different location. Nothing that can't be overcome with a dremel.

 

[Doug Stokes]

Dad's truck was a total basket case. It wouldn't be bad to use everything inside the cab. I just want to make it look like his. With a few mods, of course, like a flatbed. Thanks.

 

[82Diesel]

Yes. 73-80 should be the same, I'm over after 1974 only minor changes. But if you were trying to put a 81+ front clip on a 73-80 you would have to completely change everything, Core Support, Inners, etc... I think even the Rubber Mounts.

 

[Doug Stokes]

Thanks.

 

[Doug Stokes]

I've found a front clip and box off the frame. Does anybody know how much they weigh?

 

[bucket]

Depends on how complete they are. Both can be easily moved around by two people.

 

[Doug Stokes]

Entire front clip, fenders, hood, cab with seat, and doors. And then the box.

 

[bucket]

The bed is in the neighborhood of 300 pounds, depending on length, stepside or fleetside and whether or not there's a tailgate. Front clip is a couple hundred I'd say, with the radiator too. I don't know about the cab.

 

[hatzie]

Yes. 73-80 should be the same, I'm over after 1974 only minor changes. But if you were trying to put a 81+ front clip on a 73-80 you would have to completely change everything, Core Support, Inners, etc... I think even the Rubber Mounts.

There were some gotchas between 73 & 80.

73, & IIRC 74, used a smaller bulkhead electrical plug.

78-80 used a different wiper switch and wiper motor than the earlier rigs.

 

[Rusty Nail]

Damn that detail devil!

But now you've busted all of our fun with the new dude...