maybe puttign on a '74 cab on a '83

[Bowtieman427]

We have a 1983 K30 4 speed and will be a looking at a '74 cab to put on it. Our cad is very rusty and the 74 is rust free. few questions:
1) seller states has title for cab do we use this for our trucks new title since our VIN will be different with new cab. (74 has plate on door sill and ours is under the windshield)
2) Will our '83 electrics, dash and interior bolt up to the '74 cab ??
3) Will it mount up on an '83 with no issues ???
4) Will our '83 doors mount up to the '74 cab ??
5) Ours '83 is a stick shift not sure what the '74 is but if auto we can still use ??

thanks in advance

 

[HotRodPC]

Is the 74 cab a 4x4 cab too? Trans tunnel is taller on the 4x4 cabs. If it's a manual trans 2wd cab, it should also have the higher trans tunnel.

If you're not going to carefully remove your VIN plate with the same rivets and getting the plate put on the 74 cab.... you might want to check MN laws. States are different. In OK for example, you're supposed to take both VIN #'s to the tax commision, then they give you a state issued VIN # with a new plate you screw or rivet to the cab. Most guys carefully remount the VIN tag with the same rivets, because the rivets much match too, but in most states that's illegal IF YOU GET CAUGHT.

 

[CSFJ]

Front clip is a little different too in regards to hood hinges and cowl panel.

 

[HotRodPC]

Front clip is a little different too in regards to hood hinges and cowl panel.

Oh yes. I forgot all about that too and very important. Some mods will have to be made there for certain but it can be done. To avoid that problem use an 81 up cab.

 

[Bowtieman427]

Is the 74 cab a 4x4 cab too? Trans tunnel is taller on the 4x4 cabs. If it's a manual trans 2wd cab, it should also have the higher trans tunnel.

If you're not going to carefully remove your VIN plate with the same rivets and getting the plate put on the 74 cab.... you might want to check MN laws. States are different. In OK for example, you're supposed to take both VIN #'s to the tax commision, then they give you a state issued VIN # with a new plate you screw or rivet to the cab. Most guys carefully remount the VIN tag with the same rivets, because the rivets much match too, but in most states that's illegal IF YOU GET CAUGHT.

1983 has the Vin under glass the 74 is riveted to the door to save on hassle would it be easier given he has title and NO monkeying around to just re title with the 74 vin ?

 

[Bowtieman427]

Oh yes. I forgot all about that too and very important. Some mods will have to be made there for certain but it can be done. To avoid that problem use an 81 up cab.

Please if possible what type of mods would have to be done to fit the 1983 front clip to the 1974 cab ?
I understand anything is possible but do not want this to be a huge pain.

 

[HotRodPC]

1983 has the Vin under glass the 74 is riveted to the door to save on hassle would it be easier given he has title and NO monkeying around to just re title with the 74 vin ?

Then you run into the problem where the actual Cab VIN doesn't match the frame VIN. Some states, like Cali, want to find the VIN # is at least 2 different spots. On our our trucks, the last several digits and stamped into the top of the passenger side frame rail.

 

[HotRodPC]

Please if possible what type of mods would have to be done to fit the 1983 front clip to the 1974 cab ?
I understand anything is possible but do not want this to be a huge pain.

It has to do with the hood hinges and fender mounting. 73-80 used the older spring type hinges where the hood and cowel are 1 piece. The 81 up used much smaller hood hinges and cowel is a separate piece from the hood. So you'll be getting into some sheet metal mods and welding for fender mounting tabs to bolt to the cab.