What do I call it?

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

DBinWW

Member
Joined
Apr 21, 2022
Posts
34
Reaction score
20
Location
Washington
First Name
David
Truck Year
1979
Truck Model
1500
Engine Size
350
How should I specify my truck? I have a 1979 GMC half-ton, 2WD Sierra Classic body mounted on a 1983 4WD 3/4-ton chassis. (To make it worse it has Chevy badges, but no matter.)

(I have a new 350 HO crated turnkey and recently purchased an '89 Suburban 4WD and am swapping my TH350 and 205 for that 700R4 setup (that I had updated and rebuilt). I did buy and install the 4WD tunnel/hump to make room. I wish I new what my differential ratios are but haven't figured out how to tell. I'm shooting for 2200 rpm at 75 mph. Wish me luck.)

So what is my truck other than a family of bastard children?
 

Vbb199

B-rate Hillbilly Customs
Joined
Jan 12, 2018
Posts
8,871
Reaction score
14,885
Location
Salisbury NC
First Name
Vince
Truck Year
89, 79
Truck Model
89 Suburban R1500, 79 C10
Engine Size
350, 502
Its whatever the cab is titled as id say
 
  • Like
Reactions: WFO

fast 99

Full Access Member
Joined
Dec 31, 2021
Posts
1,589
Reaction score
2,150
Location
Spokane, Washington
First Name
Brian
Truck Year
81,85
Truck Model
K20
Engine Size
350
Depends on state laws. I can only reference Washington. Here to be totally legal they would apply a state VIN tag. Truck frames are stamped with the VIN. Body and frame should match.

Think about identification if the truck was ever stolen.

That being said I would look at licensing cost and emissions requirements. Take the easier/cheaper path. Don't toss the unused tittle out.

One of my trucks VIN doesn't match the body. The frame I purchased from wrecking yard. If that VIN was used it would have been a salvage vehicle and state VIN applied.
 

Scott91370

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2018
Posts
924
Reaction score
899
Location
Burleson, Tx
First Name
Scott
Truck Year
1985
Truck Model
Sierra1500
Engine Size
350
Texas it is by the VIN of the cab. And since not much changed undernieth them that's what I tell everyone it is.
 

AyWoSch Motors

The Parts Guy
Joined
Nov 6, 2020
Posts
4,647
Reaction score
13,474
Location
New Mexico
First Name
Ayden
Truck Year
1986
Truck Model
K1500 Sierra
Engine Size
350ci V8
Its what I call a Frankenstein truck. I love it.
 

Snoots

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2013
Posts
8,158
Reaction score
15,957
Location
Georgia
First Name
Roger
Truck Year
1973
Truck Model
Jimmy Sierra
Engine Size
350
All you need now is a furd badge on it
You must be registered for see images attach
 

CheemsK1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2022
Posts
749
Reaction score
1,285
Location
Texas
First Name
Paul
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
305
Its whatever the cab is titled as id say
Pretty much this. There are some places that bitch about frame numbers, but the fat lady at the court house desk isn't about to crawl under your truck, so legally and realistically your truck is a '79 GMC C1500.
 

CheemsK1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2022
Posts
749
Reaction score
1,285
Location
Texas
First Name
Paul
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
305
All you need now is a furd badge on it
You must be registered for see images attach
This gentleman lives local to me....
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20221025-125914_Gallery.jpg
    Screenshot_20221025-125914_Gallery.jpg
    187.6 KB · Views: 72

Bextreme04

Full Access Member
Joined
May 13, 2019
Posts
4,135
Reaction score
4,984
Location
Oregon
First Name
Eric
Truck Year
1980
Truck Model
K25
Engine Size
350-4bbl
In Oregon the title legally follows the frame, but practically that never really happens. I would say it is whatever you have the title for :)
 

DoubleDingo

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2012
Posts
10,019
Reaction score
14,166
Location
Right where I am
First Name
Bagoomba
Truck Year
1981, 1965
Truck Model
81-C20 Silverado Camper Special-TH400-4.10s; 65-C20 with 4:57 gears and Borg Warner Overdrive
Engine Size
Carb'ed Vortec 350; 1972 L48 350
I believe it will be determined by the DMV or highway patrol once you need to get it registered and insured
 

CheemsK1500

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 3, 2022
Posts
749
Reaction score
1,285
Location
Texas
First Name
Paul
Truck Year
1984
Truck Model
K1500
Engine Size
305
I believe it will be determined by the DMV or highway patrol once you need to get it registered and insured
Unless the everyone at the court house is a square body aficionado and is looking at the truck, the truck will be whatever the VIN on the cab, and corresponding title says it is. Unless you're running some sort of criminal chop shop, no one is really going to bother to investigate.
 

DoubleDingo

Full Access Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2012
Posts
10,019
Reaction score
14,166
Location
Right where I am
First Name
Bagoomba
Truck Year
1981, 1965
Truck Model
81-C20 Silverado Camper Special-TH400-4.10s; 65-C20 with 4:57 gears and Borg Warner Overdrive
Engine Size
Carb'ed Vortec 350; 1972 L48 350
Unless the everyone at the court house is a square body aficionado and is looking at the truck, the truck will be whatever the VIN on the cab, and corresponding title says it is. Unless you're running some sort of criminal chop shop, no one is really going to bother to investigate.
Except for the 2wd cab being mounted on a 4wd frame. I know the insurance company will want it to be correctly named for the records.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
41,858
Posts
903,640
Members
33,372
Latest member
83elcowes
Top