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Old 10-19-2014, 07:25 PM   #1
red310055
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1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

I have what could be dumb question, but here you go.

Can you mount a 1984 cab on a 1979 frame? Also can all the 1984 front sheet metal, fenders, hood, core support etc. mount on the 1979 frame?
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Old 10-19-2014, 07:38 PM   #2
Ziegelsteinfaust
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

yes very easily
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Old 10-19-2014, 07:51 PM   #3
red310055
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Thanks, Ziegelsteinfaust,

Is there any modify of the cab mounts? Or could tell me what might need to be modify?
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Old 10-19-2014, 08:03 PM   #4
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Nothing needs to be modified if the body panels are from the same generation.
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Old 10-19-2014, 08:03 PM   #5
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

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Originally Posted by red310055 View Post
Thanks, Ziegelsteinfaust,

Is there any modify of the cab mounts? Or could tell me what might need to be modify?
NO, the cab bushings are frame specific, not cab specific. As long as you use 73-80 cab bushings it will fit fine but don't be surprised if you have to slightly move the radiator support mounting brackets approximately 3/4in forward.
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Old 10-19-2014, 08:09 PM   #6
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Thanks J Knight,

Sounds like you have done this before. So if i 79 bushing the 84 cab holes will line up? Then just work forward from there?
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Old 10-19-2014, 08:15 PM   #7
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Thanks Ziegelsteinfaust,

you all make sound like a bolt on affair. Its that safe to say?
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Old 10-19-2014, 08:36 PM   #8
willett
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

There are many small differences between the two cabs. The simple answer is YES, but if you want it to be a simple swap take as many of the cab related parts you can ie steering column, harness, trim, heater box, wiper motor and linkage

I used all '78 parts when i installed an 80's cab and there were a few hiccups that were fixed with drills and jigsaws
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Old 10-19-2014, 08:43 PM   #9
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

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Originally Posted by red310055 View Post
Thanks J Knight,

Sounds like you have done this before. So if i 79 bushing the 84 cab holes will line up? Then just work forward from there?
Yep, put an 84 cab and clip on a 74 frame. The reason you need 73-80 bushing is because the hole in the frame is round for the bushing to fit in but the 81-87 frame has a double D shaped hole. That's why the bushings are year and frame specific, the underside of the cabs are the same at the mounting points 73-87. You will also need to trim the frame horns just a little to use the 84 bumper and brackets.
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Old 10-19-2014, 09:01 PM   #10
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Thanks all,

If i start this project I'll have a 79 roller. I might have a lead on an 84 cab and all front sheet metal. Would you guys even consider taking on such a project? I know all these parts are going to cost around 1,800.00
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Old 10-30-2014, 08:56 PM   #11
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Bumping this to the top.. a buddy of mine has a 78 and his cab is a rust pit ,but was offered an 87 cab thats rust free.. What besies the cab bushings will he need to change?All the rest of the sheetmetal will remain 78.
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Old 10-30-2014, 11:25 PM   #12
willett
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Re: 1984 sheet metal on 1979 frame

Wiper switch hole won't be present
I don't think the windsheild will have an antenna
Tranny hump could change if your going from 2wd to 4 or vice versa
Cowel will be different so you'll have to drill for your wiper studs
No holes for rear hood stops
Dash mounted vin on never cab
I think there were a couple things on the firewall too. I'm going back a couple years here.

Nothing really too complicated to remedy but try to change it as you go rather than putting it all together and then going OH SH*T! (Ie. Cut the new hole in your dash before the harness is in and you put it all together)

And keep your old wiper linkage and motor!
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