Body Swapping Laws - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

k72516 · 09-28-2005, 10:39 AM

I'm in Massachusetts, and it's a really anal state on lifting. I was thinking about getting a bigger truck (for example, there's a 1980 International dump truck for $1,500.00) and just swapping any decent truck body onto it.

I'm not worried about all the work it's going to take, I just wanted to know if it's even legal. I mean, guys swap out old rusty cabs all the time and don't have problems at the RMV... same idea, right?

**JIMs70GMC** · 09-28-2005, 11:59 AM

I set a 2wd cab on a 4wd chassis. I used the cab title for my registration. I don't see where you'd have a problem.

k72516 · 09-28-2005, 03:22 PM

Well, in Mass... they basically have a book that says "If you got this truck, then the bottom of your rocker has to be no more than this high off the ground." Bassically you're only allowed to lift like 2, maybe 3 inches. I figured if I did a body swap and tried to keep it registered/titled as a dump I would be able to get around the lift laws. Plus, it'd be bad ass having a 6.7L gas motor with a beefy 4WD dump chassis under it... Only problem I'm seeing is the VIN numbers getting screwed up and trying to convince inspectors and the RMV that it's a dump, not an old chevy.

Well, I guess no one else has any info. Thanks for the reply though, I'm just gonna call the RMV or police or whoever and get the official scoop... *getting ready for mondo fun pass the buck phone tag awesomeness* I'll post up what happens.

k72516 · 09-28-2005, 03:23 PM

btw, *****in truck

1969 C/K CST · 09-28-2005, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

I set a 2wd cab on a 4wd chassis. I used the cab title for my registration. I don't see where you'd have a problem.

Same here.

a28doc · 09-28-2005, 07:27 PM

I think you have to keep the title to the cab which has the vin for registration but I not totally sure sounds like a kewl truck tho post pics if you do it
Doc

**JIMs70GMC** · 09-28-2005, 07:57 PM

why not transfer the vin plate from the old cab to the new cab? irregardless of the cab it what's underneath that makes it what it is.

k72516 · 09-29-2005, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMs70GMC

why not transfer the vin plate from the old cab to the new cab? irregardless of the cab it what's underneath that makes it what it is.

Hmm, I didn't know you could do that.

GMC71k20 · 09-29-2005, 03:22 PM

how high do you wanna go? i know of a person that got away with 11" of lift after meeting with a dot inspector and showed him it was done in a safe manner. i have no problems with my 8" and i have plenty of other friends with trucks this big

stan79chevy · 09-29-2005, 03:26 PM

if you make all the mounts right it would be even safer than factory. a 70 chevelle wagon would look good on my frame, and fit the wife and kids with room to spare.

stan

**special-K** · 09-30-2005, 10:42 AM

Most states require that you get a reconstruction title when changing bodies.Not that many don`t slip through with VIN-plate swapping.I know a Maryland State Troioper that set a`71 on a later 4wd frame and registered it as historic,not legit but he did it.In MD,if it`s over 10,000 GVW(1 ton),the height laws don`t apply.It`s all BS.The body-swap thing is such BS.If you own both vehicles and have titles for both,why can`t you do what you like as long as it`s within safety specs?You can change any other parts you want legally as long as it`s the same cab`n`chassis.
Hey,if humans can change their bodies/gender(Eew,visual,YUCK!!),than why not a truck????WTF

TP from Cntl PA · 10-01-2005, 07:07 PM

I am going to do the same thing on my next repower project...............Put a '67-'72 GMC Cab/front clip from a 3/4 ton on a 2-ton 4x4 truck frame for a ultimate trailer puller...............I figure as long as I adhere to the state inspection proceedure, and keep small rubber/rims on it I don't think I'll have much problem here in PA. Basically, I want to run a large Diesel with a large heavy transmission behind it and even a 1-ton frame wouldn't handle the weight with a trailer behind. Safer this way IMO.

Keep us posted as to what happens.

09-28-2005, 10:39 AM	#1
k72516 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Easthampton, MA Posts: 74	Body Swapping Laws I'm in Massachusetts, and it's a really anal state on lifting. I was thinking about getting a bigger truck (for example, there's a 1980 International dump truck for $1,500.00) and just swapping any decent truck body onto it. I'm not worried about all the work it's going to take, I just wanted to know if it's even legal. I mean, guys swap out old rusty cabs all the time and don't have problems at the RMV... same idea, right? __________________ Go Fast - Be Loud

09-28-2005, 11:59 AM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I set a 2wd cab on a 4wd chassis. I used the cab title for my registration. I don't see where you'd have a problem. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

09-28-2005, 03:22 PM	#3
k72516 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Easthampton, MA Posts: 74	Well, in Mass... they basically have a book that says "If you got this truck, then the bottom of your rocker has to be no more than this high off the ground." Bassically you're only allowed to lift like 2, maybe 3 inches. I figured if I did a body swap and tried to keep it registered/titled as a dump I would be able to get around the lift laws. Plus, it'd be bad ass having a 6.7L gas motor with a beefy 4WD dump chassis under it... Only problem I'm seeing is the VIN numbers getting screwed up and trying to convince inspectors and the RMV that it's a dump, not an old chevy. Well, I guess no one else has any info. Thanks for the reply though, I'm just gonna call the RMV or police or whoever and get the official scoop... getting ready for mondo fun pass the buck phone tag awesomeness I'll post up what happens. __________________ Go Fast - Be Loud

09-28-2005, 03:23 PM	#4
k72516 Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Easthampton, MA Posts: 74	btw, *****in truck __________________ Go Fast - Be Loud

09-28-2005, 07:27 PM	#6
a28doc '87 V20 4x4 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Western Ohio Posts: 1,073	I think you have to keep the title to the cab which has the vin for registration but I not totally sure sounds like a kewl truck tho post pics if you do it Doc __________________ '86 K5 Blazer 4x4 FOR SALE '87 v20 4X4 '99 S10 Blazer 4X4

09-28-2005, 07:57 PM	#7
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	why not transfer the vin plate from the old cab to the new cab? irregardless of the cab it what's underneath that makes it what it is. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

09-29-2005, 03:22 PM	#9
GMC71k20 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: mass Posts: 1,277	how high do you wanna go? i know of a person that got away with 11" of lift after meeting with a dot inspector and showed him it was done in a safe manner. i have no problems with my 8" and i have plenty of other friends with trucks this big

09-29-2005, 03:26 PM	#10
stan79chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: COVINGTON GEORGIA Posts: 477	is it legal to put a car body on a truck frame? if you make all the mounts right it would be even safer than factory. a 70 chevelle wagon would look good on my frame, and fit the wife and kids with room to spare. stan __________________ 79 chevy k20 350/350/205/D44/14bFF 4.56 gears rock LWB pimer black 01 S-10 ZR2 extended cab 4.3/4L60E/233 3.73 gear 31" DICK CEPEK CRUSHERS

09-30-2005, 10:42 AM	#11
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Most states require that you get a reconstruction title when changing bodies.Not that many don`t slip through with VIN-plate swapping.I know a Maryland State Troioper that set a`71 on a later 4wd frame and registered it as historic,not legit but he did it.In MD,if it`s over 10,000 GVW(1 ton),the height laws don`t apply.It`s all BS.The body-swap thing is such BS.If you own both vehicles and have titles for both,why can`t you do what you like as long as it`s within safety specs?You can change any other parts you want legally as long as it`s the same cab`n`chassis. Hey,if humans can change their bodies/gender(Eew,visual,YUCK!!),than why not a truck????WTF __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-01-2005, 07:07 PM	#12
TP from Cntl PA Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central PA....In the Berg of Nisbet Posts: 790	I am going to do the same thing on my next repower project...............Put a '67-'72 GMC Cab/front clip from a 3/4 ton on a 2-ton 4x4 truck frame for a ultimate trailer puller...............I figure as long as I adhere to the state inspection proceedure, and keep small rubber/rims on it I don't think I'll have much problem here in PA. Basically, I want to run a large Diesel with a large heavy transmission behind it and even a 1-ton frame wouldn't handle the weight with a trailer behind. Safer this way IMO. Keep us posted as to what happens. __________________ '72 K-20 EFI'ed 250 Inline/4spd stake body, Farm Truck '71 C-20 Cummins Diesel Powered, In storage thanks to $5.00 diesel! '69 3500 GMC 305V-6/4spd, Still under reconstruction.......... Inlines Rule! 6 soldiers standing is better than 8 laying down!!!!!!!!



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