Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Paul M · 08-27-2009, 07:13 PM

ive had this truck now for a few years and cant seem to sell the turd, 80 gmc 4x4. 350 auto. SO ive been thinking of putting a 67-72 cab/front clip on it and using it as is. im sure i can pick up a drivetrainless truck cheap on cl or such, so thats not a concern. so are the frames similar or not even close on these types of truck years? i really dont like the dash style of this year and the cab isnt in that great of shape. thx for any help

rwolf9653 · 08-27-2009, 07:57 PM

I did a lot of research on swapping my 72 body onto a mid 80's frame and I decided that it is just too much work. Many have done it, but all of the body mounts need to be moved and that is just more than I wanted to get into.

toomanytoyz · 08-27-2009, 09:56 PM

Send a pm to Mudder, He has done that swap & Will give you info on how he did his.......

Rick

Longhorn Man · 08-27-2009, 10:01 PM

all body mounts, relocate the rear axle forward... custom made lift kit due to the non flat frame...
it can be done though.

capev86 · 08-27-2009, 11:39 PM

check out the knucklebuster project on stacie david's gearz.....all you ever wanted to know about freshening up that area truck. knucklebuster is a 73 chevy shortbed fleetside that was previously redone in the late 80's and is showing 20 years of family wear and tear.

BCOWANWHEELS · 08-28-2009, 12:06 AM

I KNOW A FELLA WHO put a c30 cab and dog house on a chevy p30 chassis, engine was a cummins 6bt. worked out good

Paul M · 08-28-2009, 12:11 AM

i dont like the 73 and later style(square fender) as much as the 67-72 style(round fender). and since i have redone alot of the components of the drive train(brakes from master to wheel cylinders and calipers) to new oils and such for both axles. though i would leave the stepside on it,just would need to do the cab and front clip with required supports/parts for those. again this is an idea and if its a bit to much ill just skip it,maybe find an older 67-72 and drop parts from the gmc into it.

Mudder · 08-28-2009, 12:25 AM

If you can use a torch and weld a little you can do it just fine. Having a way to lift the cab is nice also. You can contact the Mudder guy and he has some info on how and what needs to be done. You can click on Stepside down below and see his 77/67 Chevy stepside. That truck was at a show in Indianapolis about 4 years ago with 5000 other 4x4's and won Off Road Magazine's most functional 4x4. Not bad for a mutt!!!

08-27-2009, 07:13 PM	#1
Paul M Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Oakridge, Oregon Posts: 138	Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC ive had this truck now for a few years and cant seem to sell the turd, 80 gmc 4x4. 350 auto. SO ive been thinking of putting a 67-72 cab/front clip on it and using it as is. im sure i can pick up a drivetrainless truck cheap on cl or such, so thats not a concern. so are the frames similar or not even close on these types of truck years? i really dont like the dash style of this year and the cab isnt in that great of shape. thx for any help Attached Images __________________ 67-72 Truckless for the moment Member# 1126 The one that got away http://customclassictrucks.com/featu...001/index.html

08-27-2009, 07:57 PM	#2
rwolf9653 more ideas than money Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: spring grove, pa Posts: 1,068	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC I did a lot of research on swapping my 72 body onto a mid 80's frame and I decided that it is just too much work. Many have done it, but all of the body mounts need to be moved and that is just more than I wanted to get into. __________________ Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban

08-27-2009, 09:56 PM	#3
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC Send a pm to Mudder, He has done that swap & Will give you info on how he did his....... Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

08-27-2009, 10:01 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC all body mounts, relocate the rear axle forward... custom made lift kit due to the non flat frame... it can be done though.

08-27-2009, 11:39 PM	#5
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC check out the knucklebuster project on stacie david's gearz.....all you ever wanted to know about freshening up that area truck. knucklebuster is a 73 chevy shortbed fleetside that was previously redone in the late 80's and is showing 20 years of family wear and tear.

08-28-2009, 12:06 AM	#6
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC I KNOW A FELLA WHO put a c30 cab and dog house on a chevy p30 chassis, engine was a cummins 6bt. worked out good __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

08-28-2009, 12:11 AM	#7
Paul M Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Oakridge, Oregon Posts: 138	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC i dont like the 73 and later style(square fender) as much as the 67-72 style(round fender). and since i have redone alot of the components of the drive train(brakes from master to wheel cylinders and calipers) to new oils and such for both axles. though i would leave the stepside on it,just would need to do the cab and front clip with required supports/parts for those. again this is an idea and if its a bit to much ill just skip it,maybe find an older 67-72 and drop parts from the gmc into it. __________________ 67-72 Truckless for the moment Member# 1126 The one that got away http://customclassictrucks.com/featu...001/index.html

08-28-2009, 12:25 AM	#8
Mudder Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: East Central, MO Posts: 11,336	Re: Body swap possibilities on an 80 GMC If you can use a torch and weld a little you can do it just fine. Having a way to lift the cab is nice also. You can contact the Mudder guy and he has some info on how and what needs to be done. You can click on Stepside down below and see his 77/67 Chevy stepside. That truck was at a show in Indianapolis about 4 years ago with 5000 other 4x4's and won Off Road Magazine's most functional 4x4. Not bad for a mutt!!!



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