55-59 on a 73-87 4x4 chassis?

[BigBlockBurby]

Alright, previously I had been attempting a 63 cab and clip onto a 79 chassis, but i had some bad times, and i had to sell my project. bastard got a steal to, even thought nothing was bolted on, it was still in screaming good shape, it was a 4 wheel drive frame (dana 44 6 lug up front for moving purposes, dana 60 rear from the previous running 63) 1400, after I paid registration on her too.

Anyways, onto my dilemma, I currently have a 73 k20, no bed, make shift tail lights and bumper, cab and front clip, running 350/SM465/NP205, out of the dmv system, layin around on some property, and the cab is beyond saving. I dont fit very well in that cab, and I personally want to go to a 55-59 cab, run a flat bed after the cab is mounted up. Im curious of people who have done this swap (no, not s10 swaps, corvette swaps, strictly 73-87 gm 4x4's) Im told that the stock wheels/tires will stick out past the fenders, which is why i never see anyone do a 73-87 C series pick up, but im planning on having the truck on on 37's-40's- and yes, ive been yelled at and laughed at for this idea by multiple people, and im sorry to anyone who doesnt agree with my decision.

what im looking for is pictures, detailed information on your swaps (maining looking for measurements, where to weld body mounts, how much of a body lift to run, etc etc.) I have a friend who did a 56 onto a 79 C30 DRW, but he completed the swap when he was intoxicated, and has since sold the truck and no one knows where it is now, so hes no help. Im looking for this to be a fun/tow rig, but mainly fun, as my 93 C3500 drw is chuggin just fine I have a 454 and a bbc edelbrock mpfi kit accessible whenever i have a few bucks and the room in the garage (after christmas, my lady said she was gona buy me a new work bench, some storage new engine stand and a few small toys, gotta love a good woman eh?)

ANYWAYS, please keep in mind, im planning on either dual under cab exhuast pipes, a stack Im aquiring from a coworker (dont ask, just know it will be a monster when im done with her) or a nice straight pipe. So we'll see what happens.

ONE MORE QUESTION!

between 55-72, are the 55-59 trucks more probable for leg room? i'm 6'10, 315 pounds, i look small in my Crew Cab Dually as it is Im sure I can run some different buckets from summit or something..

Thanks for the help in advance, guys, means alot!

[OrrieG]

yes, it has been done and discussed. You can search the build part of this board and also in the 4x4 board on this site and turn up some examples. My build is a 59 frame and springs using a 74 K10 running gear with th350/203 set up. I don't remember it being that hard, big issues are fact the 59 is set up for basically a flat frame with slight kick up for the rearend, where 70 ish ones are a little more convoluted. Getting the gas tanks to fit might be an issue, but with a flat bed it will be more looks than fitment. The 59 frame is straight from front to back, the mid 70's kick in just beyond the firewall which makes hanging the front radiator support and sheet metal interesting. Then there are the brake, clutch and gas linkage. Lots of details.

[blackdiesel]

Mine was on a 77 K-20 frame. I didn't like the way it handled, so I biult a 2 wd frame. The rear cab mounts will set on the frame and you have to put a 4" block under the front cab mount to get it to set right.http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...t=build+thread here is my first build thread when I made it 4 wd. Man I was SO young. lol

[OrrieG]

You STILL are so young....

[blackdiesel]

Yes, but much wiser

[WIDESIDE72]

Any input on setting a 55 big window on a 84 k30 chassis? Its got drw but not sure if its a dually or cab and chassis (has a flat bed and forgot to look closely.)