Swapping cabs??

[66 c20]

So a few weeks ago I picked up my 66 c20. It needs a new cab and fenders. I found a cab locally from a 64 c10. As far as I can tell online, they should be a direct swap. Am I correct on that?? Also, anything I should know about swapping them?? I'm looking forward to getting this thing driving!

[TJ's Chevy]

They'll swap. Only problem will be a different vin number.

[66 c20]

Is that really a big deal though? I don't care that much. I'll likely keep this thing to hand down to my kids.

[PGSigns]

Yes it is a big deal. You wont have a title to match it and no way to show you own it. Unless you got a title with the 64 cab and titled it as the 64. Many threads here on cab and frame swaps and the issues with titling them in different states. A trip to your department of motor vehicles to find out what you have to do in NY may be your best bet.
Jimmy

[T.W.Dustin]

People swap cabs all the time. Keep your old VIN tag off the cab you are not using - that's what most folks do. I have a C20 cab I am putting on my C10 frame.

[Indian113]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Yes it is a big deal. You wont have a title to match it and no way to show you own it. Unless you got a title with the 64 cab and titled it as the 64. Many threads here on cab and frame swaps and the issues with titling them in different states. A trip to your department of motor vehicles to find out what you have to do in NY may be your best bet.
Jimmy

This is the best advice you have received! Not having the correct Vin # can get your truck taken away in my State. I would think it would be the same anywhere in the US

[NVS-C10]

They have to verify VIN number on the frame or cab. Check with your local DMV since they actually do the titling and registration.. I wouldn't check with local police as I have gotten different opinions (that's what I'll call them) from different law enforcement agencies.

Also good idea to keep in your glove compartment anything that shows how you aquired the new cab like bill of sale or Craigslist listing, etc in case you do ever get questioned so you can show proof that you purchased it to replace damaged cab.

[66 c20]

Well, the good thing is that I'll get the registration and a bill of sale with the 64 cab so I can register it however the dmv wants me to.

I've checked other threads and here but none of them actually say anything about the process of swapping the cabs, just random info on it.

[jonzcustomshop]

if you have the titling figured out , then it is a matter of how you want to go about it.
it can be as simple as unbolting the 4 cab bolts, and 2 rad support bolts and swapping the cab and front clip all in one unit.

stuff to consider: fuel line at the rear of the cab.
brake line/or master cylinder.
steering column: unbolt box from frame? disconnect rag joint?
clutch rod that runs through the floor.
emergency brake cable if equipped (some 20 series will have the drum style trans e- brake.)
speedometer cable
rear wiring harness connection to fire wall
front wiring harness
engine wiring harness
remove trans cover, or remove shift lever from trans.
ground straps

/\ all this will have to be dealt with depending on how complete each truck is.

pics and a plan of action will help us better help you with how you could/should do the swap.


yes the 64 to 66 could be a direct swap.
the differences from 64 to 66 are mostly cosmetic and should give you no problems.
there are some differences in how the turn signal and column go together. if the 64 cab is complete with the column and harness you should try to keep it together, or ,if it is gone, then keep the one from your 66... again after you show us what you have we can help you better.

[66 c20]

I will get pictures as soon as I have them both together. Thanks.