Frame swap 64 2wd C20 long bed to a 71 C20 frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**burnem** · 10-04-2022, 08:17 PM

what are the problems in mounting a 64 GMC cab, nose, and 8' bed onto a 71 or 72 Chevy frame? or is it easier to add front disc brakes and power steering to the 64 frame? all opiniones appreciated, thanks

karlbenz · 10-04-2022, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burnem

what are the problems in mounting a 64 GMC cab, nose, and 8' bed onto a 71 or 72 Chevy frame? or is it easier to add front disc brakes and power steering to the 64 frame? all opiniones appreciated, thanks

I would never frame swap for disc brakes. Lots of info on here about it

AcampoDave · 10-04-2022, 09:59 PM

Swapping disc and power steering are pretty straight forward on the earlier frame. I know some GMC trucks had rear leaf springs and I could see that being one factor for swapping the frame, but aside from that it would be easier to swap the front crossmember and get a power steering adapter such as those made by Captian Fab. If you have a donor lined up your already on your way. Don't overlook the rear end too because the donor may possibly have a more favorable gear ratio.

**Warrens69GMC** · 10-04-2022, 10:20 PM

I had considered getting a 64-66, so I have a complete rolling c20 chassis from 1976.
Still haven't got my 64-66 though.

**cwcarpenter98** · 10-04-2022, 11:27 PM

Definitely easier to swap over the front suspension since the front crossmember is almost a bolt in with just drilling a couple holes. The cab on the later frame requires modifying the cab mounts and you run into issues with the front bumper and frame horns not matching up correctly

SCOTI · 10-05-2022, 09:11 AM

Front frame horns are shaped different so changes are required depending on bumper used.
Front radiator core support mounts are in a different location.
Rear cab mounts are in a different location.

Definitely easier to swap disc brakes & power steering over to a '64 chassis.

10-04-2022, 08:17 PM	#1
burnem Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Kent, Washington Posts: 401	Frame swap 64 2wd C20 long bed to a 71 C20 frame what are the problems in mounting a 64 GMC cab, nose, and 8' bed onto a 71 or 72 Chevy frame? or is it easier to add front disc brakes and power steering to the 64 frame? all opiniones appreciated, thanks

10-04-2022, 09:59 PM	#3
AcampoDave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: central California Posts: 2,776	Re: Frame swap 64 2wd C20 long bed to a 71 C20 frame Swapping disc and power steering are pretty straight forward on the earlier frame. I know some GMC trucks had rear leaf springs and I could see that being one factor for swapping the frame, but aside from that it would be easier to swap the front crossmember and get a power steering adapter such as those made by Captian Fab. If you have a donor lined up your already on your way. Don't overlook the rear end too because the donor may possibly have a more favorable gear ratio.

10-04-2022, 10:20 PM	#4
Warrens69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Safford,AZ Posts: 3,625	Re: Frame swap 64 2wd C20 long bed to a 71 C20 frame I had considered getting a 64-66, so I have a complete rolling c20 chassis from 1976. Still haven't got my 64-66 though. __________________ 1969 307, t350 1950 Chevy Wagon 1978 Big 10 1967 C10, 250,3-OTT

10-04-2022, 11:27 PM	#5
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,488	Re: Frame swap 64 2wd C20 long bed to a 71 C20 frame Definitely easier to swap over the front suspension since the front crossmember is almost a bolt in with just drilling a couple holes. The cab on the later frame requires modifying the cab mounts and you run into issues with the front bumper and frame horns not matching up correctly __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

10-05-2022, 09:11 AM	#6
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,066	Re: Frame swap 64 2wd C20 long bed to a 71 C20 frame Front frame horns are shaped different so changes are required depending on bumper used. Front radiator core support mounts are in a different location. Rear cab mounts are in a different location. Definitely easier to swap disc brakes & power steering over to a '64 chassis. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



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