potential swb project, need opinions! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

grayharville · 11-04-2010, 11:01 PM

Hey yall, A few months ago i picked up an 84 GMC LWB high sierra, it runs really good and has a pretty straight body, interior is decent. I recently sunk about 750 dollars into the truck buying tires and a billet grill. But I dont care much for longbeds.

Tomorow I am supposed to be taking delivery of an 86 chevy shortbed, with a very clean front clip, doors, bed, and tailgate. but, it doesnt have a motor/tranny and the cab is set up for a manual trans (hole in floor, etc)

Now the delimma. I am really considering pulling apart the SWB, Painting the frame, Pulling apart my LWB, and robbing the motor, trans, wheels, tires, entire cab and billet grill, swapping all parts onto the fresh SWB frame, repainting the whole truck so I can enjoy having a SWB, then simply selling whats left as parts.

Should I do it? It will Basically be a Frame-off, since Ill be swapping cabs. It wont cost me hardly anything. Im more than capable of performing the swap, im just not sure if I want to yet... Opinions please!

thepenguin99 · 11-04-2010, 11:05 PM

Sounds like a good idea except for the cab swap part. I would rather use the swb cab/title on the swb frame. Other than the hole for the shifter is the cab in bad shape?

grayharville · 11-04-2010, 11:13 PM

The cab isnt in near as good shape as mine, it has wires cut and other hacked up stuff. with mine I wouldnt have to deal with any of that. And my LWB cab is completely legit and title in my name. It also has the correct low hump floor, steering column, and brake pedals. And as far as I know there isnt a difference in LWB vs SWB titles, other than maybe a wheelbase listed, I can say i converted the truck to SWB, no biggie.

piecesparts · 11-05-2010, 08:23 AM

GO for it and enjoy.

grayharville · 11-05-2010, 06:22 PM

Well that was my plan, but something else came up, i was offered 2000 dollars for the GMC! what to do?

Jonboy · 11-05-2010, 06:29 PM

You could sell it and make a small road trip up here and pick up my 87 SWB. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426242 Than cruise Craigslist for a cheap Suburban donor, and have a nice, cheap lowered 87 SWB that is injected. Just a thought.

**old Rusty C10** · 11-05-2010, 06:41 PM

basically it is illegal to do what you want to do, you should contact your motor vehicles to see how they would issue a VIN to the truck made from parts of both.. This is not to say that people dont do this every day but it is still illegal....
as to selling the parts leftover that is a good idea but please bear in mind that to sell them here you must be a subscribing member. Please look in the stickys at the top of the forum to find out how to become a subscribing member if you so desire.
Personally i prefer a long bed but hey we all have our favorites.... how about some pics of both trucks>?

grayharville · 11-05-2010, 06:44 PM

only prob. with that is, for the price you want i could just swap over all the parts from my GMC onto my shorty and wouldnt even have a grand into the entire SWB that runs and drives. That is a clean truck you have though, ill keep it in mind

grayharville · 11-05-2010, 07:00 PM

Heres the GMC, the pics make the paint look alot nicer lol. i dont have one of the SWB

Jonboy · 11-05-2010, 07:18 PM

Cash talks. It has a clean TX title, too.

grayharville · 11-05-2010, 07:31 PM

Im afraid my offer for your truck would be nowhere near enough, as I am getting this SWB for nothing. i do like that tuck, wish mine was TBI

Jonboy · 11-05-2010, 09:28 PM

Yeah, probably not that cheap. Just thought I would throw that out there, though.

**Dieselwrencher** · 11-05-2010, 10:37 PM

I'd do it if I were you. I know how money can be a big issue to get a project finished. And there are ways to get that VIN/title legal like already mentioned. Just rememebr the cab and frame numbers should match when you are done with the build...............

grayharville · 11-06-2010, 01:09 AM

Id like to see the fat cops around here rolling around on the ground trying to find the frame VIN anyways. hahaha

white82 · 11-06-2010, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grayharville

Id like to see the fat cops around here rolling around on the ground trying to find the frame VIN anyways. hahaha

im with him .. on most older they only check the cab..

SS Delux · 11-06-2010, 05:09 PM

If you do the swap keep all the pedals and cut out the floor.

grayharville · 11-09-2010, 12:22 AM

I have someone that wants to look at the GMC, if they dont buy it then I think ill be shortening my LWB frame to a SWB, by taking out 14 inches in front and 6 in rear. this would be way easier than swapping all of my parts over to the SWB frame. Then I can simply fix the small amount of rust on my SWB bed, install, and paint it. DONE! opinions?

11-04-2010, 11:01 PM	#1
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	potential swb project, need opinions! Hey yall, A few months ago i picked up an 84 GMC LWB high sierra, it runs really good and has a pretty straight body, interior is decent. I recently sunk about 750 dollars into the truck buying tires and a billet grill. But I dont care much for longbeds. Tomorow I am supposed to be taking delivery of an 86 chevy shortbed, with a very clean front clip, doors, bed, and tailgate. but, it doesnt have a motor/tranny and the cab is set up for a manual trans (hole in floor, etc) Now the delimma. I am really considering pulling apart the SWB, Painting the frame, Pulling apart my LWB, and robbing the motor, trans, wheels, tires, entire cab and billet grill, swapping all parts onto the fresh SWB frame, repainting the whole truck so I can enjoy having a SWB, then simply selling whats left as parts. Should I do it? It will Basically be a Frame-off, since Ill be swapping cabs. It wont cost me hardly anything. Im more than capable of performing the swap, im just not sure if I want to yet... Opinions please! __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

11-04-2010, 11:05 PM	#2
thepenguin99 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Millington TN Posts: 435	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Sounds like a good idea except for the cab swap part. I would rather use the swb cab/title on the swb frame. Other than the hole for the shifter is the cab in bad shape?

11-04-2010, 11:13 PM	#3
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! The cab isnt in near as good shape as mine, it has wires cut and other hacked up stuff. with mine I wouldnt have to deal with any of that. And my LWB cab is completely legit and title in my name. It also has the correct low hump floor, steering column, and brake pedals. And as far as I know there isnt a difference in LWB vs SWB titles, other than maybe a wheelbase listed, I can say i converted the truck to SWB, no biggie. __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares Last edited by grayharville; 11-04-2010 at 11:15 PM.

11-05-2010, 08:23 AM	#4
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! GO for it and enjoy. __________________ Frank

11-05-2010, 06:22 PM	#5
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Well that was my plan, but something else came up, i was offered 2000 dollars for the GMC! what to do? __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

11-05-2010, 06:29 PM	#6
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! You could sell it and make a small road trip up here and pick up my 87 SWB. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426242 Than cruise Craigslist for a cheap Suburban donor, and have a nice, cheap lowered 87 SWB that is injected. Just a thought. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

11-05-2010, 06:41 PM	#7
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,259	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! basically it is illegal to do what you want to do, you should contact your motor vehicles to see how they would issue a VIN to the truck made from parts of both.. This is not to say that people dont do this every day but it is still illegal.... as to selling the parts leftover that is a good idea but please bear in mind that to sell them here you must be a subscribing member. Please look in the stickys at the top of the forum to find out how to become a subscribing member if you so desire. Personally i prefer a long bed but hey we all have our favorites.... how about some pics of both trucks>? __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

11-05-2010, 06:44 PM	#8
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! only prob. with that is, for the price you want i could just swap over all the parts from my GMC onto my shorty and wouldnt even have a grand into the entire SWB that runs and drives. That is a clean truck you have though, ill keep it in mind __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

11-05-2010, 07:00 PM	#9
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Heres the GMC, the pics make the paint look alot nicer lol. i dont have one of the SWB __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

11-05-2010, 07:18 PM	#10
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Cash talks. It has a clean TX title, too. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

11-05-2010, 07:31 PM	#11
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Im afraid my offer for your truck would be nowhere near enough, as I am getting this SWB for nothing. i do like that tuck, wish mine was TBI __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

11-05-2010, 09:28 PM	#12
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Yeah, probably not that cheap. Just thought I would throw that out there, though. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

11-05-2010, 10:37 PM	#13
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,133	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! I'd do it if I were you. I know how money can be a big issue to get a project finished. And there are ways to get that VIN/title legal like already mentioned. Just rememebr the cab and frame numbers should match when you are done with the build............... __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

11-06-2010, 01:09 AM	#14
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! Id like to see the fat cops around here rolling around on the ground trying to find the frame VIN anyways. hahaha __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

11-06-2010, 05:09 PM	#16
SS Delux Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: windsor Posts: 290	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! If you do the swap keep all the pedals and cut out the floor.



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11-09-2010, 12:22 AM	#17
grayharville ^^who I am^^ what I say> Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Murchison, Tx Posts: 992	Re: potential swb project, need opinions! I have someone that wants to look at the GMC, if they dont buy it then I think ill be shortening my LWB frame to a SWB, by taking out 14 inches in front and 6 in rear. this would be way easier than swapping all of my parts over to the SWB frame. Then I can simply fix the small amount of rust on my SWB bed, install, and paint it. DONE! opinions? __________________ 70 chevy LWB 350/TH350 Barn find (AKA the 70) http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=406364 East Tx Squares

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