Removing Cab - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BadCompany · 05-31-2012, 07:35 PM

So I was in the process of starting a blazer tank swap on my '87 swb , and decided while I had the bed already off that it would be as good a time as any to paint my frame and replace my worn out cab bushings. This will be my first cab removal, and I really dont want to just start thrashing away at it without a little knowledge. Whats the best ways that you guys have done this?

**old Rusty C10** · 05-31-2012, 09:39 PM

first off id get the old PB Blaster and start a day or so early and get the cab bushing bolts good and blasted. ZIve dound that using a half inch drive breaker bar on the bolts and turning them a little then screwing them back in some and backing off a couple of turns is the best way to get them out without spinning them other than that im sure others will chime in also make sure you lube the threads a little when replacing the bushings

DBLSPRT68 · 06-02-2012, 05:13 AM

I did a complete body swap several years ago, by myself. I used a cherry picker (engine hoist). I removed the bed using chains in an "x" pattern. Later, I've learned that a thick piece of wood across the bed, under the top rails; also works great. For the cab, seat removed but doors on. I used chains mounted to the rear seat belt holes with thick bolts and washers. For the front chains, I drilled two holes on the fwd sides of the trans tunnel for the bolts. I later patched the holes. The trick here is balance! I connected the hoist about dash level or just above. The front will be heavier than the rear of the cab, so I put weight in the back of the cab. Trial and error, to get it balanced. I've got a photo of it in the air, I'll see if I can find it. It can be done

badpontiacs · 06-02-2012, 11:25 AM

I used my lift to do it. Make sure to undo the chassis grounds and pull the tail light harness from the cab off its retainers. There is also the engine harness that may give you trouble behind the distributor. Just check the harnesses over real good befor you start and keep an eye on them as you are lifting.

BadCompany · 06-04-2012, 02:47 AM

Hey guys thanks for the tips. Took a trip to the beach over the weekend, so I didnt get a chance to get much accomplished. I just finished pulling the bed and front clip, so maybe I will get to start on the cab sometime this week. Man I wish I had a lift to get this done, but I will be trying the cherry picker method. Thanks again for the replies

05-31-2012, 07:35 PM	#1
BadCompany Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Boondox, AL Posts: 41	Removing Cab So I was in the process of starting a blazer tank swap on my '87 swb , and decided while I had the bed already off that it would be as good a time as any to paint my frame and replace my worn out cab bushings. This will be my first cab removal, and I really dont want to just start thrashing away at it without a little knowledge. Whats the best ways that you guys have done this?

05-31-2012, 09:39 PM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,260	Re: Removing Cab first off id get the old PB Blaster and start a day or so early and get the cab bushing bolts good and blasted. ZIve dound that using a half inch drive breaker bar on the bolts and turning them a little then screwing them back in some and backing off a couple of turns is the best way to get them out without spinning them other than that im sure others will chime in also make sure you lube the threads a little when replacing the bushings __________________ 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!!

06-02-2012, 05:13 AM	#3
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Removing Cab I did a complete body swap several years ago, by myself. I used a cherry picker (engine hoist). I removed the bed using chains in an "x" pattern. Later, I've learned that a thick piece of wood across the bed, under the top rails; also works great. For the cab, seat removed but doors on. I used chains mounted to the rear seat belt holes with thick bolts and washers. For the front chains, I drilled two holes on the fwd sides of the trans tunnel for the bolts. I later patched the holes. The trick here is balance! I connected the hoist about dash level or just above. The front will be heavier than the rear of the cab, so I put weight in the back of the cab. Trial and error, to get it balanced. I've got a photo of it in the air, I'll see if I can find it. It can be done __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

06-02-2012, 11:25 AM	#4
badpontiacs Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Valparaiso, Indiana Posts: 195	Re: Removing Cab I used my lift to do it. Make sure to undo the chassis grounds and pull the tail light harness from the cab off its retainers. There is also the engine harness that may give you trouble behind the distributor. Just check the harnesses over real good befor you start and keep an eye on them as you are lifting. __________________

06-04-2012, 02:47 AM	#5
BadCompany Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Boondox, AL Posts: 41	Re: Removing Cab Hey guys thanks for the tips. Took a trip to the beach over the weekend, so I didnt get a chance to get much accomplished. I just finished pulling the bed and front clip, so maybe I will get to start on the cab sometime this week. Man I wish I had a lift to get this done, but I will be trying the cherry picker method. Thanks again for the replies



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