Body Swap
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Michigan
Body Swap
So I have an 87 F250 with a 420 diesel in it. Truck runs like a beast, but unfortunately the body is starting to show signs of decay. And it should with a million three miles on it. So I want to toss a new body on her. I found one for $800, but it is off a gasser that is an F150. This means the biggest engine in her was a small block 351 windsor. I am not worried about the bed or cab as they should be the same no matter what. What I am worried about is the front fenders and if they will be long enough, and if there will be enough clearance for the big diesel engine. Any help or information is appreciated.
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Everything should fit no problem, one thing u might run into is the cab firewall clearing yhe diesel engine, I think it will but someine here should chime in and confirm it, as far as bed, fenders, doors go they are exactky the same
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From: Northern Arizona
All the sheet metal (including the cab) is identical EXCEPT the radiator core support. That is diesel specific. Then there are little things like the second battery tray etc., the real time consuming part of the body swap is transplanting all of the cab wiring. Sure you can hack the gasser wiring and make it run, but you are better off taking the time to move your diesel wiring and instruments to the gasser cab. There are more differences than you think. Is your body donor the same generation/body style?
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From: Michigan
The truck is a 1991, and as for the wiring, the previous owner put a plow on the truck and never used it, so he kept the plow. But when he removed the plow he cut all the wiring to the cab, so right now I only have the speedometer working. The frame is still good on the diesel so would I still have to worry about the core support, as I plan on tossing the gasser body on the diesel frame? (A plus is the diesel has stronger parts and a 10.25 sterling rear.) I am still trying to find out which size engine the gasser has.
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From: Northern Arizona
The core support is the framework that the fenders bolt to and holds the radiator, grill, lights, etc., the diesel core support is different and must be used to mount the larger radiator. If yours is salvageable on your '87, the '91 fenders, grill etc., will bolt right up to it. If it is badly rotted you might need to hunt one down at a salvage yard. You don't want to use the gasser radiator with your diesel for obvious reasons.
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The only other issue you might run into is that the title goes with the cab in most states. Since the diesel would not have been an option in the f150 some states might consider that an "illegal" engine swap and hassel you about the registration because the vin will be an F150 vin.
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I had a chance to really inspect the radiator support last night. It could use a new on, as there are two holes starting on it. As for the title, since I am combining the two trucks I would have to get a new title and a new in number. Would I still have a problem with the F150 body?
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Northern Arizona
The only other issue you might run into is that the title goes with the cab in most states. Since the diesel would not have been an option in the f150 some states might consider that an "illegal" engine swap and hassel you about the registration because the vin will be an F150 vin.
VIN issues are a real bummer with body swaps. It will not only look like an illegal engine swap in some states, but your GVWR will be that of the F150. I know it is not legal to do this, but in my opinion the best option is to switch the aluminum VIN plates on the dash. If you are careful about it you can squeeze or abrasively reduce the rivit studs below the dash just enough to push them through from underneath. This leaves the unique rivet head intact. Once transplanted, the rivets can be held by a dab of JB weld or similar. I believe you can order a replacement door jam sticker as well using the correct VIN. I know this sounds crooked, but when you legally own both vehicles and you just need the good cab sheet metal it should not bother your conscience.
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From: Northern Arizona
I had a chance to really inspect the radiator support last night. It could use a new on, as there are two holes starting on it. As for the title, since I am combining the two trucks I would have to get a new title and a new in number. Would I still have a problem with the F150 body?
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