cab swapping
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 48
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cab swapping
Hello everyone-
My truck is being eaten by cancer pretty bad, so much that I don't want to fix the rust holes. Anyone ever done a cab swap? If so how did it go? Horror stories? What about a bed swap? That should be easy.
Just contimplating what to do with my truck.
Mahalo, ricker
My truck is being eaten by cancer pretty bad, so much that I don't want to fix the rust holes. Anyone ever done a cab swap? If so how did it go? Horror stories? What about a bed swap? That should be easy.
Just contimplating what to do with my truck.
Mahalo, ricker
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,404
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From: Cleveland, WI USA
cab swapping
I have a 78 F150 4x4 that came with a spare cab. The current one is pretty rusty, especially the floor. I fully intend to write a step by step procedure of the swap - with photos(mainly so I know how to put it back together). I have to be done before the 1st of May.
I haven't picked up the cab yet (or seent for that matter) so I don't know how complete it is.
I, too would like to hear from anyone who's done it.
Kevin K.
I haven't picked up the cab yet (or seent for that matter) so I don't know how complete it is.
I, too would like to hear from anyone who's done it.
Kevin K.
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 41
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From: Novato
cab swapping
I did this on a 78 F-150. It was easier than I thought it would be. The hardest part was lifting the cab away from the frame. My wife didn't want to help me, so I had to get a neighbor. Once the cab was off I went through the dash board to get the things I needed. After prep, prime and painting the inside of the new cab, I got my neighbor again and we bolted it up. It took two days for me to complete.
The bed is even easier, eight bolts, the fuel fill tube, and diconnect the lights. Your ready for lift off. It took four of us to lift out the bed.
Good luck, have fun, and remember to bag and tag everything you remove!
The bed is even easier, eight bolts, the fuel fill tube, and diconnect the lights. Your ready for lift off. It took four of us to lift out the bed.
Good luck, have fun, and remember to bag and tag everything you remove!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska Farm
cab swapping
Really pretty simple. Biggest thing would be the cabs need to match to make it really easy. such as, manual (clutch pedal) vs. auto (shifter on column) and A/C vs. heat only. All the cabs will fit on each others frame, its just a matter of what you want when done. 2 bolts in the front corners and 2 bolts at the rear. the fenders are hooked to it behind the doors. If your getting a cab with the wiring still in it, make sure either the gauge panel matches or swap them. Theres also a dual fuel tank switch on some. All this can be interchanged to get what you want. 77 and newer cabs have the shoulder seat belt also. Hey, theres another difference is the behind seat fuel tank.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
cab swapping
ricker,
I did a cab swap on a 78 250 fwd.I went from an
extended cab to a standard cab so some of the problems I
had won't pertain to you.If you don't have a garage with
at least a ten foot ceiling plan on working outside.
Take a much as you can off the cabs to lighten them
up.The removable access cover for the manual trans
or fwd is not present on cabs with auto
trans and 2wd.No biggie but something that might
come up.With the cab off the chassis you are
going to use ,it is easy to replumb all the fuel
and brake lines,no small issue with the vintage
trucks we are talking about.Also check the vin
number stamped on top of passenger side frame rail
with the cab off .It will be alot easier to see.
Cab swaps aren't that bad but it does take time.
I did a cab swap on a 78 250 fwd.I went from an
extended cab to a standard cab so some of the problems I
had won't pertain to you.If you don't have a garage with
at least a ten foot ceiling plan on working outside.
Take a much as you can off the cabs to lighten them
up.The removable access cover for the manual trans
or fwd is not present on cabs with auto
trans and 2wd.No biggie but something that might
come up.With the cab off the chassis you are
going to use ,it is easy to replumb all the fuel
and brake lines,no small issue with the vintage
trucks we are talking about.Also check the vin
number stamped on top of passenger side frame rail
with the cab off .It will be alot easier to see.
Cab swaps aren't that bad but it does take time.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 48
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cab swapping
Thanks everybody for the advice. My confidence is up and I think I am going to do this. Right now the truck is pretty bare bones in terms of comfort, but I would like to find one with AC and dual tanks so I can add that stuff to mine. Hey, what did you guys do with the glass? Did you keep the windshield in the donor cab, or remove the old one and reuse it? Pretty much everything on the old cab needs to be replaced, except the glass! I will be working outside, but that does not bother me as I will start in the summer. I also want to use the same color and will paint the inside of the cab first. Man, thanks guys for the advice and encouragement, I wasn't sure I could do this!
I will keep you updated and construct a picture book and storyline as I do this.
Mahalo, Ricker
I will keep you updated and construct a picture book and storyline as I do this.
Mahalo, Ricker
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska Farm
cab swapping
I just pulled the doors off to make it lighter and left the glass in that was good. I used an engine hoist to lift it. I built a bracket with a 2X8 that spanned the cab inside, then reached through the door and picked it up from inside. 2 guys can lift it off though. It helps and may be necessary to either take the box off or the front clip off to have some room to lift it up and away. Box would probably be easier.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Hillsdale USA BABY
cab swapping
using a hoist is great if you have one. helps saves your back haha, but it isnt too hard to swap the cabs. it is the time to do everything that is the kicker. but other then that, fords are great!!! have fun! andrew
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 13
From: Kincardine, ON
cab swapping
I'm preparing for my cancer change out also, I've got my cab and box in storage. The cab is not to bad for moving around, but you want a few strong backs for the box. They where made when metal was still in fashion. I helped move a box on a 2000 F150, and it took two of us, four of us gave a good grunt on my late '70's box. I look forward to any write ups on the swap also. When I get mine done I plan on wiring with a new aftermarket harness and installing an aftermarket A/C unit. I'll document the process and the cost when I'm done to help anyone else looking at this route. Good luck.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: 15 miles west of Venus
cab swapping
>ricker,
> I did a cab swap on a 78 250 fwd.I went from an
>extended cab to a standard cab so some of the problems I
>had won't pertain to you.
Where did you cut the frame to get rid of the 22"? I am going the other way. It would make the title business a lot easier.
> I did a cab swap on a 78 250 fwd.I went from an
>extended cab to a standard cab so some of the problems I
>had won't pertain to you.
Where did you cut the frame to get rid of the 22"? I am going the other way. It would make the title business a lot easier.
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2001
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cab swapping
77460Ford
Aftermarket wiring harness and AC? Where are you going to get these highly prized items? What will the aftermarket harness do for you? (I know what the AC will do).
curious
ricker
Aftermarket wiring harness and AC? Where are you going to get these highly prized items? What will the aftermarket harness do for you? (I know what the AC will do).
curious
ricker
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 13
From: Kincardine, ON
cab swapping
When I picked up the southern cab it already had AC, but the system was mangled. I priced parts and looked at picking up pieces from the wreckers but not many trucks came equipped with it up here (Ontario). The place where I've been buying my parts (trim, ect.) had an Air-tiques AC unit that was half the size and the same or greater output. It all fits under the dash, heater included. I have all new components and 154 compatible. It was $1200.00 Canadian for everything but the condenser.
The wiring; well after close to 25 years the wiring has seen better days. Splicing and age have taken there toll. Another distributor has a 21 circuit wiring system (EZ-wiring) for $375.00 Cdn. Tough to beat that when its all labled and set to run. This may not be the choice for everyone but I plan on holding onto this old girl for quite a while longer so I felt a little spent now saves alot of tinkering later.
John
The wiring; well after close to 25 years the wiring has seen better days. Splicing and age have taken there toll. Another distributor has a 21 circuit wiring system (EZ-wiring) for $375.00 Cdn. Tough to beat that when its all labled and set to run. This may not be the choice for everyone but I plan on holding onto this old girl for quite a while longer so I felt a little spent now saves alot of tinkering later.
John
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