86 cab on 78 chassis...doable?
trying to make a decision if to buy the 86 cab or not.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 3
From: Waterloo IL
I would not buy it. I'm sure you can get in on there if you really try but then you'd need the rest of the 86 body since the 78s fenders and front end aren't gonna fit the 86 cab, and the 86 core support mounts aren't going to bolt to the 78s frame.
Plus in my opinion the 78 was one of the best body styles ever and 86 was one of the worst, not sure why you'd want to make that swap. A 78 cab should be simple to find.
Plus in my opinion the 78 was one of the best body styles ever and 86 was one of the worst, not sure why you'd want to make that swap. A 78 cab should be simple to find.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,219
Likes: 190
From: Colorado Springs
dont buy an 86 cab. stick with the 73-79. why would you want to turn a classic into another ugly 80's?
That would be a ton of work for a horrable outcome. NOTHING would line up, its a completely different vehicle sharing nearly no similarity.
That would be a ton of work for a horrable outcome. NOTHING would line up, its a completely different vehicle sharing nearly no similarity.
Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boyne Mich
I did it. I took an 86 F150 2wd and put it on a 77 150 4wd frame. quite a bit of work.
had to make new front cab mount frame perches and Radiator mount perches.
I had quite a bit of trouble getting the wheel wells center right. The gap between the cab and box was a little more than I wanted.
Probably the best 86 4wd ever, but I wouldn't do it again. I am currently doing a similar project but with a 79 2wd body on a 79 4wd frame.
If I can find some old pics i'll try to scan them in this week end.
Shawn
had to make new front cab mount frame perches and Radiator mount perches.
I had quite a bit of trouble getting the wheel wells center right. The gap between the cab and box was a little more than I wanted.
Probably the best 86 4wd ever, but I wouldn't do it again. I am currently doing a similar project but with a 79 2wd body on a 79 4wd frame.
If I can find some old pics i'll try to scan them in this week end.
Shawn
