78 Frame Under 65 Body

[varagon]

Hey all!

I just found a great donor truck that I brought home today. It's a 1978 1/2 ton auto, ps, pb, 302, etc that I plan to use the frame and put my 65 body on it. The idea is to build a truck that my wife can get in and drive if need be and something that is "somewhat" comfortable to drive.

I've been following these types of projects for at least five or six years, but are there any things that might jump out at me?

For example, getting the bed and cab to line up with the body lines on the 65 once on the frame or the steering column and master cylinder?

I am selling the body parts from the 78 to recoup a little of the cost and I'm going to be taking my sweet time with this. Nothing fancy at all.

Thanks!

[BlueGhost]

Just curious why you want to swap frames. Is you 65 frame shot?

The reason I ask is that pretty much everything you listed, ps, pb, engine mounts, ect will bolt right onto your 65 frame. I've swapped all these parts onto my 65 from a late 70's f100.

I would think it would be easier to transfer these parts to the 65 frame than transferring the 65 sheet metal to a later frame.

[varagon]

The main reason is that all of the bolts in the suspension- Kingpins, etc, are such a pain to get out (rusted, etc) to make the swap that it's just easier to swap the bodies.

Anyone else with suggestions? Swap bodies or take the stuff off the 78 and put on the 65 frame?

[MadMaxetc]

I would keep the 65 frame.

The VINs would match. that is required in some states.

[varagon]

Well after speaking to several people, it seems the best route is to keep the body and frame the same and simply swap parts.

I'll keep everyone updated as it warms up.

[Dman64]

I did a a 64 to 75 frame swap and if I were to do it again I would have kept my 64 frame and just installed a mustang II front end. Glad I am done the rust is always so much fun.lol

D