73-75 frame vs 78 frame

[Rugby_7]

I've been looking at getting a new frame to replace my bent frame on my blazer project. I've tried fixing it and taking it to frame shops but it isn't working out. I put an add on craigslist for a frame and got contacted by a guy with one he thought was a 77. After looking at the pictures it appears to be a 78 frame with the middle body mounts outboard. Could I swap my inboard frame body mount onto the 78 frame or are there more differences than that?

78 frame 4

• Rugby_7
• Dec 29, 2015

78 frame 3

• Rugby_7
• Dec 29, 2015

78 frame 2

• Rugby_7
• Dec 29, 2015

78 frame 1

• Rugby_7
• Dec 29, 2015

75 frame

• Rugby_7
• Dec 29, 2015

 

[Rugby_7]

I ended up getting pretty lucky and coming across a good frame from the right year.

 

[campfire]

So...you didn't need the '78 frame?

 

[Rugby_7]

So...you didn't need the '78 frame?

I thought I did. Seemed like some slim pickings on good frames from 73-77. That 78 frame looks to be in really nice condition though, I think factory paint

 

[JoshHefnerX]

I could be wrong on this, but wasn't 78 the first year of the folding back seat? If so, isn't the frame different to accommodate that? I know the floor is different back there.

 

[Rugby_7]

I could be wrong on this, but wasn't 78 the first year of the folding back seat? If so, isn't the frame different to accommodate that? I know the floor is different back there.

It does look like the 78 frame isn't as flat as the older frames in the middle.

 

[bmxbryant9]

I put my 75 tub on a mid or early 80s frame and all the mounts lined up except the ones near the rear bench but the new frame is different. I was able to get the rest of the body mounts to line up

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

I thought I did. Seemed like some slim pickings on good frames from 73-77. That 78 frame looks to be in really nice condition though, I think factory paint

Does this mean 73 to 77 k5 frames are the same?

 

[Rugby_7]

Does this mean 73 to 77 k5 frames are the same?

That it does! Are you on a search for one? Third time was the charm for me finding a good one.

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

That it does! Are you on a search for one? Third time was the charm for me finding a good one.

I'm needing a frame straighter then mine.
Would like to find a 73 to 75 frame to keep the "smog exempt" but I'm not sure it matters really.

 

[imiceman44]

I'm needing a frame straighter then mine.
Would like to find a 73 to 75 frame to keep the "smog exempt" but I'm not sure it matters really.

As long as your cab has the vin, you are good in California.
And yes 73-77 works for you

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

As long as your cab has the vin, you are good in California.
And yes 73-77 works for you

I though they went by the vin on the frame.

 

[imiceman44]

I though they went by the vin on the frame.

Either one. No need for both to match.

 

[MetalMulishaMarcus]

Either one. No need for both to match.

Good to know. It's easier to find a 77 frame then a 73 to 75 frame.