Body Swap Decisions - good bye k5, hello s10

[MNorby]

Well I am finding that the k5 body is just too big. Looking at a different ideas but thinking that I never haul 4 people and don't have kids/ plan on kids any time soon, just the little dog. Thinking a late model S10 ext cab truck cab/front clip on my 71 k5 frame. Think it would be easiest to keep my frame since it is already loaded with my suspension, engine/doubler, etc. I would make a tube cage/bed deal to mount cell, batts, tools, air tanks, etc... Pros/Cons????

 

[yellowK20]

No way man your blazer is to cool for that!! plus those first gens are to rare to be just cutting up all willy-nilly find a second gen frame and build another rig

 

[MNorby]

if it wasn't for the rear corner bars on the back the body would be about 2' narrower in the back after yesterday, they were a life saver but also a hindrance.... alot! I love the way it looks but also the first gen hood is hard to see over and jsut plain big. If someone wanted the tub/cage afterward would make someone a screamin deal.

 

[yellowK20]

well hopefully some one will jump on that

 

[bp71k5]

Why not do like RyanB and make the body panels removable?

 

[MNorby]

Still need a sealed up cab as much as possible for winter wheelin.

 

[vtblazer]

Well I am finding that the k5 body is just too big. Looking at a different ideas but thinking that I never haul 4 people and don't have kids/ plan on kids any time soon, just the little dog. Thinking a late model S10 ext cab truck cab/front clip on my 71 k5 frame. Think it would be easiest to keep my frame since it is already loaded with my suspension, engine/doubler, etc. I would make a tube cage/bed deal to mount cell, batts, tools, air tanks, etc... Pros/Cons????

I've been thinking the exact same thing, taking something smaller and landing it on my frame that's already set up.

We ran with a buggy this weekend and it was like...dayum, look where he can go! (fit)

 

[muddermilitia]

Narrow the entire body, right down the middle

 

[BIGSTIC]

What kind of screaming deal can you make on the tub and cage?

I am up in Billings and got a 72 and trying to find an excuse to not fix the rust

As for the question. Well a late model s10 x-cab would look nice. But once you ditch the back you will end up going 4 link and chop the frame and then ditch the front clip so you can link the front. Its the natural progression. Don't get me wrong I would love to get my hands on your body but you might be better trying to trade off your rig for a mildly built buggy that you could easily winterize. There are so many nice buggy's going for cheap.

 

[dremu]

I love the way it looks but also the first gen hood is hard to see over and jsut plain big.

I've not actually been in a 67/69-72, but the 73+ are pretty bad too

-- A

 

[yellowK20]

I've got a decent running 91 s-10 ex-cab 2-wheel in New Mexico and a decent 75 shortbed roller if it saves a first gen from getting scrapped LOL

 

[MNorby]

For now i have decided to wheel the big ol blazer over the summer and keep my eye out for a body or something to swap. I might just find a body and build my own chassis then when i am ready start swapping my drivetrain and sell the k5 as a body/frame

 

[MNorby]

well the k5 went away, BIGSTIC here bought the tub and tubework from me then ran to bozeman and picked up this 97 sonoma.

 

[BIGSTIC]

Thanks for the project

 

[MNorby]

Hey, deal worked out great. Scott has the soft top stuff and I gotta get a notary to watch me sign title so will bring that with me to Billings next weekend. Forgot I was gonna pull the $$$ led tailights off body.

 

[BIGSTIC]

No problem. I will pull the lights when I get back. I have some tail lights floating around that came spare with my K5 when I bought it.

 

[MNorby]

Will be around next sunday? I can drop title off and grab lights. Don't need the aluminum panels, just the grommet mount tail lights

 

[BIGSTIC]

should be back in town friday. give me a holler when you are on your way up and i should be able to meet up.

 

[MNorby]

sounds good.

 

[dfl701]

Well I hate to see that nice body go but atleast it's goin to a good home. It was such a sweet lookin rig! I hope the s10 looks just as good