Thinking about doing a K5 Bed Swap and Need some opinions

[jeremywrags]

Hi All,

I have a 75 K5 that runs pretty well but is rough from the doors back. The Bed floor is OK but the striker area is rusted and broken and the quarters have a ton of Bondo on them.

Anyway I found a guy with a bed from a 76 for $300 that he cut just behind the front seats. He claims that it will fit right in with little complications.

I think this is going to be the way to go seeing as new quarters are $299 a peice...

So the concerns I have are as follows.

1. My 75 Has the boxes underneath to add support for the full convertible. Do I need to cut them out and put them back in?

2. If I cut off the bed will I ever get things lined up again?

3. Has anyone ever done this or have any pics/advice before I continue?

Thanks in advance

J

 

[4X4HIGH]

It would be ALOT less work to just find another tub and swap them. The only problem then is going to be the VIN plate won't match your registration and it is a FEDERAL crime to remove or alter a vehicles VIN number/plate. IIRC as long as you have the title for BOTH vehicles it can be legally done but you have to go through your local referee station and possibly the CHP.

 

[jeremywrags]

Any other opinions here?

Hi Guys, still looking for some tips here, got one that thinks it's a bad idea and that may be the case but I would like a few more views?

 

[ryoken]

I'll verify what Scott said... and remember there isn't a bodywork job that I haven't done... I have the tools, knowhow and masochistic lack of fear to tackle any project.. but thats a BIG job for the average joe...

hunting, waiting, shipping, stealing a better tub is by FAR the easier route....

even if it takes 2 months and a grand to ship from the desert, you'll be WAY ahead of the game....

if you do tackle it, feel free to PM me....

 

[jeremywrags]

ryoken I was hoping that you would chime in...

Would it be worth it if I have a local shop with a good reputation do it? I have a perfect and I mean perfect rear cut just behind the drivers seat.

If not then I think I may start looking for a donor tub

 

[ryoken]

it can be done for sure.... not sure what a decent shop would charge to bring that thru primer these days... certainly a fair amount of labor.... i would guess the minimum you'd be looking at would be about 50 hrs.... do the math.... figure on AT LEAST 3 g's...

it can be done, but it can be hacked too by someones who doesn't take the right precautions or give a sh*t...

heck, Comnufornia? you should EASILY be able to find a clean tub with title out there i'm thinking... f*ck AZ's right next door...








....

 

[jeremywrags]

yea I figured as much... Anyway maybe it's a good time to start looking for a 1st gen and ditch the 75 all together

Thanks

 

[scottsdale86]

Might be worth a call. http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2077245031.html

 

[blazinzuk]

while it is a big job and I don't have nearly the knowledge of others here, its do able I think

Biggest problem I see is the fact that you did not do all the cutting. Certainly going to be an extensive job for sure

 

[K85 Octane]

Might be worth a call. http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/2077245031.html

x2 easy

how come yours is so bad? Original CA or no? LOL not that we don't get rust on our cars Or is the truck just "rough".

 

[jeremywrags]

Well it's pretty bad, both quarters have about 1/4 thick bondo that has started cracking and the Doors are being held on by Bolts that the last owner very poorly welded in... And yes the whole truck is rough. It actually runs and drives great but from the Floors to the tailgate it needs help.

 

[blazinzuk]

There will be a couple things different but you can always get a newer blazer and put the full vert windsheild frame on it. There will be some mods like the rocker boxes you will need to do and there are a couple differences in the body itself but none that warrant a huge amount of work

 

[K85 Octane]

there's nothing else to do but truggy it

Well, sounds like a keeper if it drives nice. I like the idea of fixing the body. However, even though it's a major PITA, you may want to ask the DMV etc how hard it is to get two trucks under one title, or however that works. Look into it before you make any decisions. Might be simpler to jump DMV hurdles than piecing two bodies together. Dunno, whatever you do, post up.