1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

Hello all,
Would like to know your thoughts and opinions on taking a 1960 gmc 4000 cab off and relocating it to a 2000-2004 ford or Chevy diesel 4wd cab and chassis truck. The truck is cool as it sits but I have plenty of farm trucks. Looking to add some speed, big tires and 4wd capability for off road use.

I want to use a cab and chassis truck since the frame will be straight all the way back from the cab and I won't have to mess around with stance.

I've never pulled a cab and put it on a newer truck body so looking for some advice and issues I may come across in doing so. I'm sure with all this knowledge on here so,done can help

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

Bigben
Since this site is mostly dedicated to preserving these classic old trucks, you might not get much of a response.
I am in the middle of my first frame swap on a 64 C50 to 79 C60 Chevy frame. I will pass along what another member recommended.
Park both trucks on a level surface. Since the front wheels are the most difficult component to move, use the center of the front wheel hub and a level or plumb bob to establish a reference line and mark it on the fender lip. Measure the firewall, front and rear body mounts and the radiator from that reference line and compare.
Also measure the frame width and wheel width to assess clearance. Look in the engine compartments for conflicts like steering column steering box type engine space required etc.
Its a lot of work even when the chassis are similar. Is the pain is worth the gain????

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

why not just move the components over to the older chassis. makes it a lot more simple to keep it legal with proper frame ser # for one. one can usually tell a frame swap a mile off as tires and wheels are usually off

ron

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

Abus,
Agreed on the preservation stuff but I have done multiple trucks where I've kept it original and now its time to do something else on the wish list. From what you said about the measurements I am 100% in agreement and that is a good idea to put them side by side and then make the measurements. That is what I'm trying to do now but I can't get them side by side until I decide which frame, make and newer model to go with. 00' or never. I'm just swapping the Cab so I'm trying to swap to a "cab and chassis" 00' or newer which has the sunken frame up front for the cab and then straight rails from the cab back for a utility bed which is what I want to do.

For me I can go either way. In my opinion it is easier to swap the cab and make it fit new components versus the other way around. I can always go the other way and just swap the components as well. Just looking for some "expertise" to influence my opinion.

Are you doing any frame shortening on your trucks? Would you be interested in sending me some pics and discussion over email versus the forum? If so PM me and i'll send you my info. Thanks for the reply and help -B

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

Pics Attached

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

Big B
Nice solid looking truck. Pm sent.
You mentioned a utility bed, so I assume this is going to be an actual work truck. Have you researched the title laws in your state. As Ron alludes things can get sticky. In Texas (medium duty trucks)the title and max gross weights stay with the frame.
I havent shortened a frame yet. I always seem to be looking for longer frames. It doesn't seem that it would be that difficult though. On my swap both frames are straight so not sure I will be much help. You can see the beginning on "other rides and projects" c50-c60 swap.

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

Just curious if anything has been done with this truck as far as putting it on another chassis. I have a 61 B model and in the process of getting running at this time. I have went back and forth as to what I want to do with mine. The only reason that I am even contemplating the cab swap is because the truck is a 2 1/2 ton grain truck now with 6.17 gears and only a 4 speed in front of it. I would like to be able to drive this even on the back roads with out getting run over.

Re: 1960 gmc 4000 cab swap
 

All depends what you want to do with it. I always use the "tool" approach. You buy tools to match the job that needs to be done. So if you want it on the road just to say you drive/own a b model GMC then get it running and road worthy and have a good time. If you want to be able to roll up at a light and smoke someone then build accordingly. Personally with the GMC 4000 above, my goal was to have a truck that I can take anywhere with the reliability and some features of a modern day truck. Thus, why I'm shortening the frame, updating suspension and gear and dropping a diesel motor in it, throwing a flatbed on and going to work. I'll try and post some pics when I can but I only get to it about every other month as I'm in the military and I'm gone a lot. The main consideration you should make with these old "working" trucks is that they were/are designed to work and move loads accordingly. With motor, transmission and gearing just realize your not going to break records. 45 to 50 mph is fast for these boys. If you want more than that you will have to consider some changes from motor on back.