[chevy_c10]

Hello everyone. Its been a while since I have been on and asked any questions. I sure hope someone can help me with the question I have now. I have the opportunity to pick up an 83 chevy 1/2 with a fleetside long box for $500. The truck runs great and is in nice condition. However, I am needing just the bed from it for my 76 restoration. I have several people wanting several parts from the truck if I get it so I will basically be getting paid to take the bed instead of paying to take it.

Looking around, it looks like my box fits 73-78 and the 83 falls under the 79-87 category. The only difference I have seen between the two beds is the 83 is slightyly longer (looks like less than an inch.) So, my question is, can the 79-87 bed be adapted to the 76 frame? I am sure some of you are wondering why I don't just put my drivetrain in the 83 but I prefer the 76 body style plus the truck belonged to my great grandfather and I want to restore it. I hope someone has either done this, or just thought about it and never got around to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[ericnova72]

Basically '73-87 Chevy/GMC trucks are all the same, frames are only different at the front bumper mount area. The boxes are identical and interchangable, and a replacement box side is the same part # for both boxes. Bolts and floor mounts are all in the same place.

Doors and tail gates are also the same and interchangable, cabs are 99% the same, only the hood hinges are different, hood hinges are on the cab for '81-87 and on the fender for 73-80. Entire cabs and front clips from 81-87 can also be interchanged onto the earlier '73-80 frame

[sqzbox]

Looks like all you have to worry about now is the gas door and fill neck.

[joe_padavano]

I've personally done this swap and the only issue is that you need the filler neck that matches the bed, since the early trucks have an exposed gas cap and the later trucks have the gas cap hidden behind a filler door.