Project Bandwagon Posted December 4, 2012 Report Share Posted December 4, 2012 I found what I think is a pretty good deal on a 78 620 in what looks to be good shape exterior wise. I've done the IRS swap from a 240, and the motor swap from a 240 on mine, but the body is rusty and floors are gone (literally) I'm just wondering if I bought the 78 and swapped bodies (or frames I guess lol) if I'd run into any issues. My plan would be to score the good body/bad motor truck, swap all the good panels onto my good motor/frame/rear end, and vice versa, then sell the 73 as parts or if i can get it running/driving as a driver. Quote Link to comment
Skib Posted December 4, 2012 Report Share Posted December 4, 2012 is it a long bed? or king cab? Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted December 4, 2012 Report Share Posted December 4, 2012 The '78 620 has a larger L20B motor. Front disc brakes Internally regulated alternator Ball joint steering Electronic ignition (remote igniter type) It will have a 71B type 4 or 5 speed. The '73 had a lighter duty F4W63 4 speed. Larger rad and a different rad support shape. Could have a King Cab or Long Bed option. '73s were all short wheelbase. Different grill style. Rims are slightly different to clear the disc brakes. Headlight switch is illuminated. 2 Quote Link to comment
Project Bandwagon Posted December 6, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 the truck i'm looking at picking up. Do you think I'd run into any issues swapping the 78 frame under the 73 body or vise versa? i just don't want to chop up the frame rear end of the 78 since i've already got it swapped into the 73 Quote Link to comment
1lo620 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 5 years.... Sorry somebody had to be the smart ass... :rofl: Quote Link to comment
Aibast Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 hmm, mine is 79 and has regulater outside alternator, 1973 electric system but front disk brakes, gastank bolted to frame. But it was made for european market - originaly sold in finland. Quote Link to comment
1lo620 Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 My buddy did the smae thing you are talking about years ago.. He had a rust bucket but a good runner 78.. He found a clean straight no rust 73.. so he wanted to keep the disc brakes. So he swapped out the bodies.everything bolted up no issues. . Only thing that I remember that was different besides mechanical that Datsun Mike has stated. is the gas tank on the 73 is bolted to the bed and frame on a 78/79.. But that isnt a problem.. good luck.. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted December 6, 2012 Report Share Posted December 6, 2012 Do you think I'd run into any issues swapping the 78 frame under the 73 body or vise versa? i just don't want to chop up the frame rear end of the 78 since i've already got it swapped into the 73 The '78 truck has to be a short wheelbase to fit the '73 body. Otherwise the frame will need to be shortened 9.45" ahead of the axle and behind the torsion bar cross member. Quote Link to comment
dotdat Posted December 14, 2012 Report Share Posted December 14, 2012 the truck i'm looking at picking up. Do you think I'd run into any issues swapping the 78 frame under the 73 body or vise versa? i just don't want to chop up the frame rear end of the 78 since i've already got it swapped into the 73 ************** Hurry up and buy this thing so I don't have to. It's only about 200 miles from me. Quote Link to comment
CatfishKarl Posted December 16, 2012 Report Share Posted December 16, 2012 It's not hard there are some small things that are different however you may not even find them. I would use the 78 frame under the 73 body but remember there is a serial number on the frame. Quote Link to comment
Project Bandwagon Posted December 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 17, 2012 **************Hurry up and buy this thing so I don't have to. It's only about 200 miles from me. im trying to resist. it's 500 miles away from me >.< thats a 7 hr trip each way Quote Link to comment
AMMY Posted December 21, 2012 Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 the truck i'm looking at picking up. Do you think I'd run into any issues swapping the 78 frame under the 73 body or vise versa? i just don't want to chop up the frame rear end of the 78 since i've already got it swapped into the 73 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What spec wheels / tires. Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted December 21, 2012 Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 Stock are 6:00X14. In today's tires that's 175/70R14. Those don't look stock. Quote Link to comment
Aibast Posted December 21, 2012 Report Share Posted December 21, 2012 I have to use 185/80 R14C on my truck, for me that is stock. It's even printed on my damn registration certificat. Is it true you can use any size tyres you want in the US? And do you have to use C (cargo, heavy load) tyres? Quote Link to comment
Project Bandwagon Posted December 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2012 no restrictions on tire size in the us.im not sure about the specs on those wheels, I didn't pick it up. too long of a haul for possibly rusted out :( Quote Link to comment
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