I have completely rebuilt a 1978 Blazer from the frame down and have come to the conclusion I would rather have a truck. Having over 5k from the frame down, I would like to swap the body out for a C-10 (65-72) body style. Has anyone ever done this? I believe the wheelbase for the Blazer is 106.5" and the C-10 is 106.5". Is there an easy way to do this?

Scot

 

The K5 is a shorter wheel base at 106.5 as you have stated. I believe that the shortest pickup (the short bed) came in at 115 while the long bed was 127.

You could just build a removable wall for behind the cab on your truck to make it a short pickup.

 

I really want the older body style.

 

Get a body, and just chop the box of the C-10 body to fit the wheelbase... it can be done... with $$$$

 

Wouldnt really take that much money as long as you have the tools.

cut somewhere around where the red line is and take out enough to make it 106.5 or whatever you need then weld it back together. Should be pretty simple.

 

I dont think youll ever get it to fit. The frames are way too different on the K5's versus the pickups. The pick up frame is straight all the way till you get to the wheel well , the K5 frame starts to kick up behind the front seats. My opinion is if you want a truck , get a truck. Find a roller and swap all the guts from the K5 to the truck. Yeah you could shorten the bed like others have stated , but I dont think youll get it to fit right

Edit: Go to CK5.com and search. Its been done but I dont think they used the bed. Which is what would be the pain in the butt to fit.

 

Yeah as was stated. I believe the bed can be mounted but it sits a few inches higher then the cab

 

Well if you have the tools and are REALLY REALLY wanting to use that frame there is always the option of cutting the bend out of the frame and welding another straight peice in. BUT you could be damaging the rigidity of the frame. You would really have to take your time and do it right.

But I agree with 86blazer327. You would probably be better off just buying a whole truck.

 

Pick up a first gen K5 and get the 1/2 cab top for it. Short pickup with the older body style!

 

Remove the rear fiberglass top (only a few bolts hold it on) and fabricate a panel from sheet metal or fiberglass to box in the rear of the driver/passenger compartment which will make the 78 K5 into a very short pickup truck. I saw one done like this years ago and it was a very good looking truck.

I remove the top from my 77 K5 when the weather permits.