The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Cab swapping for 1951-4400

Hello all. This is my first post! Last weekend I trailer home a 1951 chevy 4400 1.5 ton with 47,000 miles on the motor. It "ran when I parked it". It has a 7.5 tone "scissor" lift that was added under the bed and that "ran when I parked it" also (I will have more questions about that later). The truck needs work, but it is not in terrible shape. Perhaps the worst is the cab which is rusted in all the usually spots. I have found another truck that has a great cab and is only 6 miles from my house and I could likely get it for a really good price. So here is my question. If all I want to do is switch out the cab (not the fenders or hood) what years and models will work?

Thanks in advance ....I will link pictures soon...

N-man

I can't help with your question, others will be along shortly that can, but welcome to the Stovebolt

Mike B

The cab is the same as a pickup so just about any truck will work now your doors are a one year only. 1951 is the only year with pull down door handles and vent windows. I hope this helps.

All the cabs are dimensionally the same (a COE has many unique items) Some things you will want to keep are the parking brace from the driver's side (configured differently on large trucks with stick actuated brake). There will be some PTO items and brake parts you will need to swap. Also some firewall related valving and parts if your truck has a 2-speed rear. I would recommend if you purchase the cab if you keep them until you have transferred everything. Comparing them you will see all the differences. The other cab could have other differences but without a year I cannot be specific. As stated 51' is a one year only door design.

Thanks guys. Sounds like any 1950's cab will work and if I want to keep the original 1951 look, I will need to switch the doors over to the new cab. This should work because the doors are not to bad. Might need a patch panel along the very bottom of one. I am going to look at the potential doner truck tomorrow and I will have a year to work with and I will double check with you guys before I make the offer to make sure it will work. I might even figure out how to link picturs by them. Thinks again for the help.

Another Welcome to the Stovebolt group!
You will not find another place, with this much info, on your 4400 anywhere.
Post up some pictures when you can.

2-Ton

Here is a picture of my Big bolt. Going to look at a doner truck for a new cab today and will upload that also.

My 1951 big bolt project begins

I looked at the other potential donor truck today. It is a 1948 with vin number 5RWL10030. It is a flatbed. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like a 1.5 ton?? I think I know the answer to this but want you experts to tell me that the cab from the 48 will fit the 51? Thanks. I tried to post pictures, but I don't think it worked. I will try again soon.

I just did the VIN Buster on the two big bolts. The one I currently have is a 1951 1.5 ton as I said. The one potential donor truck is a 1948 2 ton. Let me know if the cabs are interchangeable. Thanks for helping the newbee. ...

As already answered the cabs are interchangeable for all 1948-1953 GM trucks (except COE) from 1/2 ton to about 3 ton (400 series GMC). You can even swap late 47 and the 54 and early 55 models.

The difference that you are concerned about with the 48 model cab and the later one is the rear cab mount. The 48 has one center rear cab mount and this can be reused on the later frame, two holes may or may not need to be drilled in the frame crossmember.
Or you can adapt the later model twin rear cab mounts to the under side of the 48 cab. That involves buying and or salvaging and welding in two sheet metal reinforcing braces under the cab, not quite as easy.

Grigg

Thanks Grigg...I plan to make an offer on the 48 today!