The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop longbed vs shortbed

I am the proud owner of a 51 GMC 3 window shortbed and a 51 GMC 5 window long bed. My question is.... Can I put the 5 window Cab on the shortbed frame. I am assuming that the Cabs are the same size and only the frame is the difference, therefore, as long as the short bed is on the short frame the Cab should work. Any info is appreciated.

No problem. Cabs are the same.

They are the same cab. The VIN tag is on the cab though. It will show that it is a long box.

Thanks builder, i'm aware of that. Not sure that's an issue to me. at least in the muscle car world, cloning is not what it once was thought of. If it's a nice set of wheels and done right.......who should care? I don't.

The DOT might, depending on how the truck is registered. If the title has the engine number on it, and that engine is still in the truck (common on pre-'55), you should be fine. But if it's titled off the serial number from the cab, and you swap cabs without swapping the serial number, that can be considered the same as falsifying the vehicle identity. While it isn't as critical from a value standpoint for an old truck, there's been several high profile (Boyd, West Coast Customs) shops that have been busted for doing just that.

thx longbox......food for thought......will ask the almighty DMV !

I am a new stovebolt member. I don't have a clue as to how to post questions about restoration of my '53 3800. Would someone please tell me I am in the wrong place and how to get to where I want to be. Thank You.....

Hi TerTer. Welcome to the Bolt.

For these trucks, you have come to the right place.
I would suggest to you to start with a Gallery entry. Tell the tale of why you bought your truck and what you want it to be when you are done. Also, don't be ashamed of the shape it's in now. Rust free or basket case, you will get answers here.
Once you've done that, a short description of what kind of shape it is in (running, not, rusty, not, dented, not, etc.) and what you would like it to be in General Truck Talk will get you a bunch of answers from which to pick and choose.
Also, put the year, make and model of your truck in your "Signature" line (under Profile), so readers will know what you are talking about if you forget it in a post.
Good Luck! You're gonna love it!

if you get it wrong the all seeing enforcer, uh moderator, will let you know. they are pussy cats so don't worry.

If both trucks are now registered by the engine numbers it will make it easier but you still should jump through the flaming hoops to make sure that you have everything squared away with the dmv.

Step one would be to go talk to your states dmv and if they have a vehicle inspection station run by the state it would be better to talk to the inspectors first to see what they want from you.
Here locally the inspections are done by people who either are or work for the state patrol and that is the best place to get a straight answer.

If you have titles to both vehicles it shouldn't be a problem except for the paperwork.

I have both titles and the trucks are both registered (in Calif.). I have a Highway Patrol Inspector friend who probably can tell me what the DMV (which stands for Delirious, Mentally challenged, and Vacated) would want. He identified the authenticity of the vehicles since they have been registered for 30+ years. Thanks Mr48chev and all who contribute. This site is priceless!!