The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Can I swap cabs?

So Here's the story, and I am asking to make sure I can do this and everything is on the up and up.

I have two trucks, both with clear titles.
A 49 5 window, and a 50 3 window. The 50 has everything done to it that I want, which includes a 235, open rear, and 12v conversion.

The 5 window is pretty much stock, but in need of some help.

I live in MN, and my question is can I swap cabs so the wife gets her 5 window, and I don't have to do all the extra work, or is this a NO NO?

I would kinda like the 5 window too.

Are the trucks titled by engine numbers?
Or by door post numbers


Have you checked your state DMV for guidance?

They are titled by the door tags. If I recall I asked a DMV gal a few years back on something very similar and I believe she said as long as both are titled, and I own them I'm good to go. Maybe I'll call and check tomorrow. Ether way, both trucks has 235's in them, it's just the one in the 5 window is junk.

Just wondering if it has been done in this area?

I think you'll find it's a lot easier to swap engines than cabs.

I would have to swap, engine/tranny and driveline. Along with the 3 window is bascially drivable, whereas the 5 window will need a year or two.

I switched cabs & door plates. Had no problems.

If you can weld, add the side windows to the 3 window...there's kits available out there,
Scott

I've seen the 3 to 5 window conversion, and I am a good welder, but it looks to me like way more work and expense than swapping cabs.

Just swap the cabs and since both are registered by their serial numbers, the 49 5-window will still be registered as a 49 5-window, but driveable.

Swap the cabs and the plates.

I think swapping the plates is a bad idea. In my area, switching a serial number plate on a vehicle (no matter the age) is fraud. If you change the cab over (and leave it's serial number plate on), then it's the same truck, you just changed the other parts. That way, the law enforcement can't argue the serial number has been tampered with.

The thought to swap plates never crossed my mind, and it wouldn't be necessary becuase both are titled, and both are the same truck other than the year, so no gain in swapping plates.

I think he means the license plates not data plates,
Scott

Why not do what some have done in the past, just swap the 5 window roof part. A while back on this site I remember looking at pictures showing this being done. The roof was removed from the beltline up. 6 or 7 bolts, held the bottom of the cab where it meets the beltline at the back and I believe the left & right post in the windshield area welded and leaded over.The left & right post where cut with just a hacksaw. I have a friend in our club that did this to his 53. He said the whole thing only took 2 1/2 hrs. His truck looks very good.
Maybe you could swap roof's instead of cabs or engine. Just a thought. Hope this helps.

Swap cabs... but I would drive the drivable truck and fix the other if it's only going to take a year or two to fix the 5 window. You'll basciaaly be tearing the entire truck body apart to swap cabs. And you may get into more work then expected. Before tearing the drivable one apart take the 5 window apart first just incase there are surprizes..... Enjoy the 3 window now and work on the 5. Once ready then you can swap.

Let your wife "borrow" your truck until the other one is finished. 5 windows is the hangup? Really?
This is the "or worse" part of your wedding vows. She's just gunna have to suck it up and suffer with 2 less pieces of glass for 24 more months.

Yeah, I'm starting to have second thoughts.... and third thoughts... that means I'm thinking too much, and need to sit down and have a beer!

I do like the idea of being able to see out the corners, but all else being equal... is the 5 window going to be worth more down the road or is it kinda a wash. I'm going to sell the 5 window truck, with or without the 5 window cab is yet to be figured out!

I do kinda like the idea of taking the 5 window top off and the "belt seam has opened up a little to where I can see it.


Ahhhhh... where's that beer!

Just another thought. Back in the day when they were building these trucks, the factory would have had a pile of 3 & 5 window rooves and whatever the build sheet called for is what they would install as the line moved along. This was probably done in less than 15 or 20 minutes.

All this talk of plates confuses me.

Don't tamper with the factory ID tags and if you own both trucks you should be OK.

One thought I had; Is both trucks the same other than the windows? Don't try to use a 1/2 ton ID on a 3/4 ton truck or vice versa.

Here's the main issue, paperwork/registration, license plate and ID plate MUST match with what DMV has on record, same with your insurance. So if you have an accident or ticket etc it all looks legit to whom ever. Some guys I know with several old cars switch this stuff depending on what they are driving, even have heard of non-op on some cars with only one registered. I really believe most at DMV and most cops will buy what ever paperwork they see. My issue with one car is the VIN number is sitting on an engine stand and has been for 10 years. Maybe I should haul it around in the trunk, just incase I get pulled over.
ALSO, DO NOT CALL DMV AND ASK PERMISSION!
Best of luck