Considering body swap...

[lost1]

And I realized I know next to nothing about the headaches I'll run into.:rolleyes:

So it's probably not going to happen immediately, but I want to start planning ahead of time.

I have a mechanically sound 1983 wagoneer, with a really trashy body. Dents and rust abound, pretty sure the body isn't straight, interior's been hacked and abused, old water damage, the works. It has a D44 front, AMC 20 rear, 360 (for the moment, but moving to 401) and a TF727.

Ultimately I want to make it 2wd, and make it a street queen w/ a redone interior, shiny paint job, and enough power to take it to the strip and embarrass people.:D Part of that is making sure I never have to worry about smog again. Another part is keeping it automatic, as driving a stick shift seems to really aggravate my back problems and I want to enjoy this ride for many years when it's finished.

To that end, I want to pull off the old body, and put a pre-75 body on. One I've found is a $600 non-runner, a '69 w/ the Dauntless and a 3 on the tree. I suspect my biggest challenge will be in mating my (more) modern drivetrain to the old column.

Advice? Rocks to throw? :D Dirty words?

[FSJ Guy]

The problem could be solved by using a later model steering column. They're GM columns, after all, so there's plenty of support. You could use a cable shifter to avoid having to re-create the linkage, too.

[lkmarsh]

james1414d at one time had floor consoles and shifters for sale, with that setup you could use any column you want. The 69 isn't made to fit pinch weld weatherstripping, and the tailgate hinges are different from later models. I really like the floor shifter, no button, want one for my Chevelle.

[lost1]

hmm, so my '83 column would work in there eh? I guess I was assuming different sizes and positions.

Still, I like that floor shifter idea for the 727. Always liked an on-the-floor shifter for automatics. Though, that brings other things into the picture. Like, the center console plan that's supposed to mate up to the dash and stretch back between the front seats. (not yet realized, but drawn up)

Edit: AFAIK the International Scout used 727s with a cabled floor shifter. Might have to look farther into that route.

[turtlejoe]

hmm, so my '83 column would work in there eh? I guess I was assuming different sizes and positions.

Still, I like that floor shifter idea for the 727. Always liked an on-the-floor shifter for automatics. Though, that brings other things into the picture. Like, the center console plan that's supposed to mate up to the dash and stretch back between the front seats. (not yet realized, but drawn up)

Edit: AFAIK the International Scout used 727s with a cabled floor shifter. Might have to look farther into that route.

The Super Wagoneer console is exactly like what you are planning.

[lost1]

The Super Wagoneer console is exactly like what you are planning.

Oh I saw that... but I'm planning to mount a few electronic gizmos, switches, etc in there and I don't wanna chop up a perfectly Super wag part for that. Save that for the guys wanting to do TOTAL restos.:thumbsup:

Imagine a 'mostly' original Wagoneer, with some modern upgrades and retouches. I want to retain the feeling of rugged luxury with all the trimmings, just update it to the 21st century.

[turtlejoe]

Gotcha ... I always wanted a shifter/console like I had in my '71 Monte Carlo - the horseshoe kind. I think it was used in Camaro's and Chevelle's too, probably lots of stuff. Loved the way that shifter looked and worked, and it sat in a perfect and comfortable position.

[Metal Twister]

I am in the final stages of doing a body swap to a 77 Blazer under carriage. While my transformation was a bit more involved due to matching up two non matching vehicles I got what I needed out of the project, A pre smog vehicle with a 350 auto combination. Keep in mind in Calif. 1975 or older on the body and paper work.

Its a big job your going to be taking on... I have a lift and lots of help and it is still a big job. At the same tiime your going to like vehicle to like vehice so fuel, electrical, steering and brakes so it shouldnt be near as bad as my experience.

Just realize how much work it is. Lot more than you can even emagine. Plan your job out. Even little things like how to get rid of the old junk can be a big deal if not thought out. If you decide to pull the trigger post up a build thread.;) :thumbsup:

[smogdredd]

I am in the final stages of doing a body swap to a 77 Blazer under carriage. While my transformation was a bit more involved due to matching up two non matching vehicles I got what I needed out of the project, A pre smog vehicle with a 350 auto combination. Keep in mind in Calif. 1975 or older on the body and paper work.

Its a big job your going to be taking on... I have a lift and lots of help and it is still a big job. At the same tiime your going to like vehicle to like vehice so fuel, electrical, steering and brakes so it shouldnt be near as bad as my experience.

Just realize how much work it is. Lot more than you can even emagine. Plan your job out. Even little things like how to get rid of the old junk can be a big deal if not thought out. If you decide to pull the trigger post up a build thread.;) :thumbsup:You may still have to smog the 77 blazer, A body swap alone dose not make a vehicle pre-smog. If anyone ever checks the vin on the frame You could have trouble.

[Metal Twister]

Very true... be sure to register it in your name prior to the body swap this will elininate any reason for inspections down the road. But if the vechicle Id code in the window is the same number on the reg. and pink and it hasnt been smogged forever why would they check the ID number on the frame? I build Hot Rods for a living and they are all pre 60's cars. None have the original frames. Its never been an issue with any of my cars in the last 25 years. :D But do what you feel good about. If you think it's too schetchy then buy a pre 75 vehicle to start with.

[lost1]

That's good advice, I hadn't considered the frame as well.

I guess axles and drivetrain alone, it shouldn't be -too- bad, but I'm sure they adjusted a few mounting points for things over the years.

Another thing that has me concerned is wiring. I did a rhino conversion on my '83 and am running round LED lights that plug right into the newer plugs. Absolutely that's getting moved over to an older body, but I'm not sure the wiring will just plug right up to it. And since I'm running a newer engine as well, not the Buick, it'd probably make a lot more sense to keep that wiring and swap it over to the older body.

Yep, big project all right. But then, I'm not going to rush it and I'll have time to prep things right.

[Wayne]

If your making your own console, just find a after market shifter you like.