I am looking at buying a heavy-duty toyota 2wd truck for a project. It is a 1978 tandem axle motor-home with a shot coach (camper part). My plans are for removing that, and replacing with a flat-bed. My main problem is that the cab for the RV is an open-back, and not suitable w/o modifiction for a pick-up type application.

I have also found a bare 1981 cab.

So, my question is thus: has anyone transplanted (or know of the relevant diferences) a 2nd generation cab onto a 1st generation chassis? year ranges: gen 1 = 1975-1978; gen 2 = 1979 - ~1984.

I have visited my local dealer, and they have helpfully provided parts diagrams, and the frame rails appear the same, with notable differences being the straighter cross-members on the older frame, and differently styled mounting brackets.


(This truck is going to be a ground-up custom re-build. It is needing an engine, hood, fenders, grille, front wheels, etc. I am thinking of going with a 22R/20R Hybrid engine in front of the original (4spd?) manual tranny.)


Headlights: is it fairly simple to upgrade the headlights from the older round-style to the newer square-style design in the 1979-1983 ranges?

 

Headlihgts should just swap over at the connectors, same 3-pin style works on most all high+low sealed beams.