Wondering if a 1942 Dodge cab would be a bolt on to the later B series frame? I know that the earlier had a wheelbase of 116 and the B series was 108 but in 53 they came out with a 116 inch wheelbase. Just curious if anyone would happen to know how easy it would be to swap the earlier cab onto the later frame.
I'm going to guess that the frame area in front of the cab on that 42 is several inches longer then the frame area in front of the cab that 53 frame. Both the standard bed length on the 39-47 and the 48-53 trucks are the same length. The 48-53 cab is 7" longer then the 39-47 cab at the center of the cab, so the differences between the 116 wheel base and the 108 wheel base has to come in front of the cab. The 53 with the longer wheel base has a longer then standard box. I have one truck from each of those series sitting here. The hood length on the 39-47 truck is longer then the hood length on the 48-53 truck. As far as bolting the cab to the frame, I suspect you will be moving at least the body mount brackets on the frame, and you may also have to modify them for how far out from the frame the cab mound needs to be for that 39-47 cab on a 48-53 frame. With that said, anything can be put anyplace with a torch and a welder, if making it "fit" is the desire. Both cabs "fit" on a Dakota frame, you just have to modify the cab mounts and adjust the wheel base accordingly. Gene
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