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Modifying a 1987-up cab to use on a Bullnose?

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Rembrant

Modifying a 1987-up cab to use on a Bullnose?

Gentlemen,

Quick question: Can a 1987-up cab be modified so that a Bullnose dash/interior can be installed? A "rust free" cab popped up for sale locally last night for cheap, and it was advertised as "85 style". I happened to notice in one of the pics that the 4x4 shifter hole was in the floor next to the tunnel cover. I mentioned that it looked like a 1988-up cab, and he said it was a later cab but that the firewall was modified so that a Bullnose dash could be installed.

Is this possible? I haven't heard of anybody doing this before.

1994 F150 4x2 Flareside. 5.0 w/MAF, 4R70W, stock.
1984 F150 4X2 Flareside. Mild 302 w/ 5spd. Sold.
1980 F150 4X4 Flareside. 300i6 w/ 5spd. Sold in 2021.
1980 F100 4X2 Flareside. 351w/2bbl w/NP435. Sold in 1995

85lebaront2

Re: Modifying a 1987-up cab to use on a Bullnose?

Administrator

Biggest issue you will run into is the actual mounting points and VIN location for the dash. 1980-1986 dash boards are essentially "built up" from an assortment of metal and plastic parts. They attach to the cowl at the windshield base at 4 horizontal mounting tabs (Gary might have or be able to get pictures of them) there are two end mounts and over the steering column, VIN location was moved outboard about 1" starting in 1987 (try to find a correct 1980-1986 windshield). Parking brake pedals are different, but will interchange at the front as the location and firewall holes are the same. Wiring changed completely in 1987 and again in 1992. 1987-91 the dash harness and front harness join at a large round plug on the driver's side, 1980-1986, the dash and front harness are one assembly that goes from one headlight to the other by way of the dashboard. Brake pedal and column mount are different, but mount the same.

Bill AKA "LOBO" Profile

"Getting old is inevitable, growing up is optional" Darth Vader 1986 F350 460 converted to MAF/SEFI, E4OD 12X3 1/2 rear brakes, traction loc 3:55 gear, 160 amp 3G alternator Wife's 2011 Flex Limited Daily Driver 2009 Flex Limited with factory tow package Project car 1986 Chrysler LeBaron convertible 2.2L Turbo II, modified A413

Gary Lewis

Re: Modifying a 1987-up cab to use on a Bullnose?

Administrator

And, there you have it. But, maybe mounting a Bullnose dash in a Bricknose can be done? I can provide Bullnose pics if needed.

Gary, AKA "Gary fellow": Profile

Dad's: '81 F150 Ranger XLT 4x4: Down for restomod: Full-roller "stroked 351M" w/Trick Flow heads & intake, EEC-V SEFI/E4OD/3.50 gears w/Kevlar clutches
Blue: 2015 F150 Platinum 4x4 SuperCrew wearing Blue Jeans & sporting a 3.5L EB & Max Tow
Big Blue: 1985 F250HD 4x4: 460/ZF5/3.55's, D60 w/Ox locker & 10.25 Sterling/Trutrac, Blue Top & Borgeson, & EEC-V MAF/SEFI

Steve83

Re: Modifying a 1987-up cab to use on a Bullnose?

Banned User

In reply to this post by Rembrant

Rembrant wrote

...the firewall was modified so that a Bullnose dash could be installed.
Is this possible?

The dash is just one consideration; the wiring is another. Depending on donor & target years & options, you might also have to deal with t-case shifter, chair bases, shoulder belts, steering column, EEC mounting...

Rembrant

Re: Modifying a 1987-up cab to use on a Bullnose?

OK. I'm going to go have a look at this thing and see if I can figure out what year it is, and if it would work.