Am I crazy (engine/body swap question)

[galeo7171]

I recently purchased a m1009 from govdeals.com that has quite a bit of rust. It will need all new floorpans and rockers. The undercarriage is covered in surface rust (no real rot visible). It runs great and has no mechanical issues. I just went and looked at another m1009 local to me that does not run (something under the hood caught fire and melted some wiring) but it is a complete truck. My plan was to buy this non-running m1009 and switch the body to with mine. However, the non-running m1009 is almost rust free underneath and inside the cab. Am I better of switching my drive train over instead of doing a body swap?

 

[galeo7171]

Oh forgot to mention, I can buy the other one for $600....

 

[dstang97]

sounds good to me. then you have tons of spare parts also

 

[4x4 Forever]

Usually a engine tranny swap is alot easier than a body swap.

Make a list of what you will have to do to both and proceed with the least labour involved.

Changing the body is not unheard of at all, just VERY labour intensive.

 

[barefootin]

I've done both... I always go with rust free, but I'm a wrench and not a body man.... I'd swap the harness and melted bits first depending on the cause of the thermal event. If it runs it's a bonus. If not, continue on and swap the powertrain. Keep nessesary spares and part the rest.

 

[pgwaldner]

If it is just melted wiring, I would replace the melted stuff and it will probably run. Possible to keep the one you like best and sell the other to pay for repairs and upgrades for the keeper. If you dont want the burned one I would be interested at $600.