interchangable front ends - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

HarrisonTX · 04-01-2008, 06:38 AM

Looking to get a 73-87 truck, but i prefer the '73-?79? front ends, from pics it looks like the fenders are the same, will say a 75 fender fit on a 85 truck?
Pretty much just want an early style grill in an '80s truck

**old Rusty C10** · 04-01-2008, 06:42 AM

you have to switch more than just the fenders its the whole nose / radiator support then you have to modify the wiper arms using the older style but it can be done

Pyrotechnic · 04-01-2008, 06:45 AM

Fenders, hood, and core support from 73-80 are the same. Fenders, hood, and core support from 81-87 are the same.

You can bolt a 73-80 front clip on a 81-87 truck with no mods. Other than the obvious you need the short windshield wiper posts from the 73-80 truck.

The only obstacle I see is the front bumper. The front frame horns of the two different year groups are shaped to fit their respective bumper. I'm sure there's a way to make it work though.

HarrisonTX · 04-01-2008, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Fenders, hood, and core support from 73-80 are the same. Fenders, hood, and core support from 81-87 are the same.

You can bolt a 73-80 front clip on a 81-87 truck with no mods. Other than the obvious you need the short windshield wiper posts from the 73-80 truck.

The only obstacle I see is the front bumper. The front frame horns of the two different bumpers are shaped to fit their respective bumper. I'm sure there's a way to make it work though.

Sweet man, thanks alot. That is perfect info, and it took about 3 minutes for you to post. Many thanks. Im sure i found find that in a junk yard very easy.

streetstar · 04-01-2008, 07:50 AM

These trucks aren't rare -- its better to hold out a little and find a clean example of what you want than to frankenstein a junkyard special

Pushrod226 · 04-01-2008, 10:21 AM

Hows that malibu? Are done doin duty in the sand?

04-01-2008, 06:38 AM	#1
HarrisonTX Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Waco TX Posts: 247	interchangable front ends Looking to get a 73-87 truck, but i prefer the '73-?79? front ends, from pics it looks like the fenders are the same, will say a 75 fender fit on a 85 truck? Pretty much just want an early style grill in an '80s truck __________________ '69 custom/camper '74 260z 302 chevy/tko500 swap in progrss '79 Malibu 355 all forged 4 speed car. '86 k5 blazer '06 Duramax

04-01-2008, 06:42 AM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: interchangable front ends you have to switch more than just the fenders its the whole nose / radiator support then you have to modify the wiper arms using the older style but it can be done __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

04-01-2008, 06:45 AM	#3
Pyrotechnic Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,930	Re: interchangable front ends Fenders, hood, and core support from 73-80 are the same. Fenders, hood, and core support from 81-87 are the same. You can bolt a 73-80 front clip on a 81-87 truck with no mods. Other than the obvious you need the short windshield wiper posts from the 73-80 truck. The only obstacle I see is the front bumper. The front frame horns of the two different year groups are shaped to fit their respective bumper. I'm sure there's a way to make it work though. Last edited by Pyrotechnic; 04-01-2008 at 06:55 AM.

04-01-2008, 07:50 AM	#5
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: interchangable front ends These trucks aren't rare -- its better to hold out a little and find a clean example of what you want than to frankenstein a junkyard special __________________ Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime

04-01-2008, 10:21 AM	#6
Pushrod226 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Joliet IL. Posts: 64	Re: interchangable front ends Hows that malibu? Are done doin duty in the sand?

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