My 78......... Or at least I thought so.

[78chev]

After combing through various pics on this board I think I might have a 79, not a 78.
My title says that it is a 78 but it has the grill/bezel setup that surrounds all of the lights including the turn signals.
I can't find a build date anywhere on the truck and the only distinction that I've noticed between 78 & 79 is the grill.
Is there any other way to tell?

[dubdeuce80]

someone could've just changed the bezels...i have an 80 and it doesn't have an 80 grill

[knightlife]

I had an 82 in 1999 that had the entire front clip of a 76...I was really baffled at how this was accomplished.

[78chev]

This is one hell of a board. I'm always amazed at how quick the responses come in!

[78chev]

Oh, next question.
Regaurdless of what year it really is, can I put the 78 bezels on it w/o having to patch any holes. I like the bezels that don't surround the turn signals but when I take those bezels off is there going to be mounting holes from the current bezels?

[ChaseDale3and8]

Originally Posted by knightlife

I had an 82 in 1999 that had the entire front clip of a 76...I was really baffled at how this was accomplished.

Direct bolt on. You only need to remove the cowl panel and change the wiper shafts to the shorter 73-80 style. Then change the plastic mesh grilles on the cowl to the earlier style. After that the clip just bolts right up.

I did this to an 85 cab once. My 77 K20 was rusted out and I changed the cab to an 85 but I like the 73-80 front clip better so I bought all new 73-80 GM sheetmetal for it. Bolted right up. ...Joe

[ChaseDale3and8]

Originally Posted by 78chev

Oh, next question.
Regaurdless of what year it really is, can I put the 78 bezels on it w/o having to patch any holes. I like the bezels that don't surround the turn signals but when I take those bezels off is there going to be mounting holes from the current bezels?

No, but the filler panel below the grille may be a little bit different on the 79-80 than the 73-78. That chrome piece under the grille will need to be taken off and replaced with one from a 73-78. That 79-80 filler panel may have some holes in it but it's been a long time since I've had one so my memory is kind of fuzzy. If there is a difference it will be the filler panel. I think that they are the same on the round headlights but different on the 80 with the square headlights. Someone else here will be able to tell you for sure. Id just change the headlight doors and the chrome trim just under the grille to the 73-78 and see what it looks like. It should be okay. You'll also likely want to change the turn signals to the ones with the chrome trim because they will look much better with the earlier grille. ...Joe