Converting '88 Blazer to '75

[Brian75]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new here and just got an '88. This is a great forum, and I plan to use it a lot! My plans are just to fix what needs it mechanically, brakes, exhaust, leaks, etc.. and then cosmetically make it look like the '75 I used to have.

My questions revolve around what it takes to convert some things. I saved the top and all parts from my '75 and that part looks pretty straight forward from the C/K Forum guy's tech article.

I assume the front end conversion should be pretty easy because guys put the newer nose on the older ones all the time and I already have the fenders and core support. The light wiring I do not think will be a big deal.

My main questions are on the door panels and dash. I want to convert to the '75 door panels. I think the length of the stubs on the window cranks is longer on the '88, so I'll have to change them out, but should the '75 door panels work after that? Will they cover where my '88 covers? Looks like from pics they will, but I would hate to buy them and have them not cover what my '88 does...

My biggest question is on the dash and cluster. I would love to put the '75 dash and guage cluster in my '88 to really complete the conversion. I see I will have to get a '75 style windshield wiper switch and take the wiring from the turn signal stalk and wire up the switch and then relocate the headlight switch. But, I'm concerned about the HVAC controls etc... and if anything else is going to cause a problem.

Has anyone on here ever tried to convert from the newer to the older style?

Thanks for any info, and should I post this in the truck section too?

Here are a couple pics. Sorry the one is sideways... I will be selling this nose after my conversion is complete, but will post that in the for sale forum.

Thanks for any help or advise.

Brian