74 front clip swap question

[jasons]

I have a lead on a good front clip (hood, fenders, grille, radiator support) from an 85 2 wheel drive that I would like to put on my 74 4x4.

Will the newer clip bolt up without any problems, I assume the radiator support will need to be changed also?

[87 chevy silverado]

the hole front sheet metal fenders, hood, radiator support also the wiper arms

[LONGHAIR]

I'm pretty sure that it can be made to work, but there are a few considerations. The main things are the hood hinges and "cowl screen".
The hood of the newer truck is longer, eliminating the seperate cowl panel from the older truck. This would be a simple un-bolt and remove deal, except the hood hinges are different too. The older model had the hinges/springs bolted to the fender as a complete unit. The newer ones are seperate. The spring still mounts to the fender, but the actual hinge mounts to (and through) the firewall.
I'm sure that there are wiring issues too....

[Dalaigh]

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

I'm pretty sure that it can be made to work, but there are a few considerations. The main things are the hood hinges and "cowl screen".
The hood of the newer truck is longer, eliminating the seperate cowl panel from the older truck. This would be a simple un-bolt and remove deal, except the hood hinges are different too. The older model had the hinges/springs bolted to the fender as a complete unit. The newer ones are seperate. The spring still mounts to the fender, but the actual hinge mounts to (and through) the firewall.
I'm sure that there are wiring issues too....

I think you have that backwards, the 73-80 trucks have the longer hoods, and the 81-91 trucks have the shorter hood with a cowl below the windshield.

[jasons]

I'll have to go take a close look at it tomorrow. I knew the hinges were different, but didn't realize the newer ones mounted through the firewall. I was hoping for a simple bolt on swap.

[87 chevy silverado]

Originally Posted by jasons

I'll have to go take a close look at it tomorrow. I knew the hinges were different, but didn't realize the newer ones mounted through the firewall. I was hoping for a simple bolt on swap.

for the most part it is

[LONGHAIR]

Originally Posted by Dalaigh

I think you have that backwards, the 73-80 trucks have the longer hoods, and the 81-91 trucks have the shorter hood with a cowl below the windshield.

You are right, the bolt-on cowl actually covers part of the hinge mounting.

[jasons]

I took a quick look at the 85 cab. It looks like the cowl on the 74 will need to be cut to accept the 85 hood hinges and the wiper transmission changed to make the swap work. Shouldn't be too difficult, just have to wait for spring.

[motornut]

78 and 89