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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: Kyle21nluvnit on December 27, 2011, 07:38:45 am

Title: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: Kyle21nluvnit on December 27, 2011, 07:38:45 am

Hey everyone, I have an 81 k10 with the single headlight setup and I would like to change it to the 89 crew cab dual headlight setup. I was hoping someone could tell me what pieces and parts I will need to do this conversion and make it work. I have a shop and can do minor fabricating myself but I dont think that much is involved. Any help is greatly appreciated. thanks.

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: 1979C20 on December 27, 2011, 07:45:19 am

I belive that since your truck is 81-87, it should have the correct hinge type for the 89 hood. If it does, all youll need is the hood, fenders, core support, and grill assy. If its the 73-80 style hinges, there is a tutorial on how to modify the firewall and cowl in the technical pages on the forum.

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: Kyle21nluvnit on December 27, 2011, 08:08:57 am

Please correct me if im wrong, but looking through   the hood, fenders and core support are the same. I was thinking it would only be the grill stuff, headlight bezzels and wiring? Am I wrong here?

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: bake74 on December 27, 2011, 08:43:51 am

     If your core support, hood, and fenders are the same, then you are right just change out the grill headlights and associated brackets for the grill/light Assy.
     Take pics and post so we can see your progress and good luck.

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: Kyle21nluvnit on December 27, 2011, 08:56:02 am

I will definately do that, now i have only seen pictures on the 89 headlight setup but havent actually seen one functioning. Im sure im going to have to do a decent little bit of wiring but im curious if you all could tell me what the 4 lights are on each side. I think its: inside top= lowbeam, outside top= high beam, inside bottom= turn signal and outside bottom= park/running light. Is that correct?

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: bake74 on December 27, 2011, 09:01:23 am

     Yes that is correct, except I believe on high beams both tops are on.

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: Blazin on December 27, 2011, 11:07:13 am

You will need the core support, lights, buckets for them, grill, and wire harness from the bulkhead / pass through connector on the fire wall. Center bolt comes out and you can unplug the harness.

Title: Re: 81 headlight/grille swap
Post by: nucknoel89 on December 27, 2011, 08:08:53 pm

If this is the front end you're talking about then you need the 89 core support, the 81 won't work.
(http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c40/nucknoel89/DSCF1022.jpg)