73-87chevytrucks.com

73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: 5l1p5tr3am on June 12, 2015, 12:57:49 am

Title: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: 5l1p5tr3am on June 12, 2015, 12:57:49 am: Hi all! I'm in the middle of converting my 73-80 front clip to an 81-87 style. I've been using Monzter's instructions (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9070.0) as a guide and it's been super helpful. However, I've come to the part where I need to move the body mounts back the way he did and I've run into a roadblock because on my truck the body mount and the leaf spring mount are one piece - not two separate pieces like on his. Does anyone know what kind of trouble I'd have getting the leaf spring back on if I move the mount back about an inch?
Big thanks in advance for any input.
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: Blazin on July 15, 2015, 05:03:31 am: I have done this conversion half a dozen plus times. I have never had to move the mount.
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: 5l1p5tr3am on August 09, 2015, 03:05:59 pm: Thanks for the response, blazin. So your panels always lined up with the existing body mounts or did you find a way to work around the misalignment? Because with the new front clip on, the header panel is about 1" to 1.5" rearward of the body mounts.
Again, I really appreciate the help. I'm at a dead stop on my project right now :-(
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: Captkaos on August 13, 2015, 12:24:23 am: I left that portion in there but I thought I put a disclaimer on it. I have NEVER moved the mounts on any of these.
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: 5l1p5tr3am on August 13, 2015, 01:17:15 pm: Quote from: Captkaos on August 13, 2015, 12:24:23 am
I left that portion in there but I thought I put a disclaimer on it. I have NEVER moved the mounts on any of these.

I appreciate the info man, big time. After enlarging the holes in the fenders and sliding them forward as much as possible, im still about 3/4" off but at least im getting closer. So strange that they're not lining up like pretty much everyone else's but oh well. Again, thanks for your insight.
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: Captkaos on August 13, 2015, 11:09:24 pm: You are using the correct frame specific bushings with the clip right? Did you start with everything loose?
This is a buddy of mines that I helped convert. Nothing moved... http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9396
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: 5l1p5tr3am on January 27, 2016, 03:56:58 pm: Quote from: Captkaos on August 13, 2015, 12:24:23 am
I left that portion in there but I thought I put a disclaimer on it. I have NEVER moved the mounts on any of these.

Ended up finally finishing this front clip conversion. Came out sweet! Thanks for all your assistance and the topic in the tech section, Chris.
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: VileZambonie on January 27, 2016, 07:13:14 pm: So what was your issue? Did you have to move the mounts?
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: 5l1p5tr3am on January 28, 2016, 10:59:51 am: Quote from: VileZambonie on January 27, 2016, 07:13:14 pm
So what was your issue? Did you have to move the mounts?

Thanks for reminding me, I meant to follow up on that. I didn't have to move the mounts. I used the bushing kit from an 81-87, enlarged the bolt holes on the fenders/core support a little more and massaged gaps.
Oh, I also didn't have to cut the frame horns for the bumper to mount on either. I found a post on another board that showed a way to easily modify the brackets instead. Worked great and didn't have to cut the frame!!! I'll dig up that post and make a link to it... could come in handy for others in the future.
I couldn't have done any of it without the help of the great guys on this forum tho, so thank you all again.
Title: Re: Front clip conversion problem
Post by: Blazin on January 30, 2016, 08:45:25 pm: Glad it worked out for you. Got any pics of the swap, & truck?