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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: BigStella on July 13, 2008, 09:05:52 am

Title: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: BigStella on July 13, 2008, 09:05:52 am: I have a 1977 dually project I am working on. I would like to change out the grille and headlights to a 1990 sub grille.

What would be involved in doing it?? I am a rookie at this stuff.

I also bought some doors from an 1982, are they the same lines? Someone said they were different and I wont install if that is the case.

Thanks,
Timm
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: VileZambonie on July 13, 2008, 09:47:08 am: The doors are the same. If you want to change the grille to a 90 Suburban you'll have to convert the whole nose. Radiator support, fenders, inner fenders, you'll have to cut the cowl, hinges, hood, valance, wiring harness, and you'll have to modify the frame horns to fit the bumper. If you do a search there is a how to on this somewhere...
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: VileZambonie on July 13, 2008, 09:48:38 am: http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=1948.0
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: choptop on July 13, 2008, 01:17:57 pm: Vile, wasnt there a post on converting the older cabs to accept the 81 up front ends. My 76 has been converted, but I didn't do it. He really needs to convert that part first.
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: BigStella on July 13, 2008, 01:36:38 pm: What is the newest grille I can get to without changing everything...
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: choptop on July 13, 2008, 02:01:14 pm: 1980 is the last before major change, but not much different than what you have.
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: VileZambonie on July 13, 2008, 02:10:12 pm: yeah someone had a post that showed them hacking into the cowl and installing the hinges but it was a while ago.

With the 73-80 nose you can't change it without changing over everything. One thing you can do is fabricate and build something unique though. I've toyed with the idea of making a set up using these parts but time is a factor and who know's how it would actually turn out.
photoshop is your friend though if you wanna design something totally unique

(http://www.4x4groupbuy.com/store/images/Good_Hood_2003-05_CHEVY_HD_Series_Twin_Scoop_Ram_Air_Hood.jpg)
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: Monzter on July 29, 2008, 01:54:11 pm: I just swapped a 86 front clip onto my 73 Suburban last week. I'll post pics when I have time to sit down, up load & post the pics.
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: DnStClr on July 30, 2008, 11:23:15 am: Man that scoop makes that hood awesome looking!
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: comp on August 03, 2008, 08:46:06 pm: Quote from: Monzter on July 29, 2008, 01:54:11 pm
I just swapped a 86 front clip onto my 73 Suburban last week. I'll post pics when I have time to sit down, up load & post the pics.

waiting to see
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: dumbucket1 on August 03, 2008, 09:06:20 pm: you comp, check this out

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9042.0
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: comp on August 03, 2008, 10:36:16 pm: Quote from: dumbucket1 on August 03, 2008, 09:06:20 pm
you comp, check this out

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9042.0

thanks ;D
Title: Re: Switchin grilles to newer look
Post by: 06gsxrman1000 on August 06, 2008, 12:47:00 pm: when done right this is a mint mod!!