81 headlight/grille swap

[Kyle21nluvnit]

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.

[1979C20]

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.

[Kyle21nluvnit]

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?

[bake74]

     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.

[Kyle21nluvnit]

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?

[bake74]

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

[Blazin]

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.

[nucknoel89]

If this is the front end you're talking about then you need the 89 core support, the 81 won't work.