1979 VS 1980 (Round eye VS square eye) POLL

[Capt Ron]

Is the panel under the grille the same for both 79 and 80?

IIRC the panel itself is the same as 76+
The 79 and 80s had a chrome/stainless steel overlay that covered the regular panel.

 

[ZooMad75]

I never liked the bastard year 1980 model. Just glommed together and showcased the fact GM dropped the ball on the styling refresh that we got a year late in '81. I really feel like the success of the 79 Ford back then led to this thrown together abortion in 1980.

Round eye for the win. '80 is ugly, but it is "one year only" if that means something to you.

I'm part of the camp that can't get behind the 81/82 grill setup. The refresh with the slope nose really came together in '83. Put another way I'd take a square eye '80 before an 81/82. And I like the round eye version better on the '80.

 

[max 02]

Hmm … all I can say is the Jeep YJ should have never been made.

 

[Shawn]

The 79 and 80 are the only years that got that chrome lower bezel. Not sure if the lower middle part is the same between the 2 years.

 

[Shawn]

1980 bezel kit. They still make it

*881335 - 1979-80 Chevrolet Pickup Grill and Rectangular Headlamp Bezel Facelift Set; Emblem Delete; Chrome

Give your 1979-80 Chevy pickup a facelift with our convenient emblem-delete chrome grill and rectangular headlamp bezel set. This basic set includes the 1 center grill, 2 headlamp bezels, headlamp bezel screws, headlamp bezel mounting nuts, grill mounting screws, grill mounting spring nuts.

www.oerparts.com

 

[Shawn]

The 79 kit is CHEAP! Still need a grille with a bowtie option. Keep in mind, the right and left headlight trim pieces are plastic now not metal but still look way better than a used metal one with pitting.

1979-80 Fullsize Chevy & GMC Truck Grille Molding Kit - USA1

 

[82355]

You know you could get either in '80, right? The round was standard, the square headlamp was optional.

Martin

 

[ktmoutfront]

Where is the curved Cree LED light bar option in the poll?

 

[Shawn]

You know you could get either in '80, right? The round was standard, the square headlamp was optional.

Martin

I read it was based on the Silverado package.
1980 Silverado got square heads
1980 non-Silverado got round

 

[nvrenuf]

I read it was based on the Silverado package.
1980 Silverado got square heads
1980 non-Silverado got round

Square headlights are tied to the "V22" chrome grille option, the truck doesn't necessarily have to be a Silverado to get the square headlights.

 

[CK5]

You know you could get either in '80, right? The round was standard, the square headlamp was optional.

Martin

Yes

 

[CK5]

Square headlights are tied to the "V22" chrome grille option, the truck doesn't necessarily have to be a Silverado to get the square headlights.

So, could you get a Silverado in 1980 with round lights? Not sure if you could only order the V22 option with Silverado package etc.

 

[82355]

So, could you get a Silverado in 1980 with round lights? Not sure if you could only order the V22 option with Silverado package etc.

YE9 Silverado trim included V22, so all 1980 Silverados had square head lamps. V22 could be ordered with any trim level though, so the lower trim levels could have either.

It is the exact same situation as the single or dual head lamps on 1981-1986 C/K or 1987-1991 R/V trucks.

Martin

 

[82355]

I read it was based on the Silverado package.
1980 Silverado got square heads
1980 non-Silverado got round

Kind of correct, kind of incorrect.

Thousands of 1980 trucks that were not Silverados had square head lamps. It was just part of RPO V22 that could be ordered on any truck.

All 1980 Silverados did have the square head lamps though.

Martin

 

[CK5]

YE9 Silverado trim included V22, so all 1980 Silverados had square head lamps. V22 could be ordered with any trim level though, so the lower trim levels could have either.

It is the exact same situation as the single or dual head lamps on 1981-1986 C/K or 1987-1991 R/V trucks.

Martin

Figured it was something like that, thanks for the info.

 

[Capt Ron]

The square lights were available on late 79 trucks also. I parted a few back in the day.
The LMC catalog also mentioned this at one time. Seems like quite a few of the LF9 Olds diesel powered trucks had them.
I think I still have some original square bezels that are driver quality stashed out in a shed.

 

[Lolz_cats]

Is the panel under the grille the same for both 79 and 80?

There are a few extra holes to support the trim studs but that's about it.

 

[mrk5]

I agree with what others have said; I prefer the round eyes but I wouldn't be in a hurry to change an 80.

One thing I like about the 1980 front end is for some reason it reminds me of the stompers I used to play with as a kid.

 

[Big Ray]

I prefer the round eyes, but a single square is not bad. I'd rock it. Certainly not worth the effort to change it.

 

[Hosalabad]

I’m in the, leave it square. But you’d have to give it to me. I’m only buying round light trucks.