73 - 80 front clip on an 87........

[lectric80]

On mine it does, but you should remember that 79 and 80 are unique to the overall layout of the grill area. Those are the only two years that have the larger headlight doors that extend out, prior years were more flush with the front of the fender. The buckets themselves are actually in the same spot, but the doors extend out further.

I don't think I have any pics of the hood open, but I will check for you.

 

[lectric80]

Paul, I should also mention that the ridge on the hood wraps onto the front edge where it then flattens out. The ridge, at least on mine and 79, has zero effect on the grill trim. It is flat or real close to flat all the way across the front.

This pic is a little further out, but it shows the ridge on the hood and a bit better angle on the whole grill:

Edit: Well the white washed out the ridge on the hood, but you can see that it is basically flat all the way across.

 

[USSkoval]

Does this help?

 

[ryoken]

yeah, it does, thanks... I'm a little hesitant at this point after seeing the pics tho... doesn't look like my original idea for a flat grill will work easily..

not that i can't come up with something.. it just doesn't appear it'll be quite as simple as it would be with the newer clip...

 

[blazinzuk]

okay just a thought on this how about trying to find an even earlier grille than those mentioned. Only thing different is the core support I think

If you do it like a 73-75 grille and inset your insert it could be cool

Pretty sure you could do the insetting with any year front end it just takes a different core support to do it with the factory grille

 

[USSkoval]

Is the '73-'74 core support different, or just the little brackets that the grill screws to?

At any rate, I still vote for the early front end

 

[79rustyk10]

just do it, since when have you chose not to do something because it might be a little harder? I think that thing would loo sweet with the 70's front clip with that orange color.

 

[ryoken]

haha, not too often.... I really wanna do it... i'll just start acquiring the pieces and figure the grill out when the time comes...

 

[StevoandaRedK5]

Is the '73-'74 core support different, or just the little brackets that the grill screws to?

At any rate, I still vote for the early front end

Just the brackets. I know cuz i forgot to pull the brackets off my '73 core support (wrecked...now scrapped) after swapping on the front clip from that '79. now my new pretty '73/'74 grille doesn't have all the spots to mount up.....bleh

 

[Russell]

Well, I can safely say that this isn't a bolt on swap.

Front body mounts would need to be moved forward a bit, and the older wiper linkages don't just bolt in. You'd need to drill a hole for them to bolt up as only one hole fits.

Enough that I am going to put a proper diesel core support on my truck and run a newer front clip!

 

[85-m1028]

yeah, it does, thanks... I'm a little hesitant at this point after seeing the pics tho... doesn't look like my original idea for a flat grill will work easily..

not that i can't come up with something.. it just doesn't appear it'll be quite as simple as it would be with the newer clip...

most notable differences I can think of would be the hood hinges bolt to the fenders, not the inside the vent cowling.

the hood latch is at the front "no pull latch inside the cab" that would mean you would need to have an opening in the expanded sheet metal grill to fit your fingers.

the spacing on the rubber mounts for the radiator may be different, width wise?

and the top of the core support does follow the shape of the hood with the little bump out. not flat like the newer style.

 

[ryoken]

wow, great info guys!

sorry to disappoint the masses, but I'm gonna retain the newer clip.... I've just got sooooooo much on my plate with other fabwork, I can't justify the time for this...

gonna give that guy on CL a call about that whole newer clip for $200....

 

[Corey 78K5]

NOOOOOO.........

Flat hoods forever!!!!

 

[VegasBruce]

NOOOOOO.........

Flat hoods forever!!!!

 

[76zimmer]

NOOOOOO.........

Flat hoods forever!!!!

with Braces!!!!

Whats that Ryoken up to now?

 

[Merv]

wow, great info guys!

sorry to disappoint the masses, but I'm gonna retain the newer clip.... I've just got sooooooo much on my plate with other fabwork, I can't justify the time for this...

gonna give that guy on CL a call about that whole newer clip for $200....

 

[ryoken]

I know, I know, me too.... would have been cool, but I've got enough on my plate...... and I think I found a great deal on a whole clip...

anyone tell the actual year from this lousy angle?

 

[Xtremegmc80]

looks like a 1984 like i used to have..

 

[Babaganoosh]

I would say a 81 or 82 judging by the piece below the headlights.

 

[USSkoval]

I would say a 81 or 82 judging by the piece below the headlights.

X2. The park lights would have been in the bumper.