86 to 74 front end swap

[Duntz00]

What all will I need to swap my truck from a 86 front end to the 73-80 front end?

I got a 74 GMC grill from Airemdwn today and I'm thinking very hard about swapping to the old style frontend on my mud truck so I can put the grill to good use.

Here is the grill I've got

 

[454Sub]

You will need the core support, headlights, the grill obviously, headlight bezels, and associated wiring for running lights and headlights, but im fairly certain you will have to use the front fenders as well, maybe not but its a possibility

 

[82355]

Yeah, you have to swap fenders as well, and there are some firewall modifications for the hinges along with the windshield wipers. That grille would look good on the wall in your garage.

Martin

 

[shady]

i'd like to do this same swap when paint time comes for my burb. It'd be interesting to see what it does take if anyone has links

 

[82355]

Isn't there a write up on the front page???

Martin

 

[shady]

no, just looked. Almost forgot this site had a home page its for a square light to newer square light swap. Not sure how different a round to square light one would be. Cant be too hard

 

[dyeager535]

Cant be too hard

Other than the fact the core support mounts are a different size, all the sheetmetal is entirely different, and the firewall is different, no differences!

Honestly think the only real difference that isn't a bolt-on/off change is the firewall, everything else will essentially bolt up, I had a buddy do the entire front clip swap. But the core support IIRC is substantially different, which precludes simply putting an older grille in a newer core support.

 

[82355]

Yeah, I just went and checked as well. It's the opposite swap.

http://coloradok5.com/grilleswap.shtml

Martin

 

[Duntz00]

Yes the grille is really to nice to use and may end up on the garage wall but I still plan on doing the swap to the 70's front clip because it is alot better looking than the newer front clip.