Front Clip Replacement?

[k5blazinredneck]

I had a front end collision in my blazer about a month ago and need to replace the front clip. Are there any forums up here about how to do this? im relitavely new to this kind of stuff so what year models will be a direct bolt on application? And is this a hard task?

 

[colbystephens]

Not a hard task. As to what is a direct swap, we need to know what year you're working with. Any front clip can be used from '73-'91, but some would be easier than others depending on what year you have - mostly because of the wiring (like 4 headlights or 2, or location of blinkers, etc.). There's no real instructions, other than remove and replace. Kind of like in the Hayne's manual when it says installation is the reverse of removal... Is there any chance you have a damaged frame?

 

[k5blazinredneck]

Its a 1990 model. I highly doubt there is any frame damage, but i will check. the only reason the front had any damage is the P.O replaced the front bumper and didn't bolt the drivers side brace back at the bumper end. so the bumper bent back and crushed the fender and front support.

 

[dremu]

The fenders, hood, cowl, basic body stuff are all compatible between 1981-1987 pickups, and 1981-1991 Blazer/Jimmy and Suburban.

The headlight and grille stuff changed within those years, so you'd have a hard time mixing and matching between your '90 and, say, an '82.

Your best match will be '89-'91 Blazer/Jimmy/Suburbans, which have the quad headlight as I presume yours does. (Some basic models, i.e. fleet vehicles, had a different grille/headlight arrangement.)

There's a tech article about updating an older truck to this style, some of which might helpful to you. Not all of it would apply since you'd hopefully just be swapping like parts for like.

http://coloradok5.com/grilleswap.shtml

Finally, removing/replacing the quarters and such is pretty easy, but hang onto the shims that fall out, as you'll need them to realign the body panels to the doors, etc, when you reassemble her.

-- A