Front clip swap

[patrickgraven]

So I have a 91 suburban and I was in the process of replacing the front door hinges and it appears as if I will have to remove the fender to get access to the hinge bolts. Now I know of people putting the newer front clip on, but is it possible to put a 73-79 clip on.

 

[big dan]

yes
Best pic I have of the truck on this computer but 85 gmc w/ 74 front clip

You will need along with the front clip; the correct battery tray, windshield wiper towers with the correct motor, the core support mounts because they are different.

And I dont know if all of them are the same but my 85 radiator was quite a bit taller than the 74 radiator so the mount wouldnt work. I modified the core support to use the mounts for the 85 radiator since it was new and in good condition. So you will either need to do the same or find the correct radiator.

And I almost forgot headlight wiring harness. I used my 85 harness since I couldnt find the correct one. My side markers and turn signals worked and for the headlights I just got a new plug and wired it in.

 

[blazinzuk]

^^^^^

what he said LOL

good explanation of what you need

 

[patrickgraven]

Ok cool thanks. I will have to go snoop around the junkyard tomorrow and look at some older trucks.

 

[smier]

I always liked the older front ends as well, what's the difference with the cowl/wiper area? I hadn't ever heard that one before.

 

[big dan]

The 81-91 models have a cowl piece and the wiper towers stick up through the cowl.

on 73-80 models, the cowl piece is not there, instead the hood is longer to cover up the gap and wiper towers are under the hood.

 

[smier]

Got it, I had never noticed that on the 70's trucks, but makes sense, that's how my old 70's camaro's and chevelle were as well. Thanks for the info!

 

[patrickgraven]

Well today I picked up a complete 78 front clip in pretty good shape. Only paid $100 for it too. Now the fun part of doing the actual swap

 

[a77blazerchalet]

Ya could always go back even further to the '64-'66 clip (linky).....

 

[patrickgraven]

so here is the clip in the back of my toyota on its way home.

 

[big dan]

dang, didnt even take it apart. You got help with that?

Pics when its on

 

[patrickgraven]

well today I started the swap. Got the old (new) clip off and set the new (old) clip set on. Still need to bolt it down and pick up the wiper towers. I may try and just see if i can space the wiper towers into the cowl to get the clearance i need. I also need to do the wires, still not sure what I will do about that as there are wires heading to the back (assuming taillights) however all the harnesses I have seen at the junkyards have two less wires heading back.

 

[patrickgraven]

its basically just set on at the moment and when i took the pictures i didnt realize it was sitting on the outer bumper bracket on the driverside.

 

[smier]

This will be cool when it's done. What's your plans for paint?

 

[badmix]

That looks sweet on the 'burb.

 

[patrickgraven]

so its been a while on this as I kind of broke the rear axle and blew up the engine in my other truck. But I did get the front put on. As far as paint Im going to leave it all messed up until after the brothers truck show in july so that i can go for ugly truck. After Im going to go black and orange.