Grill and Headlight Swapping....

[Nerd Boy]

Does anyone know if it is possible to swap out the entire grill and headlight assembly from a '87 and put in one from a '77?
I have a '87 v20 and I would love to make it look like a '77 with the round headlights.
I searched the forum but couldn't find an answer.....

 

[noJeepshere]

To do that you'd need everything from the radiator support to the cowl under the windshield, as well as the fenders and hood. The 73-80 grilles are taller than the 81-91 grilles, as are the fenders and everything else. Best to buy a complete parts truck of the vintage you want and start swapping parts.

 

[Burbdood 74]

^^ what he said. The 73-80 trucks had a flat hood while the 81-87 trucks and 81-91 Blazers/Suburbans had a nose that sloped down in the front.

 

[Nerd Boy]

Thanks for the quick reply. I figured it wouldn't be as easy as I had hoped, and due to my total lack of funds, I guess I'll just stick with what I have got. The truck is in great shape and is bone stock for now. I have plans to do a lift and some body work before getting it repainted.
I had a '76 GMC in High School and love these old trucks. I am really looking forward to getting my hands dirty and having some fun in the mountains again.
I tried to post a picture but it says I have to have five posts before I can do that.......

 

[Burbdood 74]

One thing you can do is swap your from 87 grille to the 89-91 grill with 4 smaller headlights. All you'd have to do is swap out the core support, modify your headlight wiring and put in the new grille. It can be done in half a day or so.

 

[Jeremy_C]

I have a 84 silverado, to do the conversion to the 91 model grill all I have to fool with is the grill, core support and headlights. Right?

As long as i dont have to mess with fenders and the hood, I might just get this done.

 

[Burbdood 74]

I have a 84 silverado, to do the conversion to the 91 model grill all I have to fool with is the grill, core support and headlights. Right?

As long as i dont have to mess with fenders and the hood, I might just get this done.

Yep. There's a Tech Article about this swap too. From what I've read, it's a really simple project.