Need info for front cap swap

[mcnair71]

I am working on a 1988 k5. I am wanting to install a 73-80 grill. Any info, forum links and advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[4X4HIGH]

I'm assuming you mean the topper, you want a full top rather than the half top? The full topper is 73-75 only as 1976-1991 are half top rigs.

 

[ryoken]

I was thinking it was a typo for "front clip"

 

[frankin5]

I'm assuming you mean the topper, you want a full top rather than the half top? The full topper is 73-75 only as 1976-1991 are half top rigs.

I think he is talking about putting on the front clip. Not fast enough

 

[4X4HIGH]

I was thinking it was a typo for "front clip"

I'm inclined to say that's what he's talking about but i've never heard anyone call a front clip a "cap", that is always what people refer to as the topper.

 

[ryoken]

the only reason I guessed that was the yr split...

but it certainly could mean going full vert too...

 

[mcnair71]

Sorry for the confusion. I'm wanting to change the grill to the 73-80. I have already converted to the full convert using a 75 donor. I had both k5s and once I tore down the 75 I realized it was to far gone to restore. That's when I decided to turn my 88 into a 75 clone. I have the 75 radiator support, fenders, inner fenders and hood. What year bushings do I use with support? Thanks

 

[ryoken]

so you want to put the whole front clip on, fenders, hood, rad, grill, etc?

it's easier to put the new on the older ones, but it can be done... bushings should be the same iirc, but you'll need to do some massaging around the cowl iirc and the wipers will need to be changed...

someone else will chime in with the exact details... round headlights for the win...

 

[mcnair71]

so you want to put the whole front clip on, fenders, hood, rad, grill, etc?

it's easier to put the new on the older ones, but it can be done... bushings should be the same iirc, but you'll need to do some massaging around the cowl iirc and the wipers will need to be changed...

someone else will chime in with the exact details... round headlights for the win...

Thanks for info. What do you mean by iirc? I prefer the round headlights myself. I always wanted the 73-75 blazer.

 

[paratrooper307]

IIRC= If I recall

It should be pretty straightforward, and having the donor truck will make it easier to source those extra parts that you'll need to make it work.

 

[mcnair71]

So would I use 81-88 radiator support bushings to match the bushings on the body? Or do I use 73-80 radiator bushings to match the 75 front clip? I have already installed the 75 doors on the 88.

 

[ryoken]

the rad support that goes with the fenders.. the bushings should be the same..

 

[dyeager535]

Pretty sure the core support bushings changed at some point. The mount hole is a bit different diameter or shape. Not sure it's a big issue, but if buying a new set of bushings, that might be annoying.

No idea what the year split was.

 

[ryoken]

in that case, you'd probably run the 80+ ones for that frame.. I'm sure a quick look at lmc would show a yr split..

the core supports are basically the same mounting on the bottom... it's the headlight detents that matter...

 

[dyeager535]

I know it can be worked around easily, I know two who have gone either way with the core supports (newer on old, old on newer) and there was some issue with that mount. But would suck if you paid the money for a new polyurethane mount kit (or simply just bought new mounts, those two tend to be in pretty poor shape from my experience) and didn't end up with what you need for the swap when you are in the middle of it.

 

[ryoken]

the core support is the smallest of issues, can't imagine/remember the bushings being that different between my 77 and 87... the tops are just flat on both..

I just looked at lmc... it doesn't break down the kits that far, pre 80, post 80, but that could certainly be differences in the other bushings, not nec the support ones...

the cowl/wipers/hinges are a much much bigger deal... I forget exactly what needs working, but it is metalworking.. I had considered it on my 87 cuz I like the earlier clips so much better, but decided I had enough work already... new clip on the older is much easier....

 

[dyeager535]

I bought the year truck(s) I wanted.

 

[kennyw]

IIRC= If I recall

Or, If I Remember Correctly.

I would try using the bushings from the 88 on the core support from the 75. I don't know if there was ever a change, but that is the best chance for success if there was a change.

 

[ryoken]

I bought the year truck(s) I wanted.

finding a pre 80 that's not rotted to the hilt in this state is impossible.. my 77 was all rotted around the upper door jambs, windshield, in addition to all the lower stuff we see...

heck, even my 87 had some decent rust down low and that was one of the cleanest K5's I could find... it's all good, the round lights in my custom 87 clip looks killer anyway..

 

[mcnair71]

thanks for all of the input. I ordered the 73-80 support bushings from lmc. I still have the bushings from the 88 and will compare them side by side. Planning on starting the tear down within a couple of weeks. Luckily, I still have the rusted 75 (donor for the windshield header and doors) to compare the cowl area with my 88. I agree, its easier to buy the year that you want. I had to drive 8hrs to find my 75, and once i tore it down to the body. I realized how bad it was. Once I removed the hardtop, the windshield fell inward overnight 3 inches. Not giving up.....lol......gonna work with what I got!