Hi, I’m looking to purchase an 88 k5. It’s not in fantastic shape and it will need body work including new front fenders (entire panel) I was curious about whether or not you could use the 70s style (73-80 I think) fenders and grille. As far as I can tell the body lines from the doors, back, are all identical between the 70s and 80s. I really like the way the 70s blazers look and I wanted to know if this was possible. As far as I can tell it would only need fenders, grille. And possibly a different hood? I don’t have the knowledge to know if this is correct or not and any expertise would be appreciated, thanks in advance!
CK5
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QUESTION ABOUT BODY PANNELS
- Thread starter Jake_C_
- Start date
If you wanted to use 73-80 fenders, grill and hood, you would also have to run a 73-80 radiator core support and 73-80 windshield wiper linkage/arms. In other words, yes: they are interchangeable but you must swap the entire front clip.
Ok much appreciated, I will have all the pieces to rebuild it 80+ style, so if I decide to do it I can take the time to gather the parts. Is the radiator itself different or just the support?
You should be able to use your radiator, you just have to slightly modify the upper mounts to bolt up to the older style core support.
Ok thanks a lot man
Hey btw do you know if k10s have the same size front clips, fenders, grilles, etc.? I assumed they are but I wanted to check.
Yes, K5, K10, K20, K30 all used the same front sheet metal.
i thought so, much thanks.
I'm doing the swap on my 91 K5, other than the core support and wiper linkage, the radiator mount perches need to be modified. I had to cut mine almost in half to compensate for the width of the mount
Ricky Bobby
1/2 ton status
So I'm having an issue with the front fenders lining up with the cab. Anyone have a clue what's up? Entire front cab swapped over, lined up and stabbed front body mount bolts and now the fenders over shot the bolt holes bye at least 6"s
The only thing I know about this is that a couple bolt holes for the fenders won’t line up but most do. I’ve swapped my 70s fenders on to my 88 and it worked except a couple holes didn’t line up but a bunch did so I was happy with that.
Ricky Bobby
1/2 ton status
I figured it out. Just took 2 people.
glad to hear it
