Front Clip Swap?
 

I am the proud owner of an 84 SWB Silverado that is in fairly good shape, but will be needing paint very soon. The previous owner buffed through the paint in several spots (body lines).

I am also a huge fan of the 73-80 front ends and have heard of people swapping parts to update the look of an early model, but never back-dating to the earlier look.

What all must be changed to accomplish the conversion? Core support, feders, hood, cowl, grill, lights, etc.? Is it a feasable swap?

I admit I will probably never do it, but have never seen it discussed before either...

Re: Front Clip Swap?
 

hood hinges and wiper mechanism as well

Re: Front Clip Swap?
 

youll have to cut the cowl on your cab to accomodate the hinges for the older style hinges and the rad support will need to be changed using the bushings and mount from that too

Re: Front Clip Swap?
 

If I recall, the bolt patterns for the wipers stanchions are different between the 73-80 and the 81-87. The 81-87s are taller to be able to penetrate the cowl panel. The 73-80 style is shorter because the wipers tuck under the rear of the hood. Maybe you can run the newer style and just use a spacer on the backside and longer bolts to get the height to match the 73-80 measurement.

You'll have to weld up the original (80-87) hinge holes in the cowl and trim the pinch weld areas on the side. The best bet is to go to a wrecking yard and find both early and late versions and take pictures. The differences between the cabs are pretty slight, but if you want it to look factory, the little details make all the difference.

Re: Front Clip Swap?
 

http://www.coloradok5.com/grilleswap.shtml


this will help