55-57 front clip swap on 58

[Spblack]

anyone swapped a 55-57 front clip to their 58 or 59? I want to go single headlight, so I was what all was different before I pull the trigger.

[dsraven]

here is what I know from my experience doing the same thing. I am not done yet so this is an incomplete response.
-the frame on the 58-59 is longer out front so would need to be trimmed back.

-the rad support brackets on the frame are in a different spot relating to the longer front fenders on the 58-59. the brackets are riveted on so not a big deal to move them.

-the hood hinges mount on the firewall instead of the inner fender.

-the headlight wiring would need to be changed up a bit to reflect the singles per side. possibly the clearance/marker light wiring as well.

-inner fenders, rad support, front fenders hood latches, filler panels by hood latch, filler panels behind bumper etc are different so make sure to get a complete front clip then you will have everything you need.
don't know for sure but I think there is not much else to mention. the cabs are supposed to be interchangeable between the years so as long as you have the hinge bolt holes free and clear of other "stuff" that should be easy to overcome. I have noticed that some fenders are different at the rear upper edge and may not fit the cab/door well, but then that is from year to year on the single headlight units so as long as you are prepared to deal with those minor issues I guess you are set. are you talking chev or gmc? earlier gmc front fenders differ between the years, some have a divet in the grill surround where the "mustache" grille parts wrap around and attach to the fenders. 57 (my year) are a stand alone in this area but if you are handy that can be overcome.

[Spblack]

Thanks. I have a 57 swb frame I am using. 58 cab and fleetside bed. No front clip as of yet but im thinking of buying a complete new front clip to resolve any headaches on finding a part here or there. I want to go with billet hood hinges so I think ill be good to go since I have a 57 frame. Thanks for your help.

[_Ogre]

oh the blasphemy, more is better!

[58CameoAZ]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

oh the blasphemy, more is better!

I agree with Ogre 4-Eyes can be better then 20/20 Vision! Lol.

Allen
58-Cameo 59-Stepside

[ChuckDriver]

The spacing of the hinge mounting holes on the firewall is different as well as the bolt size.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by ChuckDriver

The spacing of the hinge mounting holes on the firewall is different as well as the bolt size.

That's not an issue in his instance, he's using a billet hinge

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by Spblack

anyone swapped a 55-57 front clip to their 58 or 59? I want to go single headlight, so I was what all was different before I pull the trigger.

There is a guy on this site that did that very thing. Cant recall his name here but goes by Bam on the trifive forum.

He is a hell of a craftsman and his build is 100 plus pages but well worth looking at the whole thing. Someone on here will know his handle and that would let you know what you are getting in to

[ptc]

If you have a 58 cab and are putting on a complete 57 front end, (55-56 are a little different too) the hood mounting should be the only challenge onto the 58 firewall. I understand youre using billet hinges but youll have to change the placement of the mounting holes on the firewall no matter what. I found that the 55-56 hood is a little shorter in length than a '57.... news to me until tried it!

So make sure you get EVERYTHING on the 57 or a 55-56 front end, inner panels and all because they are different due to the hinge mounting. Dont piece it together, try and get a complete front end off the same vehicle.

I am doing a 58-59 hood onto a '57 right now and that is what I have found so far to be different. I may go with billet hinges too. Who are you using for yours and are they reasonably priced?

thanks