Mixing up the front sheet metal

[Storm Chaser]

My buddy asked me about this but I didn't know the answer...

He has an 86 Suburban and a tree fell on it damaging the hood and tops of the fenders. He likes the look of the late 70's front end and wanted to know if it would work. I had bought a parts truck once where the older front was bolted on to the newer truck, but they had pried the hood up in the wiper area to clear the wiper arms.

So, I guess the question is- is there a way to "correctly" make this work? Is it as simple as changing out the wiper transmission, or is there more involved?

I already know about the frame horn/ bumper mount difference. I'm just concerned about the sheetmetal (or what we call the doghouse up here). Thanks.

[73chevyman]

yes its been done all you need to do is have the donor there to make it work the right way

[Jonboy]

It's really that easy. You will need the earlier cowl screen (it's just plastic), and you will want to cover up the holes left from the hood hinges. Make sure you get the entire front end (doghouse) when you make the swap. The hinges bolt to the earlier fenders, so the swap is easy.

[Conundrum]

You will also need the wiper stands, because they are shorter.

[Storm Chaser]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll pass along the info. Although I've done my share of swapping stuff around, I've never done this particular swap. I knew from an old parts truck I used to have that the wipers were an issue, I just didn't know if it was as easy as changing them. He has access to a complete parts truck, so he should have everything he needs.

And I'll have to file this info away for future reference too- I can't decide which I like best- the 78-79 front or the more modern 90-ish R/V front. Of course my decisions usually comes down to what I have the best access to (read: which is cheapest)...

[old Rusty C10]

If you take the doghouse off use the body mounts that match the frame to attach the core support there is a difference