wrong front bumper ??

[454HO]

So I know the 73-80 front bumper is different from the 81 up. But would the later bumper work and look ok with the earlier front end? I guess what I am trying to ask is, can I put an early front clip on a later frame and keep the later bumper? Does it fit, and if so how does it look?

[heavychevy79]

I've seen a 73-80 bumper on a 81 up truck but I didn't check to see how it mounted. It looked fine.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by heavychevy79

I've seen a 73-80 bumper on a 81 up truck but I didn't check to see how it mounted. It looked fine.

Cool, but I'm interested in what an 81-87 bumper with a 73-80 front clip looks like.

[smashingchuck]

The gravel pans are completely different, but it might look ok. You will have to hack off the frame horns to mount it, but I think it's doable.

[babyJay]

If you used one with the rectangular turn signals in it with the round headlight front clip, it definitely would stand out and not look right. If you use one from a model that has turn signals in the grille it may look o.k., provided the bolt holes line up. You may have to fabricate mounting brackets.

[454HO]

Perhaps I had 1 too many beers last night and was not clear on my question. I have an '86 truck... it looks exactly like this.



I want to put a '77 front clip on it. Will it look okay with the bumper that's on it, or do I need to get an early bumper to match. I know you have to cut the frame horns when you attach a late model bumper to an early model frame, but what would I need to attach an early bumper to my late model frame? The horns are already cut off from the factory.

[N2TRUX]

It "can" be done, but I don't "think" it will look good.

Step back and look at the 73-80 front end and what do you see? You see a lot of rounded lines. Contrary to what most people think, there are two terms that truthfully describe our trucks. The rounded line trucks (73-80) and the square bodies (81-91).

The 73-80's have round fender lines, round head lights, and rounded bumpers. Even the grill's have curves on the bottom. IMHO round lines don't mix well with straight lines. Go round or go home....

[babyJay]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

...Go round or go home....

You have way more issues to worry about than the bumper. Look at the wiper cowl area, hood hinge location, etc. There's a lot of modification you're considering. You'd be better off to go the other way and put on a 91 burb clip.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by babyJay

You have way more issues to worry about than the bumper. Look at the wiper cowl area, hood hinge location, etc. There's a lot of modification you're considering.

I'm not going to spill the beans just yet , but im considering other mods too.

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

It "can" be done, but I don't "think" it will look good.

That's the kind of answer I'm looking for. I will be on the lookout for a 73-80 bumper next time I go junk yarding. But the question remains... how do I bolt it to my '86 frame? Should I take the cordless sawzall and snag the the end of the frame rails along with the bumper?

[old Rusty C10]

Originally Posted by 454HO

That's the kind of answer I'm looking for. I will be on the lookout for a 73-80 bumper next time I go junk yarding. But the question remains... how do I bolt it to my '86 frame? Should I take the cordless sawzall and snag the the end of the frame rails along with the bumper?

yes you will need the earlier frame horns

[N2TRUX]

I have seen some cobbled up jobs where they modded the ends to fit, but like Bob says your better off getting a set of 73-80 rail ends. The yard will probably torch them off. just make sure you get a little extra.

You will also need the wiper stands as babyJay mentions. Just ignore the part about going to a 91 clip...

[babyJay]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

...Just ignore the part about going to a 91 clip...

yeah, I don't know what I was thinking....I like the round headlights as much as you.