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06-22-2009, 01:26 AM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: la
Posts: 345
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83 suburban facelift = questions
I have an 83 suburban that I want to do a little face-life to when I change the rear main seal. I found a 79 parts suburban and wanted to swap the front end of the 83 for the 79 style. So here are the questions, because all the write ups I have found ask about swapping old to new. Best part is the parts are rust free on both trucks and even the same faded 2-tone haha.
Do I need the hood from the 79, or will my 83 hood fit? I know the other swap requires some cutting, but since I have a later model cab I shouldn't have to do this right? I am replacing the outer/inner fenders, the grill and the core support. Do I need to swap out the wiper motor pieces or the cowl cover as well? I was told that the core support mounts are in different locations for the later model versus earlier, will I have to move them? Hopefully in a couple weeks I will be able to get his done, just need to know what parts I have to get to complete the swap with as little down time as possible. Thanks for the help |
06-22-2009, 01:33 AM | #2 |
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: la
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
I do need the hood, but is there any cutting involved for the springs/hinges?
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06-22-2009, 07:46 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Waynesfield Ohio
Posts: 1,991
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
Do I need the hood from the 79, or will my 83 hood fit?
YES 79's Hood I know the other swap requires some cutting, but since I have a later model cab I shouldn't have to do this right? Correct NO cutting required I am replacing the outer/inner fenders, the grill and the core support. Do I need to swap out the wiper motor pieces or the cowl cover as well? Yes the 83's are too long I was told that the core support mounts are in different locations for the later model versus earlier, will I have to move them? NO dirrect swap but the bumper brackets are diffrent to use the 79's bumper the front frame horns will have to be cut off and welded to the 83's frame
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1949 Five Window, 1973 Step Side, 2000 Z71 |
06-22-2009, 04:21 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
Keep us updated on this. It seems to be a growing mod for the later trucks. I myself have even considered it. Probably not on this truck, but maybe on the next one. Make sure and take lots of pics!!!
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06-22-2009, 04:52 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Netherlands
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
What's wrong w the 83 front?
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06-22-2009, 05:09 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: la
Posts: 345
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
Thanks for the help everybody and you can be sure that I will document this upgrade very well. I am still not sure if I can swing it financially...especially since he has since sold the hood and the passenger fender is dented.
I am getting more detailed pics tonight but the reasons for doing it are twofold...first I like the older look alot better than the current one. Also, everybody wants newer front ends and I figure I could sell my front sheet-metal for more than I intend to buy this metal for. In a year or so I plan on repainting the whole car red, so I can live with slightly damaged front end metal as long as it is rust free. |
06-22-2009, 05:10 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: la
Posts: 345
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
Couple more questions though...will my current radiator fit without mods or do I need the earlier radiator? Am I forgetting anything here parts wise?
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06-22-2009, 06:36 PM | #8 |
BAD BOW-Silverado XST
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX
Posts: 6,431
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
Reverse this procedure.
http://www.coloradok5.com/grilleswap.shtml |
06-22-2009, 06:41 PM | #9 |
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
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Re: 83 suburban facelift = questions
Only difference on that one is that it is just a core support, grill, and light change. Going to the older style you have to replace the whole front clip.
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