Backdating GMC Grille from '76 to '73 - what parts are needed?

[modernbeat]

I've got a '76 GMC with a tube grille in it now. I want to go back to an OEM style grille, and would prefer the earlier '73 grille.

Other than the grille and it's fasteners, what else is needed to backdate one? I read somewhere (can't find it now) that some other side pieces?? were required?

[75chev4x4]

You will need the two mounting brackets on the left and right side and also the hood relese to work with the 73-74 grill. Go to ur local yard and find a 73 74 to snag this stuff from.

[Jonboy]

You need the center support and 2 outer supports. I have a 73-4 GMC grille here locally, if you need one. No brackets, though.

[75chev4x4]

Bracket support whatever you wanna call it

[75chev4x4]

Gottcha I misread sorry

[modernbeat]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

You need the center support and 2 outer supports. I have a 73-4 GMC grille here locally, if you need one. No brackets, though.

Dang, I bought one and had it shipped. Should have put out a WTB. I live in Casa Linda (White Rock Lake) and work in Plano. I might still like to see if yours is an upgrade to the one I got.

[88Jimmy4x4]

I did this exact swap to my 76 gmc. You will need the two outer brackets as stated above, but you will also need different inner vertical brackets as the spacing is different on the 73 grille to the 76 grille by an inch or so (if you want a screw in every hole of grille)

BTW.....There are dimples in the core support near each headlight to designate where to drill/locate the outer brackets.

Heres a pic of the outer brackets

[bigblock73]

All you need is the center support/latch, and outer brackets. The vertical intermediate supports are hard to find, as most were spot welded to the 73/74 core support...but like stated above, you don't really need them. Both trucks i converted did not have them, and it caused no problems.

[88Jimmy4x4]

Ya I found a set and attached mine, it bugged me not to have them lol
Posted via Mobile Device

[modernbeat]

Thanks. Looks like the GMC and Chevy parts are the same for those years? If yes, I spotted a '73 C10 in a local yard and I'll pull the entire core support to get all the pieces.

[Jonboy]

No problem. I have it stashed at work, but it is no big deal to bring it home. If you don't end up needing it, I will stash it in the attic.

[bluex]

[Tx Firefighter]

You shouldn't have to change your hood latch. Just the center brace an outer brackets.



Hit the swap meet this weekend and there will be a bunch of them out there I'm sure.

Pate Swap Meet. It's big beyond belief. At the Motor Speedway. I'll be the big hillbilly in the giant sombrero.
Posted via Mobile Device

[modernbeat]

Yep, I'll be at Pate. I try to always make it. Thanks for the pic of the parts I need. Helps a lot.

[N2TRUX]

Guys this didn't start as a WTB/For Sale post. If it continues to be one it will be locked.

Everyone is giving you all the information you need with one exception. Do you have an inside hood release? I can't remember if they offered it before 77, so I need to verify. If you do have an internal release, there will be several things that need to be changed to accomplish the external release.

[Jonboy]

'78 is the earliest I have seen the inside hood release.

[Tx Firefighter]

I wasn't trying to sell mine. I sold two of those sets on the parts board and installed the third set on my 78 project truck.
Posted via my rotary phone as I'm building trucks in my shop

[bluex]

Funny, here's an entire thread no one has said a word about....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=575419

Made me think things had changed around here a bit.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

[88Jimmy4x4]

Originally Posted by bluex

Funny, here's an entire thread no one has said a word about....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=575419

Made me think things had changed around here a bit.
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

Yezzi name blue so that means he can do WTB and has paid money to do so, whereas the starter of this thread is pink and not paid therefore not allowed.
Posted via Mobile Device

[modernbeat]

Originally Posted by 88Jimmy4x4

Yezzi name blue so that means he can do WTB and has paid money to do so, whereas the starter of this thread is pink and not paid therefore not allowed.
Posted via Mobile Device

That's not what happened. I'm looking for info, not parts. But someone offered to sell them and got edited.