Front end swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Patch · 08-20-2021, 09:45 PM

Doing a grille swap from a 86 GMC C3500 to a 89-91 GMC grille. I have the core support for an 89-91....so do I use the core support mounts for the 86 or 89-91? Does it matter? Thanks in advance. (I also have the 89-91 lower filler panel)

kipps · 08-20-2021, 11:36 PM

If both of them are the single headlight model, then I'd say there's a good enough chance to try it.

If one or both of them have dual headlights, then there's going to be some fabricating and jury-rigging to make it work.

Patch · 08-21-2021, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kipps

If both of them are the single headlight model, then I'd say there's a good enough chance to try it.

If one or both of them have dual headlights, then there's going to be some fabricating and jury-rigging to make it work.

Hey there. It's a straight forward swap. Quite a few folks have done it on here. I simply didn't account for the possibility that the support mount kits were different. I just need to identify which one it is.

kipps · 08-21-2021, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patch

Hey there. It's a straight forward swap. Quite a few folks have done it on here. I simply didn't account for the possibility that the support mount kits were different. I just need to identify which one it is.

Sorry. I misread the question. I thought you were asking about swapping the grille, and were wondering about using your existing core support.

**Palf70Step** · 08-21-2021, 04:27 AM

As far as I can tell, the radiator core support mount bushing kits are the same for 81 to 91 squarebodies. The actual frame mounts seem to different between 2wd and 4wd of those years.

Patch · 08-21-2021, 05:20 PM

Anyone done this swap??

Patch · 08-23-2021, 12:16 PM

I went ahead and ordered new mounts for an 86, so hopefully that'll work out.

08-20-2021, 09:45 PM	#1
Patch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oak Harbor, WA Posts: 709	Front end swap question Doing a grille swap from a 86 GMC C3500 to a 89-91 GMC grille. I have the core support for an 89-91....so do I use the core support mounts for the 86 or 89-91? Does it matter? Thanks in advance. (I also have the 89-91 lower filler panel) __________________ Patch

08-20-2021, 11:36 PM	#2
kipps Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: North-central Virginia Posts: 1,104	Re: Front end swap question If both of them are the single headlight model, then I'd say there's a good enough chance to try it. If one or both of them have dual headlights, then there's going to be some fabricating and jury-rigging to make it work. Attached Images __________________ 1987 C6P V20 truck, 2010 LMG 5.3, AFM delete, 2010 Camaro exhaust manifolds, 1997 nv4500, 1991 np241c, hydroboost, 2005 14bff axle & driveshaft, drop-n-lock gooseneck, 4.10 gears, stock suspension, rims, and tires. Still a work in progress. Any questions or suggestions are welcome!

08-21-2021, 04:27 AM	#5
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: Front end swap question As far as I can tell, the radiator core support mount bushing kits are the same for 81 to 91 squarebodies. The actual frame mounts seem to different between 2wd and 4wd of those years. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

08-21-2021, 05:20 PM	#6
Patch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oak Harbor, WA Posts: 709	Re: Front end swap question Anyone done this swap?? __________________ Patch

08-23-2021, 12:16 PM	#7
Patch Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Oak Harbor, WA Posts: 709	Re: Front end swap question I went ahead and ordered new mounts for an 86, so hopefully that'll work out. __________________ Patch



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