Front clip question! (Swapping grill) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Patsfan34 · 08-12-2009, 07:28 AM

I came across a 71/72 front clip in great shape but when it's time to put the body on the truck I want the 69/70 grill. I know that the 67/68 front clip is not interchangeable with the rest of the years but isn't all the 69-72 front clips all interchangeable regarding grills and hoods and pretty much everything?

Thanks,

Patsfan

stealthy '69 · 08-12-2009, 09:25 AM

the bumper is different, 69-70 smooth, 71-72 holes for signals. I think the hood latch and center support are different. and obviously the grill. other than that they are the same. Unless I forgot something.

Sinister · 08-12-2009, 10:28 AM

stealthy '69 is correct. Hood latch and center support are different.

Patsfan34 · 08-12-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister

stealthy '69 is correct. Hood latch and center support are different.

Does this mean a 69 grill will not be a direct bolt-on to this 71/72 front clip I'm about to buy?

Thanks guys!

daves69 · 08-12-2009, 05:43 PM

I just bolted a 71/72 grill onto my 69. I had to trim the middle part of the center support and also cut about 1/2 inch of the latch handle. It's not a difficult switch though and well worth it if you get a better looking grill out of it.

Sinister · 08-12-2009, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patsfan34

Does this mean a 69 grill will not be a direct bolt-on to this 71/72 front clip I'm about to buy?

Thanks guys!

You'll need a '69 hood latch and center support, the '69 bumper is different as well.

71swb4x4 · 08-12-2009, 06:55 PM

I assume you know this, but thought I would point it out just in case. As long as you are talking Cevhrolet vs Chevrolet, everything above is correct.
If you are mixing 71/72 GMC and with 69/70 Chevrolet then it is not correct. If that's the case, let us know so we can point out the differences.

stealthy '69 · 08-12-2009, 08:25 PM

good point I didn't think of that

SS68 · 08-12-2009, 08:33 PM

what is the difference in hood latches? is the 71 and 72 hood latch better? if i get a new one will it keep my hood from jumping when i hit a hard bump on the road?

Patsfan34 · 08-13-2009, 09:39 AM

Thanks again all!

stealthy '69 · 08-13-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS68

what is the difference in hood latches? is the 71 and 72 hood latch better? if i get a new one will it keep my hood from jumping when i hit a hard bump on the road?

You need to adjust your side stops down or the spike on the hood need to be adjusted out a little. More then likely the later of the 2

08-12-2009, 07:28 AM	#1
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Front clip question! (Swapping grill) I came across a 71/72 front clip in great shape but when it's time to put the body on the truck I want the 69/70 grill. I know that the 67/68 front clip is not interchangeable with the rest of the years but isn't all the 69-72 front clips all interchangeable regarding grills and hoods and pretty much everything? Thanks, Patsfan

08-12-2009, 09:25 AM	#2
stealthy '69 '69 Chevy SWB Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Posts: 1,065	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) the bumper is different, 69-70 smooth, 71-72 holes for signals. I think the hood latch and center support are different. and obviously the grill. other than that they are the same. Unless I forgot something.

08-12-2009, 10:28 AM	#3
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) stealthy '69 is correct. Hood latch and center support are different. __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

08-12-2009, 05:43 PM	#5
daves69 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Norwich NY Posts: 33	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) I just bolted a 71/72 grill onto my 69. I had to trim the middle part of the center support and also cut about 1/2 inch of the latch handle. It's not a difficult switch though and well worth it if you get a better looking grill out of it. __________________ 81 Blazer 69 C-10

08-12-2009, 06:55 PM	#7
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) I assume you know this, but thought I would point it out just in case. As long as you are talking Cevhrolet vs Chevrolet, everything above is correct. If you are mixing 71/72 GMC and with 69/70 Chevrolet then it is not correct. If that's the case, let us know so we can point out the differences. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

08-12-2009, 08:25 PM	#8
stealthy '69 '69 Chevy SWB Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Posts: 1,065	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) good point I didn't think of that

08-12-2009, 08:33 PM	#9
SS68 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 126	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) what is the difference in hood latches? is the 71 and 72 hood latch better? if i get a new one will it keep my hood from jumping when i hit a hard bump on the road?

08-13-2009, 09:39 AM	#10
Patsfan34 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 661	Re: Front clip question! (Swapping grill) Thanks again all!

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