2 Questions for the 73-87 Guru's

[BigBlockBurris]

I normally stay on the 67-72 part of the board but here lately my fancy has turned toward 73-87. Doesn't matter as long as it is a chevy truck, right? Anyway, I have two questions. First, I have been told there is a difference in window regulators in 73-87 trucks. Some say they changed in 81 along with the front ends. Are there any differences, and what will interchange and what won't? I have a nice set of 81-up doors but they are power and I am going to try to put 79 manual regultors in them. Will it work? Second question. How hard is it to put a 81- up front end on an 80-down truck. I see you will have to cut the cowl for the hood hinges, but is that all? I would love to here from some one who has done it. Thanks in advance and sorry this is so long.

BBB

[Jonboy]

Not so sure about the door regulators, so I will let someone else answer that.

On the front ends, the major thing to do is cut the cowl for the hinges. The wiper transmission will also need to be changed, as the stands are longer to go through the cowl screen. You will have to drill 3 or 4 holes for the cowl screen below the windshield, but I think that is the extent of the major surgery. Most of the 81 and newer trucks had an inside hood release, you may need to run a cable if you don't already have one. I believe the wiring plugs right in. It has been about 4 years since I have done one; it was an 87 dual light front onto a 75 Blazer. I think that is the biggest part, but take what you can from the donor truck. It may be easier to just find an 81 or newer truck if you don't have one yet, there are some differences in the interior also.

[bigblock73]

BBB, I have a small amount of info on window regulators. 73-76 will not fit in 77+ doors...the shafts are too short and will not clear the door panles. I THINK 77-87 regulators are all the same though and should fit. Maybe Capt Kaos, Crossy, or KIllew can chime in and add some more info..they are the "know it alls"

...Jeff

BTW - welcome to the 73-87 side.

[Eyegore]

If its any help, I just pulled the power window motor out of an 87 for my 82, no difference, the shop that intalled it said the 80's on up (to 87) were all the same. Just my two cents.

[Captkaos]

Regulators for power: 77-80 had the large motors, and 81-91 had the newer smaller models. Either will "mount" in the door, but the wiring is different (connectors)

Manual regulators were all the same from what I have see from 77-87, so they can switch.

have a nice set of 81-up doors but they are power and I am going to try to put 79 manual regultors in them. Will it work?

Yes it will.

How hard is it to put a 81- up front end on an 80-down truck. I see you will have to cut the cowl for the hood hinges, but is that all?

This should answer all your questions. If not, let us know: http://coloradok5.com/grilleswap.shtml