Changed my front clip to a 73

[Palf70Step]

I like both front ends, but I agree the earlier front end looks better!

[dieselarmy13]

Looks great. I'll jump on the bandwagon here and say that I, too prefer the earlier fronts. Good choice.

[Grande Rojo]

Thanks Guy's!

It was fairly easy.

1) had to cut and move the front core support mounts.
2) get 73-80 wiper shafts
3) front bumper mounts have to be drilled
4) fender bolted to cab with no mods
5) I just reused the 86 plastic cowl cover. The 73-80 hood cover more than the 81-87's thats why the 81-97 wiper shafts wont work.
6) the A/C condenser is different than the 73's so I had to fab new holders for it. I have not got it done yet, no hurry on it.
7) the cowlhood are about $450-500 depending on shipping and where you buy.

I'm real pleased with it. I will post some more pictures later this week.

Any more questions just ask!!!!!

[Square84]

Originally Posted by Grande Rojo

Thanks Guy's!

It was fairly easy.

1) had to cut and move the front core support mounts.
2) get 73-80 wiper shafts
3) front bumper mounts have to be drilled
4) fender bolted to cab with no mods
5) I just reused the 86 plastic cowl cover. The 73-80 hood cover more than the 81-87's thats why the 81-97 wiper shafts wont work.
6) the A/C condenser is different than the 73's so I had to fab new holders for it. I have not got it done yet, no hurry on it.
7) the cowlhood are about $450-500 depending on shipping and where you buy.

I'm real pleased with it. I will post some more pictures later this week.

Any more questions just ask!!!!!

you say bumper mounts gotta be drilled i wonder if and what it would look like to leave the 81-87 bumper on it.
How did you determine where to move the core support mounts?

[Grande Rojo]

Originally Posted by Square84

you say bumper mounts gotta be drilled i wonder if and what it would look like to leave the 81-87 bumper on it.
How did you determine where to move the core support mounts?

The 81-87 bumpers have a differnet "curve" they dont really fit but I guess you could make it work.

The core supports were placed after everything was bolted up. I put a floorjack under the core to determine location for the mounts. The hardest part is cutting out the damn factory rivets.

[ChaseDale3and8]

I find it strange that the 81-87 core support mounts are in a different location and that the clip won't just bolt up. I have put later cabs and clips on the earlier 73-80 chassis and the whole thing bolted right up no matter whether I used a 73-80 front clip or an 81-87. How much difference is there on the later chassis and do you have pics? Did you have to use core support brackets for a 73-80 or re-use the 81-87s? I'll bet those factory rivets WERE a real pain in the @$$ to remove! ...Joe

[Square84]

Originally Posted by Grande Rojo

The 81-87 bumpers have a differnet "curve" they dont really fit but I guess you could make it work.

The core supports were placed after everything was bolted up. I put a floorjack under the core to determine location for the mounts. The hardest part is cutting out the damn factory rivets.

the factory rivets lol i had to cut the ones out for the upper ball joints and lets just say i think i found a job that i wont ever do again. i hate payin mechanics for something i could do, but my time is worth more than it cost to have those replaced by a mechanic!

[arkracing]

I assume that you reused the '81-'87 Core Support & that is why you had to modify it?

If you used the '73-'80 Core Support I don't think you would have had to modify the mounts - not sure, but I'm thinking that is where you had the poroblem.

Looks good though - I like it.

[Red_69]

Makes me miss my '75!!!!!

[Grande Rojo]

Originally Posted by arkracing

I assume that you reused the '81-'87 Core Support & that is why you had to modify it?

If you used the '73-'80 Core Support I don't think you would have had to modify the mounts - not sure, but I'm thinking that is where you had the poroblem.

Looks good though - I like it.

Everything I used (core support,fenders,inner fenders, grill and aftermarket hood) was from a 73. Well everthing but the parking lights they are the wrong color.

Thanks!!

[78 Chevyrado]

Sweet!

[Knight383]

Damn!!! It look so good you know I was goin to put that front end on my Blazer but I found the 91 burb front end.

[BarryB]

Has it been asked, but what did you do with the parts you removed from the truck?

[Grande Rojo]

Originally Posted by BarryB

Has it been asked, but what did you do with the parts you removed from the truck?

Still have them. If your interested send me a PM

[Pyrotechnic]

Do you have any pics of the underside of the hood ? I've been wanting to buy one but none of the places that sell them have underside pics.

[rcfatcat]

im looking to do the same to an 85 what did you have to do to the hood hinges and cowl area to make it work and got any pics of that area?

[silvereagle07]

The front looks sweet. Do you have any more pics?

[ShowSS12]

damn am I the only who like it better the way it was?

[pokethesmot]

Originally Posted by ShowSS12

damn am I the only who like it better the way it was?

if u do then feel free to change front clips with me lol

[jared78]

Looks great! You got anymore pics?

[OARNGESI]

looks reakky good

[ocbaud]

very very nice

love the 73-80 front end like most others it seems.

[enaberif]

Much much better!

I have an 80 with the one piece bezel for the headlights and turn signals that I will be pulling one day and replacing with what you did!

[JohnC]

Oh man that is sweet, but the question I have is..Where are the pics?

[joe231]

I'm not sure...but i think he may have gotten rid of this truck and got a white one....or i have it backwards