73/74 grill swap - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**N2TRUX** · 02-28-2011, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10sport

yes it does. I put a 1973 grille (also my fav, your truck would be my (future) truck's twin if you do it) in my 1978 K10 with an inside hood release.

Thanks

**N2TRUX** · 02-28-2011, 10:05 PM

This topic is now an FAQ- "73/74 grill swap"

Mr Pops · 02-28-2011, 10:27 PM

Did it on my 76 too!

**N2TRUX** · 04-30-2011, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10sport

Perfect fit. Didn't bind up or hit the grille.

I would really like to know how you did this? I am in the middle of my conversion, and nothing fits. I have all internal latch parts but they are totally different from external latch system.

From what I can tell so far I need to change the center brace to 73-74. This requires an external latch release, as well as the matching core support filler panel, and strike pin.
I have some of each, but thats the best combo I can see that will work.

superwade57 · 05-18-2011, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I would really like to know how you did this? I am in the middle of my conversion, and nothing fits. I have all internal latch parts but they are totally different from external latch system.

From what I can tell so far I need to change the center brace to 73-74. This requires an external latch release, as well as the matching core support filler panel, and strike pin.
I have some of each, but thats the best combo I can see that will work.

so im going to say this knowing i will sound like a 15 year old school girl, and i understand this will immediately revoke my man-card and all priveledges associated with it- BUT......

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SOOOO EXCITED!! LIKE I TOTALLY CANT WAIT!

(shreaks and other high pitched squeeling noises associated with teenage girl excitment also happening)

pics pics pics for kicks if you can find a gmc 73/74 grill you should post pics of it too. but all shreaks aside, its gonna look awesome! please please dont forget the all to commonly over-looked amber colored turn/courtesy lamp lenses. imo they are half of what makes the 73/74 front end look soo bad a**

1BadSS · 05-18-2011, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I would really like to know how you did this? I am in the middle of my conversion, and nothing fits. I have all internal latch parts but they are totally different from external latch system.

From what I can tell so far I need to change the center brace to 73-74. This requires an external latch release, as well as the matching core support filler panel, and strike pin.
I have some of each, but thats the best combo I can see that will work.

Not so sure if the support filler needs to be different...

Only things I changed on my 76 were the center support, hood release and outside brackets. All sourced from a 74 GMC.

RandyP · 05-19-2011, 07:25 AM

Did it on my 79 K5, it had an internal release and I swapped it to the external. I had pieces from a 73 model for the swap. Had to put in the grille brackets, vertical support, lower valance/gravel shield and the radiator support filler panel. The filler panel where the latches bolt on are totally different between internal and external latches, the latches themselves bolt up differently and have different mounting locations.

**N2TRUX** · 05-19-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

Did it on my 79 K5, it had an internal release and I swapped it to the external. I had pieces from a 73 model for the swap. Had to put in the grille brackets, vertical support, lower valance/gravel shield and the radiator support filler panel. The filler panel where the latches bolt on are totally different between internal and external latches, the latches themselves bolt up differently and have different mounting locations.

I found all this out a bit late in the game. I was under the impression that when the went to internal release that ALL trucks came that way. Now I know that it was optional for several years.

Sooooo, if you have an external release from 75-80 all you need is the center brace and outside brackets. If you have an internal release, you will also need the external style hood latch, strike pin assembly, and core support filler panel.

Yeah, NOW I know.....

RandyP · 05-19-2011, 11:40 AM

I never even looked at the hood pin/striker. We swapped the hood and hinges from my 74 while doing all of this, guess that was lucky on my part. Glad I saved the entire core support from that 73, even though it was totally rusted out on the bottom. I didn't know that top plate was something separate at first. I was really scratching my head trying to do the latch swap at first.

Jonboy · 05-19-2011, 12:29 PM

Does it look possible to use an internal release with the 73/74 grille? I have spare internal release parts, but don't have the truck here to compare.

RandyP · 05-19-2011, 12:43 PM

The latch would be difficult to install on the 73/74 vertical support, and the 73/74 vertical support would be difficult to install on the core support filler panel made for the internal latch system.... I'm sure it could be done, but you'd be drilling and cutting and probably using a lot of washers.

Hizoot · 04-24-2016, 12:55 AM

Just curious Gents,

Could a reverse swap be done, from 74 to 77 ? From what I see it might require the core support sheet metal to be replaced.

Thanks,
Hizoot

**Willowrun** · 04-24-2016, 07:46 AM

I've swapped to the 73-74 grill at least three times and I feel that the swap to a later style should be no issue as long as you have the correct center and side supports.

Hizoot · 04-25-2016, 01:06 AM

Thanks,
Guess I'll need to locate those.

Hizoot

BILL7718 · 07-17-2020, 04:26 PM

Meanwhile, in 2020, this thread helped me to update (downdate?) my 77 c10 to the 73 grille. Plus, I'm adding a NOS blue bowtie to the front which was in another thread on here. It fits perfectly.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...0/IMG_6466.jpg

**TKCR** · 07-17-2020, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BILL7718

Meanwhile, in 2020, this thread helped me to update (downdate?) my 77 c10 to the 73 grille. Plus, I'm adding a NOS blue bowtie to the front which was in another thread on here. It fits perfectly.

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...0/IMG_6466.jpg

That looks very nice!

jkk · 07-19-2020, 09:45 AM

73 grille in my 80 clip

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1595166240
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1595166285

Chucks72 · 09-08-2020, 11:41 PM

Hello and great post.

If you will not be using the two lateral brackets you had to remove off of your truck i would like to buy them plz.

Message me on Instagram if you can Plz

@Chucksee

02-28-2011, 10:05 PM	#27
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 73/74 grill swap This topic is now an FAQ- "73/74 grill swap" __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-28-2011, 10:27 PM	#28
Mr Pops Ridin' Dirty Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ardrossan Alberta Canada Posts: 2,193	Re: 73/74 grill swap Did it on my 76 too! Attached Images __________________ 1978 C3500 Crewcab (Project) 1979 C2500 Crewcab (Driver/project) 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Driver) 1988 V3500 Crewcab 1988 R2500 Crewcab (Mint, Ex Fire Dept) 1968 Chev Suburban (4x4 conversion) LINK 1970 Chev C20 Suburban (driver/cruiser)LINK 2005 Impala (Incognito vehicle) 2004 Yukon XL Denali (Kid hauler) 1947 Case tractor Facebook Page(1000's of pictures of GM cars and trucks organized into albums) YouTube Channel

05-19-2011, 07:25 AM	#32
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: 73/74 grill swap Did it on my 79 K5, it had an internal release and I swapped it to the external. I had pieces from a 73 model for the swap. Had to put in the grille brackets, vertical support, lower valance/gravel shield and the radiator support filler panel. The filler panel where the latches bolt on are totally different between internal and external latches, the latches themselves bolt up differently and have different mounting locations. Attached Images __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools. Last edited by RandyP; 05-19-2011 at 07:26 AM.

05-19-2011, 11:40 AM	#34
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: 73/74 grill swap I never even looked at the hood pin/striker. We swapped the hood and hinges from my 74 while doing all of this, guess that was lucky on my part. Glad I saved the entire core support from that 73, even though it was totally rusted out on the bottom. I didn't know that top plate was something separate at first. I was really scratching my head trying to do the latch swap at first. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

05-19-2011, 12:29 PM	#35
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: 73/74 grill swap Does it look possible to use an internal release with the 73/74 grille? I have spare internal release parts, but don't have the truck here to compare. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

05-19-2011, 12:43 PM	#36
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: 73/74 grill swap The latch would be difficult to install on the 73/74 vertical support, and the 73/74 vertical support would be difficult to install on the core support filler panel made for the internal latch system.... I'm sure it could be done, but you'd be drilling and cutting and probably using a lot of washers. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

04-24-2016, 12:55 AM	#37
Hizoot Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 7	Re: 73/74 grill swap Just curious Gents, Could a reverse swap be done, from 74 to 77 ? From what I see it might require the core support sheet metal to be replaced. Thanks, Hizoot

04-24-2016, 07:46 AM	#38
Willowrun Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,029	Re: 73/74 grill swap I've swapped to the 73-74 grill at least three times and I feel that the swap to a later style should be no issue as long as you have the correct center and side supports.

04-25-2016, 01:06 AM	#39
Hizoot Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 7	Re: 73/74 grill swap Thanks, Guess I'll need to locate those. Hizoot

07-17-2020, 04:26 PM	#40
BILL7718 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Muscle Shoals AL Posts: 8	Re: 73/74 grill swap Meanwhile, in 2020, this thread helped me to update (downdate?) my 77 c10 to the 73 grille. Plus, I'm adding a NOS blue bowtie to the front which was in another thread on here. It fits perfectly. https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...0/IMG_6466.jpg Last edited by BILL7718; 07-17-2020 at 04:34 PM. Reason: update link to photo... again.

07-19-2020, 09:45 AM	#42
jkk Registered User Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Texas Posts: 423	Re: 73/74 grill swap 73 grille in my 80 clip http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1595166240 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...1&d=1595166285 Attached Images

09-08-2020, 11:41 PM	#43
Chucks72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: MIAMI Florida Posts: 128	Re: 73/74 grill swap Hello and great post. If you will not be using the two lateral brackets you had to remove off of your truck i would like to buy them plz. Message me on Instagram if you can Plz @Chucksee __________________ Chucks 72 SWB in Miami

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