1980 front clip to newer style

[503swb]

Anyone know where there is a how to showing how to do the swap and what all is needed? Or can someone chime in on how to do it. Thanks in advance

[mongocanfly]

Assuming your referring to 81-87..?
I think you'll need the whole front clip...
But I'm also fairly certain the corner of the fender wont match the windshield post..I'm not sure on a 80,
But I know the earlier ones dont match..without some work

[Corts60]

You'd also have to figure out the cowling behind the hood as well. The 73-80 trucks have the louvers in the hood and the 81-up trucks have a separate cowling with the louvers.

[503swb]

Thank you guys for your reply. This truck is for my son and he wants the 81-87 front clip. I have the hood and fenders. Guess ill need to look for a core support and inner fenders. I read somewhere i also will need the Wiper arms and linkage. Guess we will see how it turns out but im sure its doable

[cadillac_al]

Say it ain't so, the older nose looked much better. I have a newer cab that I have to convert to the old nose lol.

[hatzie]

The hinge pockets are another place where they differ. One setup has pockets in the cowl for the hood hinges. 81-91 IIRC.
You need a complete nose including the cowl cover and you need the wiper transmission.
You get to mix-n-match the rad support frame bushings as well.

I always liked the 73-80 round headlight nose.

[mongocanfly]

I'm thinking if that's what he really wants youd be better off finding a new style cab..unless your really connected to it some way..
I'm liking the early front ends myself..
Ken did this .... kinda ....but in reverse...might look thru his build and see what he had to overcome..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=762114

[Dead Parrot]

Pretty sure that the 81+ front bumper + mounts are different.
And the battery tray + supports.
Of course, most of the visible trim bits and lights are different.

Unless the current truck is already minus everything forward of the cab or has sentimental value, as others have suggested, might be easier to start with a 81+ truck. Finding a 81+ with a good front and that is EOL back of the cab would be the best way to do this. There are probably a lot of little bits that will add up quickly in cost.

[503swb]

Only reason for not getting rid of the 1980 and getting a 81-87 is because its been swapped over to an ls and a 4l60e tranny if not i would.

[85raiderburban]

i have an '80 myself. is it a round eye or V22 single square eye?

[503swb]

Its a round eye