GMC front end differences

[bama51]

I know this has been discussed before, but my searches returned to much junk to filter through, so I'll start this discussion again.

What are the differences in the 67-72 GMC front ends? Obviously the grills are different (look different, do they mount different?), but what about fenders and hood?
My reason for asking is that I have a 72 GMC, complete with chrome top bar and eyebrows and a painted grille. I want to change the grille to chrome, and I really like the look of the 67 GMC grille. Will this grille mount up correctly to my 72? I know the purists out there will say that you must remove the eyebrows and change the top bar, but is that true? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

[exmonkeypunk]

Originally Posted by bama51

I know this has been discussed before, but my searches returned to much junk to filter through, so I'll start this discussion again.

What are the differences in the 67-72 GMC front ends? Obviously the grills are different (look different, do they mount different?), but what about fenders and hood?
My reason for asking is that I have a 72 GMC, complete with chrome top bar and eyebrows and a painted grille. I want to change the grille to chrome, and I really like the look of the 67 GMC grille. Will this grille mount up correctly to my 72? I know the purists out there will say that you must remove the eyebrows and change the top bar, but is that true? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Chris

Funny you mentioned this. I posted the same question about a week or two ago and got no answers. The chrome grill on the earlier years appear to be the same, i have yet to see one unmounted in person, but pics all appear the same. I too, would much rather run a full chrome grill on my 72'. Just think it'd look a hell of a lot better that way. I Tried stripping the paint off the grill, that didn't turn out so hot. It's like $400 for a replacement. Would it work to take it to somone who can chemically strip the paint and dip the whole grill? Cuz i know someone who works at a chrome shop. I would like to keep the upper lip, the side chrome and everything. The more chrome the better on these trucks. In most circumstances that it.

[rscam]

physical size and mounting is the same. The top bar woulkd have to be removed and there is a difference in the center verticle bar as to trim lines because the 71/72 are painted and the 69/70 are chrome. If you want a 67 specifically then good luck. They have GMC in the center and as far as I know are not reproduced. I don't know if a 68 is like a 69/70.

[bama51]

67 is reproduced. LMC had them recently (haven't checked lately) as well as some board vendors. I like the chrome with the GMC inset. Its the best looking. When you say the top bar would have to be removed, do you mean in order to fit, or in order to look right? Please elaborate. Thanks

[rscam]

The hood on a 69-72 which you have is made to shut against the top bar. A 67/8 hood goes farther down towards the grille. I am not an expert on this but I think there is another piece on a 67/8 that goes between the grille and the hood that the hood latch mounts to. It would be alot thinner and harder to see than the chrome top bar of the 69-72 and painted body color.

[Longhorn Man]

there are 3 grills;
67 (says GMC in the center)
68 - 70 (all chrome)
71/72 (has indentations painted black)
In 69, they added a large top bar and eyebrows to make the grill look bigger.
If you like your top bar and eyebrows, you can install a 67 grill and keep everything else the same. The top bar is rivited to your grill right now, you would have to remove it, and mount it to the 67 grill.

[Long Roof]

I have the 68-70 grill on my 72 Jimmy. Everything is chrome on my setup except the black at the bottom of the top bar. I plan on trying to remove that paint with acetone. Here are some pics.

[exmonkeypunk]

That is exactly what i'm wanting to do with my 72'. Put the all chrome, no letter grill on. From the looks of that jimmy pic, the top bar and side chrome is all there and looks great with it. i can see it now.

[bama51]

Thanks for the info. I also like the all chrome route, but I kind of like the GMC on the grille. Its like the grilles got uglier every time they changed them (my opinion).

[raggedjim]

Longhorn is right, only thing I would add is the difference in the hood from 67-68 to 69-72 is the reason the top bar would need to be replaced. I've changed out the top bars before, it's not too hard.

exmonkeypunk, you need the 69-70 grill then you wouldn't have to mess with the top bar at all.

Good luck, Rg

[bama51]

Just purchased a 67 grille from GMCPauls (board vendor). Support the board!!! Thanks, Paul.

[bama51]

OK, so here's what I wanted to do. I had a painted grill on a 72 Jimmy which I didn't like, but I also don't like the black accents on the original 72. I really like the 67 GMC grille because it has GMC embossed on it. I didn't know how that grille would look with the 72 top bar and eyebrows, but I think it turned out OK. The look is not as good as a 67 (with no eyebrows or chrome top bar), but I can't afford the other stuff I would need. Maybe later. Let me know what you think.

[ksjh1316]

Bama that looks great and is what I am trying to do with mine as well. How was the fitment with the repop grill any challanges and one other thing how bad was shipping on that beast Have to copy click and save that one for reference

[67_C-30]

Wow! That looks great. The GMC in the grill with the newer hood and trim looks SO much better than the 71 - 72 grill. It looks clean not having the gaudy (IMO) GMC letters on the hood also.

[Orange]

Originally Posted by bama51

OK, so here's what I wanted to do. I had a painted grill on a 72 Jimmy which I didn't like, but I also don't like the black accents on the original 72. I really like the 67 GMC grille because it has GMC embossed on it. I didn't know how that grille would look with the 72 top bar and eyebrows, but I think it turned out OK. The look is not as good as a 67 (with no eyebrows or chrome top bar), but I can't afford the other stuff I would need. Maybe later. Let me know what you think.

Thanks a ton for posting those pictures. I've done several photoshop's on my truck to see that, but it's always nice to see the actual product.

DLB

[bama51]

Originally Posted by ksjh1316

How was the fitment with the repop grill any challanges and one other thing how bad was shipping on that beast

Fitment was not too bad. Maybe a little prying and pushing to line up bolt holes, but overall not more than I expected. It only took about an hour to replace. I also replaced the top bar, as my old one had some rust. I can't remember shipping cost, but it wasn't too bad. I ordered from GMCPauls.com (board vendor) and got it pretty quick. Haven't needed customer service yet, but I hear they are one of the best to deal with. Plus this grill looks awesome and was WAY CHEAPER than LMC.

[Longhorn Man]

I can only see one thing I don't like about that Jimmy....
it ain't mine.
That looks bad ass!

[Big Block]

It turned out great looking. If I every replace my 72 grill I would consider it.

[ksjh1316]

Thanks again for the pics I just ordered mine from GMCPauls today. Man that was a smoking price compaired to others (LcoughMcoughC $600)

[Long Roof]

Looks great! Better than the painted grill.

Im partial to 'no GMC' on the grill but hey its just my opinion.