10-07-2014, 02:40 AM | #1 |
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Location: Houston,Mo
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69 GMC Grill Swap
just bought a 69 gmc swb and dont much care for the gmc double headlight grill. would love to have a 69 or 70 chevy grill or even a 72..are there any problems swaping between gmc and chevy? im unsure if there the same and interchangable? i enjoy the straight bar or checkered
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10-07-2014, 08:41 AM | #2 |
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
People swap between GMCs and Chevys all the time, you just sell the harder to find GMC to someone who likes GMCs and get an easy to find Chevy.
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10-07-2014, 09:06 AM | #3 |
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
The front clip would be the only thing to have parts swapped but just watch out because there might be a slight difference in fenders between the GMC fenders from 69-72 than the Chevy fenders from 69-72. There might be difference in spacing or mounting that could be could make everything not fit right. Hood was the same for all 69-72s. Now, depending if you go from 69 gmc to 69-70 chevy it should be easier, but if you go to the 71-72 era, you will need the front bumper with cutouts for your signals, not mention extra wiring for the signals to relocate. Also when converting to the chevy style in general you will only need 2 headlight buckets and not 4 so maybe go to a junkyard and grab the headlight harnesses and buckets/lights from a chevy.
Haven't done the swap but I'm assuming that would be all that it takes. Just remember all necessary hardware when mounting your grille aswell. |
10-07-2014, 10:02 AM | #4 |
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
i will take the GMC grill
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10-07-2014, 10:10 AM | #5 |
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
GMC fenders are different from the 69 up Chevy fenders also. The GMC core support is different also, but can be modified (remove the 4 headlight buckets). I believe the GMC's are easier to convert to the 68 Chevy frontend, but don't quote me on that...
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10-07-2014, 11:13 AM | #6 | |
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
OK, if you insist a quote from a post I made a few weeks ago:
Quote:
Though I'll ask, if want a Chevy why not buy a Chevy? They are much more common, it's easier because it already is what it is, your title will match the vehicle, it'll be worth more when you are done, you'll be able to sell it someday outside of the state you reside in (DMV may have issues with showing up with a Chevy for title inspection with a GMC VIN), and it'll save us from having to answer the questions one day about how to undo the Chevy clip on the GMC the guy who buys your truck posts. Although GMCs and Chevys all tend to share the same value despite the production number difference, a bastard truck is worth less than either. |
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10-07-2014, 11:46 AM | #7 | |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
Quote:
69-72 Chevrolet front outer fenders (inners all interchange) 69-72 Chevrolet hood latch. 69-72 Chevrolet grill/trim, etc. If you stick with a 69/70 Chevrolet grill, the turn signals are in the grille. If you go with a 71/72 Chevrolet grill, the turn signals are in the bumper so you will need a 71/72 front bumper AND outer front bumper brackets (inners are all the same). However, I believe that if you have a GMC correct bumper, there are small indents (cut outs) where the turn signals are, so you may want a Chevrolet bumper anyway. 69-72 Chevrolet core support. However, as mentioned, you can reuse yours by removing the GMC 4 eyed buckets but you will have to weld in the 69-72 Chevrolet headlight buckets. If you want to go with the 68 Chevrolet look: 67/68 Chevrolet core support (or remove GMC headlight buckets.) However, 69-72 core support does not have provisions for the 67/68 splash shield that mounts to the front of the core support, but you can drill the holes for it. 67/68 hood (Chevrolet or GMC) 67/68 hood latch. Possibly bumper if yours has the cut outs. 67/68 Chevrolet grill and trim. ...and don't forget a new tailgate... or Chevrolet tailgate band to cover up the GMC.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
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10-07-2014, 11:13 PM | #8 |
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
thanks for all the replies everyone...seems like hassle so may just keep the gmc grille original..shortbox chevys are hard to find around here so got gmc instead..lol people around here would assume let it rot in a field then let it go to someone who will bring her back to life. sad deals
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10-08-2014, 09:24 AM | #9 |
Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 23,090
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
I think you'll come to love the uniqueness of the GMC.
I live in an area that has A LOT of these trucks, and I see them quite often. I see so FEW GMC's, it's kinda sad, but when I do see one at a show, I have to go check it out.
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Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! |
10-08-2014, 12:33 PM | #10 |
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Re: 69 GMC Grill Swap
I obviously agree, but to be fair I actually had a Caballero front clip and badges on an '82 Malibu at one time, my GMC coupe.
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