GMC Hood Swap- '71 to a '68 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BradE · 04-09-2009, 11:01 AM

Hey to all,

A local '68 GMC hood became available and I would like to put the sleeker style '67-'68 hood on my '71. Do I need to replace the entire front clip to accomplish this or can I just bolt on the hood? My problem lies with the fact that I've already purchased a brand new grill, fender moldings and grill moldings to fit a '71. Any advice is appreciated.

This gentlemen also has the front clip for sale, but without the grill. In LMC, it shows the grill, grill molding, fender moldings all to be different part #'s on the 68 and 71, so I may be up a creek. (If up said creek, I may be in the market for a paddle.)

**Palf70Step** · 04-09-2009, 11:11 AM

For the GMC, no. You will need the a different spacer piece to compensate for the smaller gap between the grill and hood. As you mentioned the trim pieces are different, between the years.

You might need the latch assembly from behind the grill. That part I cannot remember if they are the same or not.

*ksjh1316* · 04-09-2009, 11:14 AM

The problem with changing a GMC hood to the earlier style is in the gap your top bar currently hides. In 67-68 there is a metal piece that is body color that goes in between the grill and the hood to prevent the gap and connect the front two fenders. The problem with this part is that it is not repoped and can be hard to find but I may know where one is if you go this direction.

Another challange is that the hood latch and support are different for 67-68 vs you year as well so those would have to be replaced.

The fenders are the same the only difference was the addition of side markers over the years.

The crome trim on a 67-68 was a lot thinner than the later trim so those will not transfer either. But with the 68 front clip these are optional as the 67's did not have the trim and looked great.

I hope this helped and if I missed anything someone else will correct me or fill in the gaps

04-09-2009, 11:01 AM	#1
BradE yard boy Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Franklin, TN Posts: 119	GMC Hood Swap- '71 to a '68 Hey to all, A local '68 GMC hood became available and I would like to put the sleeker style '67-'68 hood on my '71. Do I need to replace the entire front clip to accomplish this or can I just bolt on the hood? My problem lies with the fact that I've already purchased a brand new grill, fender moldings and grill moldings to fit a '71. Any advice is appreciated. This gentlemen also has the front clip for sale, but without the grill. In LMC, it shows the grill, grill molding, fender moldings all to be different part #'s on the 68 and 71, so I may be up a creek. (If up said creek, I may be in the market for a paddle.) __________________ 1984 Chevy c20

04-09-2009, 11:11 AM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 46,819	Re: GMC Hood Swap- '71 to a '68 For the GMC, no. You will need the a different spacer piece to compensate for the smaller gap between the grill and hood. As you mentioned the trim pieces are different, between the years. You might need the latch assembly from behind the grill. That part I cannot remember if they are the same or not. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 04-09-2009 at 11:13 AM.

04-09-2009, 11:14 AM	#3
ksjh1316 Account Suspended Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 1,599	Re: GMC Hood Swap- '71 to a '68 The problem with changing a GMC hood to the earlier style is in the gap your top bar currently hides. In 67-68 there is a metal piece that is body color that goes in between the grill and the hood to prevent the gap and connect the front two fenders. The problem with this part is that it is not repoped and can be hard to find but I may know where one is if you go this direction. Another challange is that the hood latch and support are different for 67-68 vs you year as well so those would have to be replaced. The fenders are the same the only difference was the addition of side markers over the years. The crome trim on a 67-68 was a lot thinner than the later trim so those will not transfer either. But with the 68 front clip these are optional as the 67's did not have the trim and looked great. I hope this helped and if I missed anything someone else will correct me or fill in the gaps



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