83 suburban facelift = questions

[83burban]

I have an 83 suburban that I want to do a little face-life to when I change the rear main seal. I found a 79 parts suburban and wanted to swap the front end of the 83 for the 79 style. So here are the questions, because all the write ups I have found ask about swapping old to new. Best part is the parts are rust free on both trucks and even the same faded 2-tone haha.

Do I need the hood from the 79, or will my 83 hood fit? I know the other swap requires some cutting, but since I have a later model cab I shouldn't have to do this right?

I am replacing the outer/inner fenders, the grill and the core support. Do I need to swap out the wiper motor pieces or the cowl cover as well?

I was told that the core support mounts are in different locations for the later model versus earlier, will I have to move them?

Hopefully in a couple weeks I will be able to get his done, just need to know what parts I have to get to complete the swap with as little down time as possible.

Thanks for the help

[83burban]

I do need the hood, but is there any cutting involved for the springs/hinges?

[ghettoluxury]

Do I need the hood from the 79, or will my 83 hood fit?
YES 79's Hood

I know the other swap requires some cutting, but since I have a later model cab I shouldn't have to do this right?
Correct NO cutting required

I am replacing the outer/inner fenders, the grill and the core support. Do I need to swap out the wiper motor pieces or the cowl cover as well?
Yes the 83's are too long

I was told that the core support mounts are in different locations for the later model versus earlier, will I have to move them?
NO dirrect swap but the bumper brackets are diffrent to use the 79's bumper the front frame horns will have to be cut off and welded to the 83's frame

[JohnC]

Keep us updated on this. It seems to be a growing mod for the later trucks. I myself have even considered it. Probably not on this truck, but maybe on the next one. Make sure and take lots of pics!!!

[TwinTurbo]

What's wrong w the 83 front?

[83burban]

Thanks for the help everybody and you can be sure that I will document this upgrade very well. I am still not sure if I can swing it financially...especially since he has since sold the hood and the passenger fender is dented.

I am getting more detailed pics tonight but the reasons for doing it are twofold...first I like the older look alot better than the current one. Also, everybody wants newer front ends and I figure I could sell my front sheet-metal for more than I intend to buy this metal for.

In a year or so I plan on repainting the whole car red, so I can live with slightly damaged front end metal as long as it is rust free.

[83burban]

Couple more questions though...will my current radiator fit without mods or do I need the earlier radiator? Am I forgetting anything here parts wise?

[JohnC]

Nothing wrong with the 83 front end TwinTurbo. Just another approach to a different look.

[gchemist]

Reverse this procedure.
http://www.coloradok5.com/grilleswap.shtml

[JohnC]

Only difference on that one is that it is just a core support, grill, and light change. Going to the older style you have to replace the whole front clip.

[ghettoluxury]

Originally Posted by 83burban

will my current radiator fit without mods or do I need the earlier radiator?

Current will work you need the top radiator bracket from the older front clip though