Switch to the 73-87 side from the 67-72, need help!!!!

[gregg72340]

Ok here is my dilemma, I am thinking of selling my 68 GMC to start working on an 82 GMC, both trucks are 2wd half tons, just the 68 is turning into more of a baskt case the deeper I go. The 82 has more of the options (v8-auto, coil spring, disc brakes etc)I was looking for, overall the body is in better shape and was in theory going to be the parts donor for the 68. That all being said I know relativly nothing about the 73-87 side other than I like the 78 grille, single headlights, Is there a way to convert that over to my 82 Body and what parts would need to be swapped out. Like I said I have to figure all these stupid ideas before I sell the 68 as to what I want to do and if it would be a worthwhile swap for me between the two trucks

Thanks
Gregg

[primetime]

yes, i believe all you have to do is replace the fenders and hood. these trucks are plentiful and i don't believe it would be a hard swap.

[STOCKISH]

Actually you have to replace the fenders, hood, core support, wiper shafts, hood hinges,grill, etc. Do a search for front clip swap. There are lots of posts out right now showing how to do this.

[79gmcclassic]

x2 above

[gregg72340]

Originally Posted by 1972SuperCheyenne

Actually you have to replace the fenders, hood, core support, wiper shafts, hood hinges,grill, etc. Do a search for front clip swap. There are lots of posts out right now showing how to do this.

Ok then how about this follow up question, will any of the 81-87 grills swap basically as a bolt in cause I hate the 82 grille. I realize with headlight differences I would have the rad support swap as well but really dont want to swap the entire front clip

[STOCKISH]

The radiator support is the same for 81-87. Just add the headlight buckets, and use whatever grill and headlight surrounds you want.

[junkyardjohn]

I TOO FIND MYSELF WORKING & RESTORING SQUARE-BODYS AFTER DOING 13 67-72 TRUCKS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS. I STILL HAVE A 69 ,71 & 72 BUT ALSO HAVE A 82, 84 & AN 85 I JUST SWAPPED FOR THIS LAST SUNDAY. IT'S A 10' 1 TON FLATBED 4WD. PARTS SEEM TO BE A WHOLE LOT MORE PLENTIFUL & CHEAPER. I JUST TODAY MADE A LITTLE 200 MILE ROUND TRIP PARTS RUN & PICKED UP OFF OF AN 85 3/4 TON 14 BOLT CORPORATE 411 POSI, MATCHING FRONT AXEL ASSY., DIVORCED NP205 T/C ALL THREE DRIVE SHAFTS, PAIR OF GOOD DOORS & A GOOD HOOD. ALL FOR $600 . I NEEDED THAT STUFF... HONEST.... & I NEVER COULD GET THAT STUFF FOR MY 67-72 ADDICTION AT ANYWHERES NEAR THAT PRICE. I'VE HAD MY 82 4WD FOR 13 YEARS & IT HAS OVER A 1/2 MILLION MILES ON IT. GOOOD STUFF . JOHN

[gregg72340]

Originally Posted by junkyardjohn

I TOO FIND MYSELF WORKING & RESTORING SQUARE-BODYS AFTER DOING 13 67-72 TRUCKS IN THE LAST 25 YEARS. I STILL HAVE A 69 ,71 & 72 BUT ALSO HAVE A 82, 84 & AN 85 I JUST SWAPPED FOR THIS LAST SUNDAY. IT'S A 10' 1 TON FLATBED 4WD. PARTS SEEM TO BE A WHOLE LOT MORE PLENTIFUL & CHEAPER. I JUST TODAY MADE A LITTLE 200 MILE ROUND TRIP PARTS RUN & PICKED UP OFF OF AN 85 3/4 TON 14 BOLT CORPORATE 411 POSI, MATCHING FRONT AXEL ASSY., DIVORCED NP205 T/C ALL THREE DRIVE SHAFTS, PAIR OF GOOD DOORS & A GOOD HOOD. ALL FOR $600 . I NEEDED THAT STUFF... HONEST.... & I NEVER COULD GET THAT STUFF FOR MY 67-72 ADDICTION AT ANYWHERES NEAR THAT PRICE. I'VE HAD MY 82 4WD FOR 13 YEARS & IT HAS OVER A 1/2 MILLION MILES ON IT. GOOOD STUFF . JOHN

I have a sentimental attachment to the 67-72's from my childhood, but I am trying to build this on a severly strict budget and its just not gonna happen. I Used to have a 78 GMC Jimmy that was in the family for years and loved it so I guess in a way I am going back to my roots here. But it seems in my part of the country the parts are lot more plentiful and prices for parts for the square bodies are 10% of what they are for the 67-72's, so hopefully this helps the budget as well LOL

[N2TRUX]

I think you will find that most of us 73-87 guys love the 67-72's too. Mostly we are just GM truck guys regardless of the year. The 67-72 were once abundant and could be had cheap. That went away in the past 5-7 years and your better off buying repop parts these days.

The 73-87's are catching on fast. Due in part to the looks, but more so because they can be had dirt cheap. In certain regions where rust isn't too bad, they will have a LOT less rust than 67-72 making them even more desirable for the budget builder.