73-74 Grille conversion!

[JNJchev77]

Now I know N2TRUX has a Tech on this, but just thought I'd post some pics of my install. Got all the mounting brackets and grille from Top Banana, highly recommend them if your wanting to do this conversion, or upgrade your worn out 73-74 grille.

[kris's66lwb]

How much does the replace ment grille cost

[JNJchev77]

I wanna say it was like $180 or so shipped. Not including the mounting brackets

[lilpoindexter]

It looks like you have the outside hood release...did you have to change the header part, or the latch?

[JNJchev77]

If you have the inside hood release, you'll have to change to an outside hood release and change the "header". I went to my local scrap yard and found the header, latch and hood catch, all in perfect condition for about $30.. The latch is completely different in that it faces front/back rather than the later model latch left/right, if that makes sense...

[1LowToy]

Does Top Banana have the brackets that are mounted just outside the width of the radiator? My '73 support is different than my 80 for that bracket. On the '73 they are part opf the radiator support and don't just unbolt.

[JNJchev77]

I don't if they do or not... I noticed that on mine as well, but was able to mount them without those brackets and everything seems more than stable. I will probably make my own brackets however, just for added stability.

[54Caddy]

grill looks good man. Wish they would start making gmc grills. i think n2trux figured out a way to use the hood release in the cab some how not sure maybe he will chime in

[JNJchev77]

Thanks Caddy! Honestly, I don't mind the outside hood release, gives it an old skool feel ;P. N2TRUXs' 77 pick up definitely has it "goin on" ;P and if he has figured out how to use the inside release with this latch, that's something I'm sure many would benefit from.

[Jonboy]

I am pretty sure Ken had to forego his inside latch for the outside latch. The '74 grille sets back in a lot further than the later ones.

[N2TRUX]

Looking great so far. In the beginning I "thought" I might be able to modify the inside hood latch system. I am not saying it can't be done, but it would require a lot of modification to at least three components. I ended up converting everything to the external latch system instead. If I ever get time to work on it again, I may look at modifying the external latch to use in inside release.

[JNJchev77]

Thanks Ken!

[Ermot]

I have a 76 with outside hood release. What would need to be done to fit a 73-74 grill in a 76?

[azjaeger]

Which brackets does Top Banana have? The ones that attach to the outside of the grille and also the center support? I've tried looking on their site, but I can only find the grille by itself.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by azjaeger

Which brackets does Top Banana have? The ones that attach to the outside of the grille and also the center support? I've tried looking on their site, but I can only find the grille by itself.

They plan to have a complete set of brackets to do the conversion. I don't know isf they are ready at this time. Contact Forum Vendor Tim Christian for complete details.

[TheWhiteElephant]

Interesting. I put a '73 grille on a '79 K5 I had and was still able to use the inside hood release. I fabbed my own brackets to mount the grille. Basically "L" brackets with holes drilled in them.

[kris's66lwb]

I still have my inside hood relese i just chopped the bracket thing for it to clear the grille i used the og core suppor brackets and bent them to make it stable ize the grille and the two out side heqadlamp brackets to hold the grille on