Thoughts on swapping front end sheet metal?

[leftybass209]

I have a 69 swb fleet. It's got plenty of rust so I'm going to be doing a lot of metal work as is. My question though, is, how do you guys feel about swapping the front ends of the truck? I don't know if i should swap to a 68 front end, or sell it off and look for a 68 swb fleet. All thoughts and comments welcome. I'm in the Army on 24hr duty so I'm going to have lots of posts I'm sure!
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[MrSchaeferPants]

I'm not concerned with factory correct. To me, whatever gets you on the road driving.
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[FRCvette]

Originally Posted by MrSchaeferPants

I'm not concerned with factory correct. To me, whatever gets you on the road driving.
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Same here.Use whichever front you like.

[Shyguy]

I agree with the above. My '67 C-10 has parts from at least 5 different years. The stepside tailgate is from a '62 GMC I believe.

[leftybass209]

Lol okay, so three of you so far don't care. I assume there has to be some purists out there that hold the sheetmetal on the same pedestal as cutting up the dash to put a modern stereo in. I guess I'm also looking at it as for resale value. I won't ever get rid of it though, unless a 47-54, or 67-68 comes available for trade.
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[leddzepp]

Who cares what others think....do what makes you happy.

[leftybass209]

I totally agree on making myself happy first and foremost. However, I do value everyone's opinion around here because of the love and passion for these trucks. There's so many people in my area that come up when I'm working on my truck and throw the craziest ideas and nonsense at me. From it being an 80s Chevy, to looking at the engine and swearing and even arguing its a big block when its clearly a 350 crater from Mexico! Point being I value your guys opinions and suggestions, even when its the polar opposite of my own.
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[70cst]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Who cares what others think....do what makes you happy.

Its up to you. As for me I wanted to keep my truck original but that's me. But as others said should do what pleases you.

[kcsa75]

I'll third the motion.

Having said that, call me weird, but why would you want to do that? In my opinion, the 71-72 front ends are far and away the best looking.

[MrSchaeferPants]

These trucks aren't uber rare. I think we have 20 more years before pureists cry over putting in the wrong grill and cutting stereos. :d
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[leftybass209]

Don't get me wrong, but visually there is too much uninterrupted grill on those years for my taste. I've always associated 71-72s as a "muscle truck", the Camaro of the truck world, so to speak. It just looks mean and strong standing still. I've attributed that to the front end as I see the 67-68s as such an elegant, refined look. The angled grill and side body moulding seems very mature to me. Just my opinion though. Hell, I'm only 26!
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[Rob H.]

If you like the 68 front better go for it. My 72 currently has a 69 GMC frontend, it was in better condition as far a rust than the original and it also had 4 working headlights! When I finally do get around to putting in rockers and cab corners and making it pretty again, it's getting a 67 nose and bed, because I have them and they are in great shape and I like them better! I really want to have it all sitting on a 4x4 chassis when it's finished so there won't be that much 72 left but it'll be mine and the way I want it to be!

[bigdog57]

the nice thing about these trucks is that they can be fixed up to uniquely (sp) fit the personality of its owner.

[richards72chevy]

I say go for it.Its not like your making a plain jane late 60's camaro into in a super sport and lying about it!

[sleepertruck72]

Swap to the 67-68 front end. If you dont like it, swap it back. Its just nuts and bolts

[leftybass209]

Hey sleeper I see your from Turlock, I'm from Modesto. I'll be heading back in early October some time. I guess I could just swap sheet metal and swap back if it's not what I'm after.
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[tubbedII]

For trucks, I'm partial to the 69-70 nose, but mainly because it's what my dad drove. For my blazer, I really like the 67/8 nose...and it's what came on it when I bought it. I do believe that the 67/8 nose is the more sought after one though.

[NuttinSpecial]

With as much time, money, and effort as it takes to build a truck or any other vehicle you have to do it the way you want. It seems like the 69/70 are the least desirable of the 3 front ends, unless someone has sentimental ties to one i think a good portion of people switch too the 71/72 front end. But if you are a pureist and its gonna bother you that much you should sell/ trade it and get you one of the other year models and keep it all original.
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[sleepertruck72]

Originally Posted by leftybass209

Hey sleeper I see your from Turlock, I'm from Modesto. I'll be heading back in early October some time. I guess I could just swap sheet metal and swap back if it's not what I'm after.
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Right on, Don't come back now its too HOT This weekend was 106*