Wanting to swap from 2 headlight 87 to 4 headlight 87

[5150]

What all is needed for this swap? Do I have to change core supports? Can I splice the wiring?

Thanks

[natedogg]

I see your from Whitehouse. I did some coyote hunting last Feb in Springfield. Anyway, you definitely need a core support and of coarse the headlights, buckets and bezels. I am not sure if you can modify the harness or have to get the dual light harness.

[aggie91]

Core support and the light buckets and their attaching hardware.

Sent you a PM.

[homemade87]

I changed my 82 custom deluxe to a 4 headlight and did not have to change the core support . Yours should be the same on the 87 . All you would need is the harness & headlight components and the grill and headlight bezels . Perfect time to upgrade to the relay system .

[homemade87]

I should add I did not have to make any mods to the core support on my 82 custom to change to 4 headlight . All headlight buckets and spring fit it like they were supposed to .

[bbbc10]

no need to swap core support jus get headlight buckets and all hardware and harness

[aggie91]

Guys, GM lists 2 separate part numbers for the core support.

GM1225109 is for the 2 headlight system.
GM1225108 is for the 4 headlight system.

I admit that from the pics online, I cannot tell a difference. My '85 core support will NOT work with the 4 headlight system. See the pics below. My fingers are pointing to places where holes are missing for the adjuster and the spring hold down. Also, the upper bucket is much larger and the holes would be spaced to far appart for the smaller light.


Missing adjuster hole (should be a square hole here)

Missing spring holes (should be a small round hole and a small rectangle hole here)


FOr you guys that did not swap core supports, did you have to do any mods to make any holes to get the mounting correct?

[aggie91]

Did a little more research on this for every one. The AMD parts on this link show pictures of the 2 different core supports. The first picture is the 4 headlight one (notice the shape & size of the hole for the lower light). The second picture is the 2 headlight one (notice the difference in the shape of the lower hole). Compare that one to the pictures of my OEM core support in my pictures above. You can see the AMD part has the holes that are missing from my core support.

http://www.carid.com/1987-chevy-ck-p...-40736312.html

Given that, it is possible that some aftermarket (maybe OEM) core supports have the extra holes needed to be used for both style headlight systems.

But to be CORRECT, they each have a difference and are specific to the headlight system.

[Desert1957]

I swapped an 4 headlight setup into a 2 many years ago, lower headlight bucket did not fit that well into the turn signal core support hole. After a little trimming it fit OK but not great, there was a little difference in the lower headlight sticking out through the bezel. about a 1/4" , not that noticeable but it bugged me knowing it was there.

Desert

[homemade87]

All I can tell you is my 82 custom core support needed no mods for 4 headlights Mine had every hole it needed in it . It is a factory core support for the truck . There must of been some differences . I would suggest to the original poster to check there truck before getting another core support .

Looking at some pictures . It looks like if you have the square looking hole for the lower headlight that core would be for the single headlight specific .

[5150]

Thanks for all the information guys. I was at the junkyard yesterday and grabbed the 4 buckets, 4 trim pieces, a few springs, turn signal housings, and cut the harness a little ways back. I admit though, if I have to change core supports than I won't bother with the swap. The only reason I thought of doing it is both of my current turn signal housings are broken. I must not have kept enough turn signal fluid in there.

I'll look at my core support to find out.

[monte0185]

Bryan, All your wiring should be fine. I would just get the relay harness for the quad headlights. This way you just plug it in to your old harness and no mods needed plus you get brighter lights as a plus. Just thought I would add my .02 cents.

[5150]

Well, it appears I'll have to change core supports to get the 4 headlights. I think I'll pass.

[homemade87]

Looks as if you are right . I guess I got lucky on mine . The core support is a little bit of a task to change . If you ever run upon a core support I would grab it since you have the rest of it now . If ever the need to disassemble the front you could just swap it at that time .

[monte0185]

I swapped mine for the 91 style and it took me and my son a day to do. Wasnt really going for speed just bonding time and alot of teaching about what does what and why.