89-91 Suburban Grill swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 05:18 PM

My question is about the core support.

I have an 87 that I picked up from the original owner. The grille, headlights, headlight trim, parking lights, and front bumper are all missing. I want to go back with a 88-91 suburban grill. Every thing that I've heard and read says that the core support must be swapped.

My question is, why ? Is it just so that the head lights will be an easy bolt up? or does the grille mount completely differently?

I am planning on cutting/modding the core support to make room for the 90's one piece headlight. I've seen a hand full of folks on hear have done it and I really like the look. So I'm wondering if I'm gonna be cutting out and modding the core support to make the 90's headlight work anyway, can I just use the stock 87 core support?

any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna be order/gathering up a bunch of the parts this week.

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 07:38 PM

Anyone ?

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 09:38 PM

Bump

buddy_1 · 03-03-2015, 09:46 PM

The core support is different. The cut outs for the head lights, the lower filler panel and the mounting holes for the grille and head light doors are different. If you do it, find one in the salvage yard and buy it complete along with the wiring harness. Buddy

Slammed84 · 03-03-2015, 09:47 PM

As far as I know..... any different light setup, whether its the one big headlight, dual headlights, or the 88-91 Burban..... you gotta have the correct core support for the lights to fit.

I would assume 81-87 trucks will have same mountings for grill no matter what, but not headlights..... and I very well could be wrong about that.

The 88-91 front end is altogether different.

You need the correct core support for the lights to mount up.

Slammed84 · 03-03-2015, 09:48 PM

Sorry Buddy, you posted while I was typing.

Listen to Buddy

buddy_1 · 03-03-2015, 09:52 PM

No problem we are all just trying to help.

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the replies guys.
so is it just the headlights? I know the lights I'm gonna use want just bolt up to any of the core supports. I'm planning on using 90'a ck, or maybe late 80's celebrity or caprice

So my question if I'm gonna be doing some cutting, drilling, and possibly welding to make the lights work anyway. do I need the suburban core support for any other reason?

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 10:08 PM

Oh and Good looking truck buddy

buddy_1 · 03-03-2015, 10:12 PM

Find a "91" Burb it comes with composite head lights. No mods needed, just unbolt and install.

buddy_1 · 03-03-2015, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowRodder

Oh and Good looking truck buddy

Thanks, that's my "Johnny Cash GMC".

motornut · 03-03-2015, 10:17 PM

don't think the 87 burb core fits the 90s lights/ buckets or ajusting screws.
needs the core,for an easy install

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 10:30 PM

Thanks again for the help. I really do appreciate it.

The suburbans had 4 single headlight stock
Im not worried about the lights being and easy install. I will be taking a cutoff wheel to the brand new shinny grill I just ordered to remove the splitter that seperate the two stock lights on each side. To get this look

LowRodder · 03-03-2015, 10:34 PM

motor nut It looks like in the pics you posted that maybe the suburban grille is not as tall as the truck grille. That lower sheet metal piece between the grill and bumper may be needed.

motornut · 03-03-2015, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowRodder

motor nut It looks like in the pics you posted that maybe the suburban grille is not as tall as the truck grille. That lower sheet metal piece between the grill and bumper may be needed.

both are Burbs the gold is 88 the blue is 89
yes the 88 is missing the lower painted valance piece
I had a guy come out and remove the 89 front ,trying on his (88 style) said the upper corners didn't get covered by the 89 grill,blah blah .... and left

Slammed84 · 03-04-2015, 12:04 AM

@LowRodder

So I see what you're after now. You're modding the core support to fit what looks to be 95-98 Silverado headlights but using the 88-91 Burban grill.
Thats awesome..... if it turns out good.

I can see it going bad for someone with no fab skills

Roaddogg · 04-01-2018, 07:00 PM

Anyone tried this like what they did with the headlights and can tell how it turned out.

trukman1 · 04-02-2018, 08:19 AM

Not trying to high jack the thread but have to ask: LowRodder, what parts are needed to get those grille/headlamps to fit? Any mods you can clue us in on? I'm sure others here are wondering the same thing. Thanks

Edahall · 04-02-2018, 05:25 PM

Looks like 2 sets of composition headlights on this K5 Blazer.

I wonder what the headlights are out of? Chevy Celebrity? 87-88 Cadillac DeVille, pre 98 Silverado?

03-03-2015, 05:18 PM	#1
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	89-91 Suburban Grill swap question My question is about the core support. I have an 87 that I picked up from the original owner. The grille, headlights, headlight trim, parking lights, and front bumper are all missing. I want to go back with a 88-91 suburban grill. Every thing that I've heard and read says that the core support must be swapped. My question is, why ? Is it just so that the head lights will be an easy bolt up? or does the grille mount completely differently? I am planning on cutting/modding the core support to make room for the 90's one piece headlight. I've seen a hand full of folks on hear have done it and I really like the look. So I'm wondering if I'm gonna be cutting out and modding the core support to make the 90's headlight work anyway, can I just use the stock 87 core support? any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna be order/gathering up a bunch of the parts this week. __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-03-2015, 07:38 PM	#2
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Anyone ? __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-03-2015, 09:38 PM	#3
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Bump __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-03-2015, 09:46 PM	#4
buddy_1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 185	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question The core support is different. The cut outs for the head lights, the lower filler panel and the mounting holes for the grille and head light doors are different. If you do it, find one in the salvage yard and buy it complete along with the wiring harness. Buddy __________________ I know the "VOICES" aren't real but they have some great ideas. 1978 GMC Sierra Classic C25 1983 Datsun 280ZX Turbo 1997 Chevy Cheyenne K2500 1999 Polaris Sport 400

03-03-2015, 09:47 PM	#5
Slammed84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 292	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question As far as I know..... any different light setup, whether its the one big headlight, dual headlights, or the 88-91 Burban..... you gotta have the correct core support for the lights to fit. I would assume 81-87 trucks will have same mountings for grill no matter what, but not headlights..... and I very well could be wrong about that. The 88-91 front end is altogether different. You need the correct core support for the lights to mount up. __________________ 84' C-10 Custom Deluxe 97' & 98' C-1500 Silverados

03-03-2015, 09:48 PM	#6
Slammed84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 292	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Sorry Buddy, you posted while I was typing. Listen to Buddy __________________ 84' C-10 Custom Deluxe 97' & 98' C-1500 Silverados

03-03-2015, 09:52 PM	#7
buddy_1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 185	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question No problem we are all just trying to help. __________________ I know the "VOICES" aren't real but they have some great ideas. 1978 GMC Sierra Classic C25 1983 Datsun 280ZX Turbo 1997 Chevy Cheyenne K2500 1999 Polaris Sport 400

03-03-2015, 10:05 PM	#8
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Thanks for the replies guys. so is it just the headlights? I know the lights I'm gonna use want just bolt up to any of the core supports. I'm planning on using 90'a ck, or maybe late 80's celebrity or caprice So my question if I'm gonna be doing some cutting, drilling, and possibly welding to make the lights work anyway. do I need the suburban core support for any other reason? __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-03-2015, 10:08 PM	#9
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Oh and Good looking truck buddy __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-03-2015, 10:12 PM	#10
buddy_1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 185	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Find a "91" Burb it comes with composite head lights. No mods needed, just unbolt and install. __________________ I know the "VOICES" aren't real but they have some great ideas. 1978 GMC Sierra Classic C25 1983 Datsun 280ZX Turbo 1997 Chevy Cheyenne K2500 1999 Polaris Sport 400

03-03-2015, 10:17 PM	#12
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question don't think the 87 burb core fits the 90s lights/ buckets or ajusting screws. needs the core,for an easy install Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

03-03-2015, 10:30 PM	#13
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Thanks again for the help. I really do appreciate it. The suburbans had 4 single headlight stock Im not worried about the lights being and easy install. I will be taking a cutoff wheel to the brand new shinny grill I just ordered to remove the splitter that seperate the two stock lights on each side. To get this look Attached Images __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-03-2015, 10:34 PM	#14
LowRodder Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fort Worth Tx Posts: 77	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question motor nut It looks like in the pics you posted that maybe the suburban grille is not as tall as the truck grille. That lower sheet metal piece between the grill and bumper may be needed. __________________ 2003 GMC Yukon family hauler 1977 short wide weekend hauler 1968 short wide project 1974 K5 4x4 full soft top(no motor) 1965 short wide nice patina(on the back burner) 1964 Impala SS wife's hotrod 1995 Honda Civic Hatchback 40mpg daily driver

03-04-2015, 12:04 AM	#16
Slammed84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 292	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question @LowRodder So I see what you're after now. You're modding the core support to fit what looks to be 95-98 Silverado headlights but using the 88-91 Burban grill. Thats awesome..... if it turns out good. I can see it going bad for someone with no fab skills __________________ 84' C-10 Custom Deluxe 97' & 98' C-1500 Silverados

04-01-2018, 07:00 PM	#17
Roaddogg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Grimes, Iowa Posts: 41	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Anyone tried this like what they did with the headlights and can tell how it turned out.



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04-02-2018, 08:19 AM	#18
trukman1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431 Posts: 737	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Not trying to high jack the thread but have to ask: LowRodder, what parts are needed to get those grille/headlamps to fit? Any mods you can clue us in on? I'm sure others here are wondering the same thing. Thanks __________________ 1967 K30 461/TH400/Np205/D60/14FF/BDS MTZ 375/75/16 on 16x10 Pro Comps

04-02-2018, 05:25 PM	#19
Edahall Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Goliad, TX Posts: 672	Re: 89-91 Suburban Grill swap question Looks like 2 sets of composition headlights on this K5 Blazer. I wonder what the headlights are out of? Chevy Celebrity? 87-88 Cadillac DeVille, pre 98 Silverado? __________________ 1990 ¾ ton 4x4 Chevy Suburban -Cummins Diesel - 12 valve - factory rebuilt -6 speed bullet proof manual transmission - NV5600 -Gear Vendors Overdrive - HX35 Holset Turbo -NP205 iron transfer case -3.73 gears -2" Lift

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