Hood latch differences GMC to Chevy

[bambbrose]

I am in the middle of converting a 72 chevy front end to a GMC unit.

I was in the process of picking up a few parts and noticed in the parts catalog that they listed the following hood latches:

-67 to 68 GMC
-69 to 70 Chevy
-71 to 72 Chevy

Oddly they did not list a 69 to 72 GMC.

I have the original 72 Chevy latch. Will this work with my GMC front end? I'm not at a point in the project where I can test fit at the moment.

Thanks in advance!

[special-K]

The latches run 67/68and 69-72, just like the hoods. And Chevy differs from GMC. The 67/68s have a sloped raised area while the 69-72s are more steep. Those differences are only visual, they work when interchanged.

All GMCs, and the only difference from Chevy, all have an offset handle to get you around the vertical center of the grille...to the driver side.

Both 67/68 and 69/70 Chevy latches have handle dead center. 71/72 are offset but not as much as GMCs.

Between then all, any will work in any truck, but the handle could be awkward

[lolife99]

THis thread has some pics,...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=636973

[bambbrose]

Perfect, thanks guys!

I did search but obviously not the right keywords. I think my 72 chevy should work even if a bit awkward. I'll keep the 72 GMC latch on my junkyard wish list long term.

[bambbrose]

Just an update, a 72 chevy latch does NOT work with a 72 GMC grille, there is interference with the center bar.

Fortunately you can just cut off about 1/2" off the front of the Chevy latch, clean up the edge, and paint and it works great. As stated its a bit awkward behind the center bar but in a way its hidden more so I like it there.