Question about front clip[ conversion

[jjewett444]

So I have been gathering parts to change the front clip on my 1984 c10 to a 73-80 style. I have everything I need except good inner and outer fenders which I will order repops from rockauto or lmc. I have a 75 c20 radiator support that I havnt pulled yet due to snow. Now I have read through every thread I can find on google about this swap and half of the people say that the body mounts(radiator support mounts) do have to be moved and the other half say NO. including the guy who did the 4x4 and painted it green and white with the roll and tip method. I really would like to have a more definite answer before I rip apart my truck come warmer weather. now what I cant understand is if 1 guy has an 80's truck and puts a 70's clip on without and modification to the radiator support to fender to cab dimension then how come another guy had to cut and relocate them? I was under the impression all 70s fenders matched 70s fenders regardless of 4x4 or 10 20 or 30 series and same goes for 80s style? if anyone can shed light on this it would be very helpful as I am confused here, thanks in advance

 

[Kyle Lubbers]

JJewett44,

Most from the other forums have shown that you have to modify the front frame for the newer model bumper. Here is a pictured step by step from another forum:
http://dannix.net/node/49

Now my problem.

I am in a similar situation. I have a 1980 C/10 and I have put a 1982 cab on the existing 1980 frame. I am going to go with reproduction fenders and wells from Summit.
I am worried the front of my 1982 hood won't match the top of the 1980 front clip.

 

[74 Shortbed]

I'm looking at doing a round eye on my 89 too, was hoping it would be a quick bolt on, don't really want it to end up being a 6 month project, lol.

 

[ajd89]

Ive toosed the idea around for my 89 also round eye or dual stacked headlights. It seems like one way was easier then the other. Dont remeber if it was newer clip on older cab or older clip with the newer cab.

 

[Camar068]

I have everything I need except good inner and outer fenders which I will order repops from rockauto or lmc.

Check craigslist for dealers in your area for the inner/outter fenders before you pay for shipping. I live in BFE Kentucky and had someone local selling them. I got both inners for $80. I had to drive an hour.....well worth my time compared to the shipping cost on them....shipping was higher than the item.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Ive toosed the idea around for my 89 also round eye or dual stacked headlights. It seems like one way was easier then the other. Dont remeber if it was newer clip on older cab or older clip with the newer front clip.

Old on new is easier because of hood hinges..

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Check craigslist for dealers in your area for the inner/outter fenders before you pay for shipping. I live in BFE Kentucky and had someone local selling them. I got both inners for $80. I had to drive an hour.....well worth my time compared to the shipping cost on them....shipping was higher than the item.

Couldn't agree more. I think that's about what I paid for mine, but I went to two different yards for them. If the little brace on the cab side of the inners isn't rusty at all, grab them. If there's even a little rust, keep looking. I primed and undercoated mine for good measure, but if you're gonna be driving in ice, I'd seal them up especially well.

 

[jjewett444]

I am always checking craigslist/junkyards, not much besides Swiss cheese 80s crap here in ny. My biggest problem is notknowing if i will have to cut the rad. Support body mounts

 

[Camar068]

Check craigslist for dealers in your area for the inner/outter fenders before you pay for shipping. I live in BFE Kentucky and had someone local selling them. I got both inners for $80. I had to drive an hour.....well worth my time compared to the shipping cost on them....shipping was higher than the item.

These were for the repops/aftermarket. I see people advertising all the time selling them....these are new not used or junkyard finds. Just look for someone selling aftermarket fenders/hoods and such and call them and ask about it.

 

[bucket]

I put the 70's clip on my '84. Yes, the front frame mounts for the core support are in a slightly different position, but NO you don't have to change them. You just have to get slightly creative. Anyone that's halfway good at thinking for themselves can figure out how to make it work. Also, the 70's bumper will fit. The lower bolts need shimmed and you need to use the matching outer mounts or cut and modify the '84 outer mounts.

For the core support, I used engine cradle mounts for a Chevy Celebrity because I had them and they also provided enough adjustment to get everything bolted to the '84 frame mounts. I'd bet that using the '73-'80 rubber mounts and a little bit of hole slotting would have worked well too. I just didn't have any on hand.

 

[bucket]

All in all, I swapped my clip in a weekend. And none of my projects are ever fast moving.

 

[78C10BigTen]

My truck is a 78 round eye but im looking to retro mine to a 73 round eye inset style grill, if i change the rad support to a 73 will it all align and bolt on?

 

[bucket]

My truck is a 78 round eye but im looking to retro mine to a 73 round eye inset style grill, if i change the rad support to a 73 will it all align and bolt on?

The core support is the same. Just different vertical supports that the grille attaches too.

I take that back. If you have the inside hood release, you have to change the upper panel too, as well as ALL the latch hardware.

 

[78C10BigTen]

The core support is the same. Just different vertical supports that the grille attaches too.

I take that back. If you have the inside hood release, you have to change the upper panel too, as well as ALL the latch hardware.

Hell thats gunna be a pain then, i do have the optional inside hood release. So can i keep the same core but change the uprights and top/ latch setup?

 

[CSFJ]

JJewett44,

Most from the other forums have shown that you have to modify the front frame for the newer model bumper. Here is a pictured step by step from another forum:
http://dannix.net/node/49

Now my problem.

I am in a similar situation. I have a 1980 C/10 and I have put a 1982 cab on the existing 1980 frame. I am going to go with reproduction fenders and wells from Summit.
I am worried the front of my 1982 hood won't match the top of the 1980 front clip.

The newer hood will not match the older fenders/core support. They had a different profile. The front on the newer trucks was slightly lower than the older ones.