Brainstorming about my 81 GMC

[Matt69olds]

I’m slowly gathering parts for when my 81 GMC goes in for major renovation. I’m hoping life calms down enough that I can actually get started soon.

I have always preferred the older model round headlights. After some discussion here, I quickly realized that’s entirely too much hassle to retrofit. However, I do like the grill and headlights of the last year’s (model years 88-81 I believe?) squarebody suburban. I’m guessing that would be much easier to accomplish? So maybe that would be a better option? I figured before spending a lot of time searching for the parts, I’d ask the experts here about any potential headaches. I assume if I could find a complete doghouse, it would bolt on? What obstacles (if any?) will I need to overcome? Thanks!

 

[Fat 454]

Not in front of my "stash" right now, however I believe the major issue to be aware of is around 1980 ( someone will correct me here ) the hood hinges changed from a mount on the inner front fenders to a pocket in the scuttle.
Effectively therefore you should be able to retro fit the full front end ( fenders, rad support, hood, grille and headlight trim ) from an early "round eye" 73 - 76 truck on to a later style truck like yours.
You could go the other way with fitting a late ( post 80 ) front onto an early truck, however now you need to solve the scuttle / pocket mount for the hood hinges ( unless you can weld in an early frame to a late hood ).
Obviously goes without saying - don't try to mix and match, especially with trying to use a late rad support for early grille etc.
Hope this helps.

 

[ali_c20]

I’m slowly gathering parts for when my 81 GMC goes in for major renovation. I’m hoping life calms down enough that I can actually get started soon.

I have always preferred the older model round headlights. After some discussion here, I quickly realized that’s entirely too much hassle to retrofit. However, I do like the grill and headlights of the last year’s (model years 88-81 I believe?) squarebody suburban. I’m guessing that would be much easier to accomplish? So maybe that would be a better option? I figured before spending a lot of time searching for the parts, I’d ask the experts here about any potential headaches. I assume if I could find a complete doghouse, it would bolt on? What obstacles (if any?) will I need to overcome? Thanks!

Here you go:
https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/89-91-suburban-grille-swap.10367/
https://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/tech/chevygmc-8991-grill-swap-18561.html

 

[Matt69olds]

That’s exactly the info I needed! Thanks!!

 

[Matt69olds]

Not in front of my "stash" right now, however I believe the major issue to be aware of is around 1980 ( someone will correct me here ) the hood hinges changed from a mount on the inner front fenders to a pocket in the scuttle.
Effectively therefore you should be able to retro fit the full front end ( fenders, rad support, hood, grille and headlight trim ) from an early "round eye" 73 - 76 truck on to a later style truck like yours.
You could go the other way with fitting a late ( post 80 ) front onto an early truck, however now you need to solve the scuttle / pocket mount for the hood hinges ( unless you can weld in an early frame to a late hood ).
Obviously goes without saying - don't try to mix and match, especially with trying to use a late rad support for early grille etc.
Hope this helps.

I was aware of the cowl/hood issues, didn’t know about the hood hinges. I think I’ll do the suburban front end, I prefer that look.

My dad always had a beater squarebody. He bought his first when the trucks got old enough to become beaters. Since they were beaters and work trucks, I had lots of experience maintaining and keeping the running. I always assumed the trucks were basically the same the entire production run. It wasn’t until much later in life when I learned there were many minor changes, not all of them are compatible.

I figure before spending a bunch of time and money, I’d consult the experts.

Thanks!

 

[Turbo4whl]

I’m slowly gathering parts for when my 81 GMC goes in for major renovation. I’m hoping life calms down enough that I can actually get started soon.

I have always preferred the older model round headlights. After some discussion here, I quickly realized that’s entirely too much hassle to retrofit. However, I do like the grill and headlights of the last year’s (model years 88-81 I believe?) squarebody suburban. I’m guessing that would be much easier to accomplish? So maybe that would be a better option? I figured before spending a lot of time searching for the parts, I’d ask the experts here about any potential headaches. I assume if I could find a complete doghouse, it would bolt on? What obstacles (if any?) will I need to overcome? Thanks!

You can put an early round eye front on a newer cab. I put 1974 parts on a 1981 cab. the door line at the front fender can be made good. The issue that may bother some, is the line at the rear of the hood side to the top of the fender. The different cab front of the '81 pushes the fender out at the back of the hood side. Not right, but acceptable to me.

 

[Fat 454]

I didn't know the actual cab sheet metal was different. I thought only the hood, fenders and rad support changed?

 

[Fat 454]

OK - yeah looking at it you will need to consider modifying the wiper arms / assembly, as the earlier hood will interfere with the later wiper assembly.
I am sure it can be done and is not a show stopper. Also expect someone here has done it and can share pics of what is required.... ;-)

 

[Matt69olds]

OK - yeah looking at it you will need to consider modifying the wiper arms / assembly, as the earlier hood will interfere with the later wiper assembly.
I am sure it can be done and is not a show stopper. Also expect someone here has done it and can share pics of what is required.... ;-)

If it has nuts or bolts, or wires, I’ll mess with it. While I can and have done a little bodywork, it’s definitely not my area of expertise. Which means paying someone to do a job that I would t be satisfied with if I attempted it myself!

All that fabrication and tweaking no doubt would take lots of expensive time. In this case, I’m definitely keeping it simple.

Thanks!!