81-87 Front Clip on a 73

bucket · Mar 18, 2023

custodian said:
The main reason was to get the inside cab hood release. My granddaughter has been driving it and has found several occasions where someone had popped the hood and didn't get it closed all the way.

After ready these post and trying to find what I can on the Internet, I've decide just to leave it like it is.

I guess I'll have to find a way to lock the hood.

An inside hood release was optional from '77-'80. It requires a different core support top panel, center grille/latch support and hood striker. However, your '73 grille would no longer fit and you would have to use the grill and mounts from a '77-'80. Also, if your hood is an original, pre '77 hood, you would need to cut the opening on the underside for the safety catch hook. Not too much to swap really, you just lose the look of the earlier '73-'74 grille.

There used to be aftermarket universal inside hood locks available from places like JC Whitney and I think NAPA too. I have no idea where you would find one now.

Finkaire · Mar 18, 2023

As our trucks increase in value I would consider leaving it alone, I believe the earlier models command more money and are darn good looking trucks!

78C10BigTen · Mar 18, 2023

RecklessWOT said:
Get you some hood pins

Also, there was an inside the cab hood release on some later round eye trucks that was optional, '76 and up I believe? I'm pretty sure Ted (@78C10BigTen) has said that his '78 has the inside the cab hood release. With no direct knowledge, I can only imagine it shouldn't be too hard to just rig that setup into your '73 instead of swapping the ENTIRE front clip just for that one feature.

Also, as much as I like the stacked square light grilles (83-84 being my favorite) I don't think I would be able to bring myself to swap it onto a beautiful round eye truck, especially a '73-'74. If anything I would be tempted to go the other way and swap an older nose onto a newer truck

Yes my 78 has one and it was optional. Mine is a silverado trim.

BadBowtie · Mar 20, 2023

You will have to change the windshield wiper transmission assembly too...

JBswth · Mar 22, 2023

custodian said:
The main reason was to get the inside cab hood release. My granddaughter has been driving it and has found several occasions where someone had popped the hood and didn't get it closed all the way.

After ready these post and trying to find what I can on the Internet, I've decide just to leave it like it is.

I guess I'll have to find a way to lock the hood.

The inside hood release was an option on the 80 and older. My 73 has an inside hood release.

J.B.

81-87 Front Clip on a 73

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