grille change
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 1
1973-79 Grill Compatibility
The 1973-77 grills interchange no problem. The radiator core support is different for the 1978-79 grills. Basically the headlights don't line up correctly between the 73-77 and 78-79. You will need to change out the radiator core support or do some fabrication to get an older grill to fit on a newer truck or vice versa. It has been done and I'm sure others can chime in with the details for how to do it. From my understanding it all unbolts but it is a bit of work. I have replaced the front dog house on my truck and that took me a good Saturdays worth of work. While you are doing this it might not be a bad idea to replace the front body bushings and everything else rubber you will be removing to take off the support.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 618
Likes: 1
From: central oregon
When I changed over my grille on my 78 bronco the grille was bolt in . as far as the headlight goes I got a set from the grille I was using. The only modification was drilling new holes to bolt the older headlight bucket to the 78 radiator core support .
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,188
Likes: 5,792
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
A 73-77 grill shell will work in a 78/79 you just need to get the headlight buckets/mount hdwr that match what ever grill year you are using. As far as I know no need to change the whole radiator core support.
When you get the grill shell and buckets of what ever truck, I would take some measurements off that old core support to know where the mounting holes need to be added or changed.
Also know that your park light wiring will need to be long enough to move from the bottom to the top of the grill.
Here is a paint scheme on each year that's a little different.
When you get the grill shell and buckets of what ever truck, I would take some measurements off that old core support to know where the mounting holes need to be added or changed.
Also know that your park light wiring will need to be long enough to move from the bottom to the top of the grill.
Here is a paint scheme on each year that's a little different.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,503
Likes: 0
From: Southaven,Ms
that should be interesting, post some pictures when your done. not sure ive ever seen a bump grill on a dent
Trending Topics
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,593
Likes: 2
From: Prairieville, La
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
blk450er
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
18
Jun 6, 2017 04:50 PM
ironman540
WTB - Parts & other
19
Nov 6, 2012 07:33 AM
