Newbie body panel question
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2012
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Newbie body panel question
Searched to no avail - are any of the body panels for the 73-77 trucks able to be used on the 78-79 trucks?
Specifically the split grills using the round headlights?
I have a 78 with the full grill and square headlights.
Grill needs to be replaced - trying to figure out options.
thanks
Specifically the split grills using the round headlights?
I have a 78 with the full grill and square headlights.
Grill needs to be replaced - trying to figure out options.
thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Yes, the earlier 73-77 Round headlight, split grill will fit, along with the radiator support.
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,158
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
73-79 fenders, doors, bed sides, tailgate will swap around among years. There are a few year differences in the bed sides and fuel filler neck, but overall the same.
73-77 (round headlights 2 piece insert) outer grill shell will work on a 78/79
78-79 (round 78 and square 79 headlights 1 piece insert) grill shell will work on a 73-77
Like you have just been told, the easier way to put a 77 outer grill shell on a 78/79 and DRILL the radiator core support to mount the round headlight buckets.
Its alot easier than changing the complete core support IMO. Cause them dang 2 bottom bolts/spacer set ups that always rust.
If you are getting a aftermarket grill shell, be ready for lots of $$ and not the best fit from LMC unless you go with Dennis Carpenter I hear on here his are the best.
So all said and done best option is to get a replacement same style outer grill shell and then its as simple as off and back on, no drilling required. Unless you want the older look of a 2 piece insert and round headlights???
73-77 (round headlights 2 piece insert) outer grill shell will work on a 78/79
78-79 (round 78 and square 79 headlights 1 piece insert) grill shell will work on a 73-77
Like you have just been told, the easier way to put a 77 outer grill shell on a 78/79 and DRILL the radiator core support to mount the round headlight buckets.
Its alot easier than changing the complete core support IMO. Cause them dang 2 bottom bolts/spacer set ups that always rust.
If you are getting a aftermarket grill shell, be ready for lots of $$ and not the best fit from LMC unless you go with Dennis Carpenter I hear on here his are the best.
So all said and done best option is to get a replacement same style outer grill shell and then its as simple as off and back on, no drilling required. Unless you want the older look of a 2 piece insert and round headlights???
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,158
Likes: 5,786
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
You can get the headlight bucket assemblies new for $$, or for alot less out of a JY. Measure and take note or digi pic where the old ones are and just drill new mount holes in your same ol core support.
The odd man out IMO, is the 78 with a one piece grill insert and round headlights. My blue rig was like that then the PO changed over to square's.
The odd man out IMO, is the 78 with a one piece grill insert and round headlights. My blue rig was like that then the PO changed over to square's.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,158
Likes: 5,786
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Would still have to repalce your bad outer grill shell, and then modify a set of inserts to fit around the squares, not to sure how it would turn out look wise??
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 13,131
Likes: 347
From: THIS IS SPARTA!, ...Mo.
Here's a step by step to convert the newer grill to the older one.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rill-swap.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...rill-swap.html