converting from a 78 grille
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
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converting from a 78 grille
I'm converting my front end from a 78 grille to the older style grille and would like to know if anyone else has already done this. If so, what had to be done in order to reposition the headlights? Tips and/or pictures would be greatly appreciated.
thanks
thanks
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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converting from a 78 grille
I found these by using the search feature.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ight=%2Bgrille
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ight=%2Bgrille
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ight=%2Bgrille
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ight=%2Bgrille
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 851
Likes: 15
From: Elkton, MD
converting from a 78 grille
I have done it twice, it's easy, just get the older headlight buckets, line the grille up, mark your holes and drill new holes for the headlight buckets so the headlights line up with the grille shell, not a perfect way, but it works pretty decent, then I changed the plugs for the parking lights, the wires are the same, but the plugs are different, so I just used the old style plugs and connected them to the wires, looks allmost factory. everything else is a direct bolt up, it is just kinda difficult drilling the holes right. You could also get the older core support and just change that, and it will all line right up.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
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converting from a 78 grille
Well, I learned something already....didn't realize that there was an old style headlight bucket for the 73-77 front ends. I guess I gotta get them before starting the swap.
Is there any difference in the wiring going into the headlight for these trucks?
Is there any difference in the wiring going into the headlight for these trucks?
More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 705
Likes: 2
From: Halifax, NS
converting from a 78 grille
no.. i also have done this. the headlight wiring is the same. i didnt have to change any wiring at all. you will need the buckets for the round headlights. i didnt find it difficult at all to line them up and drill the necessary holes in the rad saddle.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
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converting from a 78 grille
My truck already has round headlights on it. Is there a difference in the round headlight buckets on the 73-77 and 78 trucks, or can I use what I've already got? If I can use what I already have, how do I orient the bucket compared to how it was originally attached? I know it has to move to a new position, but what bolts where? Does anyone have any pics of this?
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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converting from a 78 grille
You might want to go to a junkyard and take a look at the front grille structure on a few trucks. Take a notepad or digital camera with you...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 851
Likes: 15
From: Elkton, MD
converting from a 78 grille
when I did it I held the new grille in place and held the headlight bucket behind it with a headlight in it and marked the holes, I got it real close, but not perfect, it has to be real close so all the screws that hold the grille inserts in line up. 78 round headlight buckets are different then 73-77, done that one also.