Grill swap / interchange
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
No issues I can think of if it swapped as an assembly.
I recall ND stating there was a year split in`70.
Secondly, IIRC the 70 shell nor the inserts are reproduced. That's why vendors point guys towards using either the 71 or 72 inserts.
Know what yer getting into cuz it's a one-year only deal and parts may be HTF and priced commensurately.
EDIT: Here's what ND posted about the 70 grills:
"Which type of 1970 grille inserts does it have? 1970: There are two different grille frames, two different types of grille inserts.
Originally, the 1970 grille frame (before serial number J30,001) used two inserts that are right and left specific.
Later on (from serial number J30,001), Ford replaced this grille frame with another, the inserts it uses are the same right and left.
"
I recall ND stating there was a year split in`70.
Secondly, IIRC the 70 shell nor the inserts are reproduced. That's why vendors point guys towards using either the 71 or 72 inserts.
Know what yer getting into cuz it's a one-year only deal and parts may be HTF and priced commensurately.
EDIT: Here's what ND posted about the 70 grills:
"Which type of 1970 grille inserts does it have? 1970: There are two different grille frames, two different types of grille inserts.
Originally, the 1970 grille frame (before serial number J30,001) used two inserts that are right and left specific.
Later on (from serial number J30,001), Ford replaced this grille frame with another, the inserts it uses are the same right and left.
"
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
Dennis Carpenter reproduces the '70 and the '72 grille inserts but the '71 grille inserts are not reproduced.
http://dennis-carpenter.com/m/produc...?p=D0TZ-8150-B
http://dennis-carpenter.com/m/search...d=3&tab=trucks
http://dennis-carpenter.com/m/produc...?p=D0TZ-8150-B
http://dennis-carpenter.com/m/search...d=3&tab=trucks
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Dennis Carpenter reproduces the '70 and the '72 grille inserts but the '71 grille inserts are not reproduced.
Grille Insert - RH or LH | Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts
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Grille Insert - RH or LH | Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts
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AC
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
It sucks no one reproduces the '71 grille inserts. If I was to ever swap out my '69 grille, I'd like to have a '71. I think it's the best looking grille Ford produced for these trucks, followed by the '70 grille.
I have a '72 grille assembly but, to me, I don't think the '72 inserts looks as good as the '71 inserts.
I have a '72 grille assembly but, to me, I don't think the '72 inserts looks as good as the '71 inserts.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
It sucks no one reproduces the '71 grille inserts. If I was to ever swap out my '69 grille, I'd like to have a '71. I think it's the best looking grille Ford produced for these trucks, followed by the '70 grille.
I have a '72 grille assembly but, to me, I don't think the '72 inserts looks as good as the '71 inserts.
I have a '72 grille assembly but, to me, I don't think the '72 inserts looks as good as the '71 inserts.
OP, you might check out that thread just in case you run across a 71 grille assembly that needs a little love.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6,399
Likes: 40
From: El Dorado, Arkansas
2X. I agree because of the stainless steel moldings on the 71 grille inserts. Most are not a fan of chrome anymore but I still am. That's why I really keyed in on Hio's 71 grille molding fix thread. This one 71 Grill Insert Fix to Mount Stainless Trim Bar .
OP, you might check out that thread just in case you run across a 71 grille assembly that needs a little love.
OP, you might check out that thread just in case you run across a 71 grille assembly that needs a little love.
'71 grille/inserts.
'72 grille/inserts.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
New User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Dennis Carpenter reproduces the '70 and the '72 grille inserts but the '71 grille inserts are not reproduced.
My 71's were cracked and needed replaced so I went with the 70's. I like the look of them better anyhow.
I had to make some small modifications to the surround to mount it but no big deal.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
I agree 100% about the 71 looking best. I thought about searching to try and find some decent 71 inserts before I pulled the trigger on the new 70 grill. Although the truck is a 70 model and its correct. The 71 or 69 Ranger look alittle better. To me the 71 looks alittle tougher and the 69 just looks good with the red emblem.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
I agree 100% about the 71 looking best. I thought about searching to try and find some decent 71 inserts before I pulled the trigger on the new 70 grill. Although the truck is a 70 model and its correct. The 71 or 69 Ranger look alittle better. To me the 71 looks alittle tougher and the 69 just looks good with the red emblem.
2X, Which is why I put a 69 Ranger grille on my 68 Ranger.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 50
From: Charleston, SC
The PO put a '69 grille on my '68, probably because it was hit. My favorite bump grille is the '67, so when time and funds allow I'll make the switch.
Anybody want to trade a '67 for a '69?
Anybody want to trade a '67 for a '69?
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,994
Likes: 2,399
From: NY and VA
Front stone shield/guard. I'm confused (which isn't hard to do) I thought that in a prev. post that Ford changed or replaced the 67-9 shield with 70-72 one. The difference in parking light mounting. Reason I'm asking is I have a chance to get a shield for it looks like 67-9...no light mounting holes. Hate to make a 80 mile round trip for nothing.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
Front stone shield/guard. I'm confused (which isn't hard to do) I thought that in a prev. post that Ford changed or replaced the 67-9 shield with 70-72 one. The difference in parking light mounting. Reason I'm asking is I have a chance to get a shield for it looks like 67-9...no light mounting holes. Hate to make a 80 mile round trip for nothing.
Pictured:
'70-'72 valance panel (left)
'67-'69 valance panel (right)
Top: '67 valance panel
Bottom: '70 valance panel
The '67-'69 panels have sharp distinct edges, whereas the '70-'72 panels' edges are softer (more curved).
Top: '70 valance panel
Bottom: '67 valance panel
Though it's not very obvious in this picture, the frame notch is 1/4" wider on the '70-'72 panels..
Top: '67 valance panel
Bottom: '70 valance panel
The turn signal area is 1-1/4" wider on the '70-'72 panels. This means that the later panels will work on '67-'69 trucks, but not vice-versa. The early panel will not fit the later truck's turn signal indicator, unless an early grille is also used.
Here's a shot of a '70-'72 valance panel used with a '69 grille. Notice the extra space in the valance next to the turn signal indicator...