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When I bought my 79 a few years back somewhere along the line a previous owner installed a 76/77 grill. I want to return it back to the original front end. Is it as simple as changing the grill and headlight assemblies, or is there structure pieces that need to be swapped out also? Was going to get new pieces from Lmc
As I understand it, there are different radiator supports for large and small radiators, and different supports for round and square headlights. I've also read of guys converting round supports to work with square headlights
Since you have round headlights, you shouldn't have any trouble if you stay with round headlights.
But, your 79 likely had square headlights. That might require modification of the radiator support
I think only the supercooling radiator requires the bigger support. It's easy to spot, as it's half again as thick as the radiator cap is wide. The smaller radiators are about as thick as the cap is wide. At least that's my observation.
So, the question for you...did the previous owner change the support to better fit the round headlights? He didn't need to, but if he did, you've got a little more work...or expense...
Should just swap over. We just did the opposite 75 round to 78 round. Had to swap the 78 round buckets and drill 2 holes onto the older support. Rest is bolt in so you should be good.
Should just swap over. We just did the opposite 75 round to 78 round. Had to swap the 78 round buckets and drill 2 holes onto the older support. Rest is bolt in so you should be good.
X2 on finding out it the PO changed the core support when he did the swap. It can only save you some money, by not having to buy a very large part. (core support)
Then again I have read that all you have to do is swap the outer grill shell swap, remount the buckets.
Since you now have round headlights if you only got a 78/79 outer grill shell and then went back with the round headlights, all you would have to get is the head light bezel for round headlights.
IMO I'd FYI shop around for a outer grill shell/center insert, since LMC do not have the best reputation on their quality, fit or finish.
Number4... blk450er is in Mi. Click on the username to get in on a member. Like how to PM him.
#4 Sold a rough one for $100. This ones going for sale locally for $250. So since its so big, it would probably be $300 shipped in Conus. I have cleaned it up and it a 95% out of a 100 with the worse being the faded black painted area(easy fix). Haven't really been trying to sell with 3 builds going and having issues on the most urgent ones has delayed me posting parts that could be used by others.
this was the one I sold off the new to me crewcab.
The one I am going to sell is off the barn find, I am doing the 78 conversion
Yeah I'm in SW MI if you were asking me. I checked on the radiator and it's the bigger one. The sides of the core are about 1" outside the filler cap. Is there anything specific to look for at the support to see if I had the one for the original grill and or square lights if I came with them? I'll have to look at some pics to see if I like the 78/79 grills with the round lights vs the square if that's the direction I want to go
when I got it home a few nights later.
This baby went to Canada last month. I really like the round lights on these. s of my next 3 builds will have them.
As I understand it, there are different radiator supports for large and small radiators, and different supports for round and square headlights.
There's only one radiator support for 1978/79's with rectangular headlamps (D8TZ-16138-A). This radiator support is 'dished inwards' behind the headlamp buckets, so they will fit correctly.
1973/78's with round headlights used two different radiator supports. One was only used with the Super Cooling radiator, as it has a large opening radius.
Super Cooling radiator (has a HUGE top tank) measures approx. 26 1/4" wide x 24 1/4" high.
Standard, xtra cooling and A/C radiators measure approx. 26 1/4" wide x 19 1/4" high.
There's only one radiator support for 1978/79's with rectangular headlamps (D8TZ-16138-A). This radiator support is 'dished inwards' behind the headlamp buckets, so they will fit correctly.
If I could get a pic of what I have could you be able to tell if it's for the square buckets?
I converted my 79 to a 73 grill setup. The only thing it needed was some new holes drilled for the headlight buckets, everything else was just bolt on.
I still have my square headlight buckets somewhere collecting dust. If it would help to see if your original 79 holes are still in your core support I can take some measurements and pictures.
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