Notices
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco  
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Grill swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 16, 2017 | 02:12 PM
  #1  
mac1405's Avatar
mac1405
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Grill swap

I’ve been eyeing 3rd gen broncos on Craigslist, since I need a new daily driver. Only problem is I don’t like the look of the grill/headlights. Has anyone swapped the front clip from a ‘74-‘76 F-series pickup on one of these?
 
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2017 | 06:02 PM
  #2  
Kemicalburns's Avatar
Kemicalburns
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
if you buy a 78-79 bronco this could be done with that year core support and fenders. as for the later years having this front grill swapped over you would have some challenges but could be possible i suppose. give it a try..
 
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2017 | 06:30 AM
  #3  
schwim's Avatar
schwim
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
It requires nothing more than the new grille, headlight buckets and a drill. It's been done often and you can find a lot of threads on it:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1051486-79-to-77-and-older-grill-swap.html
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2017 | 01:34 PM
  #4  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by mac1405
I’ve been eyeing 3rd gen broncos on Craigslist, since I need a new daily driver. Only problem is I don’t like the look of the grill/headlights.

Has anyone swapped the front clip from a ‘73-‘77 F-series pickup on one of these?
Why in the world would you want to swap the front clip?

The front clip is the same: 1973/79 F100/350 & 1978/79 Bronco (hood/fenders etc).

The only difference is the radiator supports and the grilles.

All you need to do is find a F100/350 1973/77 aluminum grille frame, 1973/75 or 1976/77 R & L plastic grille inserts and headlamps and swap 'em.

People swap 1973/77 grilles (all have round headlamps) onto 1978/79's because they don't like the 1978/79 'fish mouth' grille.

1978/79's with rectangular headlamps use a different radiator support than 1973/78's with round headlamps.

The only difference are the grille mounting brackets (1973/77's are different), and the area behind the buckets is dished inwards so the headlamps align with the grille properly.

If you swap in a 1973/77 grille, you can leave the 1978/79 support in place.
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2017 | 01:58 PM
  #5  
mac1405's Avatar
mac1405
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
Why in the world would you want to swap the front clip?

The front clip is the same: 1973/79 F100/350 & 1978/79 Bronco (hood/fenders etc).

The only difference is the radiator supports and the grilles.

All you need to do is find a F100/350 1973/77 aluminum grille frame, 1973/75 or 1976/77 R & L plastic grille inserts and headlamps and swap 'em.

People swap 1973/77 grilles (all have round headlamps) onto 1978/79's because they don't like the 1978/79 'fish mouth' grille.

1978/79's with rectangular headlamps use a different radiator support than 1973/78's with round headlamps.

The only difference are the grille mounting brackets (1973/77's are different), and the area behind the buckets is dished inwards so the headlamps align with the grille properly.

If you swap in a 1973/77 grille, you can leave the 1978/79 support in place.
I’m talking about 3rd gen Broncos, ‘80-‘86.
 
Reply
Old Nov 22, 2017 | 02:36 PM
  #6  
NumberDummy's Avatar
NumberDummy
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 787
From: Simi Valley, CA
Club FTE Gold Member
Originally Posted by mac1405
I’m talking about 3rd gen Broncos, ‘80-‘86.
ALL the front sheet metal and the front doors are the same: 1980/86 F100/350 & Bronco.

1980/81's use different grilles than 1982, 1983/86 grilles are different again.

1982 was the first year that the blue oval emblem was installed in the grille.

1980/86: There are 4 different types of headlamp doors, see 13064 in pic (U150 = Bronco):

 
Reply
Old Nov 23, 2017 | 02:23 PM
  #7  
diymirage's Avatar
diymirage
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
if your gonna swap it, i would look for a grill without the emblem that circles the problem for you

(in fact, i wouldnt mind one for my 87 without that silly blue oval in it)
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bcapps
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Jun 24, 2018 07:05 PM
chevyassasin
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jul 13, 2010 07:24 AM
dovepro
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Mar 29, 2008 08:58 PM
ayune
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Sep 22, 2007 10:59 PM
Garrett003
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
May 16, 2006 07:58 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:40 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE