need some help on a front end conversion.
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New User
Joined: Dec 2018
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need some help on a front end conversion.
Ok I have a 1989 f150 with the 5.0 in it. I however hate the way it looks and am in love with the front end of the 1979. How would I go about swaping the front from the 1989 to the 1979. Idc about widening or anything I’ve made the interior more modern.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
1973/79's have a concave scallop line (referred to as a "dentside") that runs the entire length of the body sides, while 1987/91 body sides in the same area are as flat as Kansas.
Ford changed the frame in 1980, so none of the engine compartment parts from a 1973/79 will line up with a 1987/91.
If the OP likes the look of the 1978/79 "fish mouth" front end, he should just buy a 1978/79.
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 474
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Same question here. Might was well swap in a Camry front end...would look like garbage, IMHO
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 896
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From: Bothell
OP, I think you want to swap to a early 80’s front end. This has the square headlights you are talking about and the body lines would match up.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Billings, MT
I am with you on strong dislike for the bullnose; they are terrible. With enough cutting and welding anything can be made to fit. Stop and ask yourself if it should be done. Sell your truck and buy a dentside.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
What the hell are you talking about? The body lines will not match up!
Upper pic: Notice the 1973/79's concave scallop line that runs the length of most of the upper bodyside.
Lower pic: Where is the scallop line on 1980/84 (1985/86 is the same, but the mouldings are different)? No see um. The upper bodyside is a flat as Kansas.
1980/86 is an entirely different truck including the frame than 1973/79, not one piece of sheet metal interchanges.
1973/79: The hood sits above the front fenders. 1980/86: The hood nestles between the front fenders.
It's hard to believe that someone that has been a member of FTE for 8 years doesn't know the difference between 1973/79 & 1980/86.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
What the hell are you talking about? The body lines will not match up!
Upper pic: Notice the 1973/79's concave scallop line that runs the length of most of the upper bodyside.
Lower pic: Where is the scallop line on 1980/84 (1985/86 is the same, but the mouldings are different)? No see um. The upper bodyside is a flat as Kansas.
1980/86 is an entirely different truck including the frame than 1973/79, not one piece of sheet metal interchanges.
1973/79: The hood sits above the front fenders. 1980/86: The hood nestles between the front fenders.
It's hard to believe that someone that has been a member of FTE for 8 years doesn't know the difference between 1973/79 & 1980/86
Upper pic: Notice the 1973/79's concave scallop line that runs the length of most of the upper bodyside.
Lower pic: Where is the scallop line on 1980/84 (1985/86 is the same, but the mouldings are different)? No see um. The upper bodyside is a flat as Kansas.
1980/86 is an entirely different truck including the frame than 1973/79, not one piece of sheet metal interchanges.
1973/79: The hood sits above the front fenders. 1980/86: The hood nestles between the front fenders.
It's hard to believe that someone that has been a member of FTE for 8 years doesn't know the difference between 1973/79 & 1980/86
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
