Grille replacement
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Joined: Oct 2010
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Grille replacement
Does anyone know how difficult is it to swap out the 1979 grille for one from 1976,77? I want the older look of the round headlights, but have found a very nice 79 near by. I'm struggling to purchase only due to the square headlights.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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If I remember right, Believe that it has been said on here that you have to redrill the radiator support to use the round headlight buckets, but it's no big deal, I here that the dimples are already there in the support. Mine were already switched to the round headlights.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: chana,il
if its the round headlights you want why don't you just swap the square lights for some 78 round lights/bezels? keep the 78/79 grill,much better look.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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I have been looking at all the choices for grilles for the 73 I am starting on. Is there a replacement that is bright chrome or are they all kind of a brushed aluminum look. I am thinking a bright chrome would look best.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Hobart, WA
LMC sells a chrome plated steel outer grille shell:
LMC Truck Exclusive - New Custom Chrome Grill for 1973-77 Ford
LMC Truck Parts - Page 55
The previous owner of my '79 bought one in early 2009, and now the chrome is peeling off. $499 and the chrome peels off after less than 2 years!
LMC Truck Exclusive - New Custom Chrome Grill for 1973-77 Ford
LMC Truck Parts - Page 55
The previous owner of my '79 bought one in early 2009, and now the chrome is peeling off. $499 and the chrome peels off after less than 2 years!
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From: Lawton, OK
I'd leave it alone...really. If your grille shell is in good shape (not dented), leave it. They aren't cheap. I've found the pre-78's on Ebay for about $200.
My personal opinion: if it ain't bent up, leave it alone. If just the finish is peeling off, paint it black but do a good job of it...it's worth the effort. The pre-78 grilles have a "sleeper" look that gives the truck an intimidating look if its done right. The 78's with the round headlights just look plain to me. Nothing special. The 79's, that's my favorite. They scream "big block" just by the looks of them. Amber lights right behind the grille really sets them off.
My personal opinion: if it ain't bent up, leave it alone. If just the finish is peeling off, paint it black but do a good job of it...it's worth the effort. The pre-78 grilles have a "sleeper" look that gives the truck an intimidating look if its done right. The 78's with the round headlights just look plain to me. Nothing special. The 79's, that's my favorite. They scream "big block" just by the looks of them. Amber lights right behind the grille really sets them off.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Lindenwold, NJ
Id like to do the same thing. I had a 76 that was in really bad shape. I should have kept the grill stuff when I stripped it to build my 79 but I didnt and its long gone. The grill shell and grills were shot but the headlight stuff is hard to find around here.
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