Sparkywax
Contributor
Posts: 800
Age: 44
Loc: Indiana
Reg: 10-31-10
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05-06-12 06:37 AM - Post#2223026
Has anyone here put a newer, let say mid '90s grille in an '88 chevy truck(4 headlight)? If so does it just bolt in or what does it entail to make it work/fit?
1955 Belair 2dr
1955 Belair 4dr (parts car)
1964 Impala SS
1966 Chevrolet Truck
1968 Chevrolet Truck
1968 Impala SS 396 (Survivor)
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 someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23408
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-06-12 06:48 AM - Post#2223030
In response to Sparkywax
For the uplevel grille, you had two generations - 1988-1993 like what you have already, and 1994-1998. Changing to the 1994-up grille requires you do several other changes at the same time: inner bumper brackets, filler strip between grille and bumper, corner filler pieces, park lenses, corner lenses. Not a big deal just be sure to get all the pieces so everything will fit/look correct.
The quad sealed beam headlight setup you have works just fine in the newer grille, in fact it's designed with it in mind as export models to certain countries still used a similar setup. Not the same exact lamps but same shape/size. An OEM grille would be best all the way around but can be tough to find; do beware that I have heard some say that they had fitment troubles with aftermarket grilles.
Richard
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Sparkywax
Contributor
Posts: 800
Age: 44
Loc: Indiana
Reg: 10-31-10
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05-06-12 03:33 PM - Post#2223191
In response to someotherguy
Thanks Richard. I have a place that I go to that crushes cars/trucks. I can get things off them. The other day a nice '97 Tahoe came in w/rearend damage, but the front was really nice. I thought that would be a nice looking upgrade for the '88. Hey it was just a thought. 
1955 Belair 2dr
1955 Belair 4dr (parts car)
1964 Impala SS
1966 Chevrolet Truck
1968 Chevrolet Truck
1968 Impala SS 396 (Survivor)
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someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23408
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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05-06-12 03:54 PM - Post#2223201
In response to Sparkywax
Sure, it will fit, just get all the pieces I mentioned. You could also convert to the composite (plastic) lamps from the newer truck as well, but it's not necessary.
Richard
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John
Chevytalk Moderator & "3rd Year" Gold Supporting Member
Posts: 7196
Age: 44
Loc: Montgomery, AL
Reg: 01-15-02
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05-07-12 05:15 AM - Post#2223344
In response to someotherguy
This is pretty easy, I did it to a truck I had once. If you want to swap in the composite headlights, the correct pigtails are in the "Help" section at the auto parts store. The issue with the aftermarket grill is that some do not have a recessed pocket for the gold bowtie emblem, and some are only partially recessed. From the factory, they're fully recessed so the bowtie fits flush. Even partially recessed looks good, the ones with no pocket at all look a little funny.
1979 2wd K5 Blazer, 350/TH350
1985 4x4 M1009 K5 Blazer, 6.2/TH400 |
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Sparkywax
Contributor
Posts: 800
Age: 44
Loc: Indiana
Reg: 10-31-10
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05-07-12 05:50 PM - Post#2223560
In response to John
This is pretty easy, I did it to a truck I had once. If you want to swap in the composite headlights, the correct pigtails are in the "Help" section at the auto parts store. The issue with the aftermarket grill is that some do not have a recessed pocket for the gold bowtie emblem, and some are only partially recessed. From the factory, they're fully recessed so the bowtie fits flush. Even partially recessed looks good, the ones with no pocket at all look a little funny.
I'll be looking for a donor truck/Tahoe and I'll make sure I get all the goodies. Thanks guys!
1955 Belair 2dr
1955 Belair 4dr (parts car)
1964 Impala SS
1966 Chevrolet Truck
1968 Chevrolet Truck
1968 Impala SS 396 (Survivor)
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