73 K10 mismatch parts - help decoding

[Inman789]

Thank you all for this forum. I spend far too much time reading posts on here trying to figure out the best way to restore this great truck. Though after going thru a 1968 Corvette convertible years ago, I swore never again to get involved in the first year of anything, and here is my '73

Anyway, I know its not a completely original unmolested 73 and after digging into it, and sending a 73 grill back to LMC because it wouldnt work, it seems there was a front end accident sometime in the last 49 years and I need help understanding what front end and doors I have.

The hood looks to be maybe a 79-80?

The fenders with "Silverado" may be something newer than 75? Also the fit to the cab may suggest they are 81-87 instead of 73-80 fenders? Does that sound right?

the front radiator support has the manual release (not cable) offset to the drivers side - that's why I sent back the new 73 grill.

Finally, the inner door panels may suggest something newer than 77?

 

[PrairieDrifter]

The door panels are for sure 80's, the hood is for sure 79-80, the fenders are mid 70's as that's what the emblem looks like, someone else will be able to get you a year range for the emblems.

That fit to the cab on the fenders is normal, thats one of the worst spots on these trucks. The core support might be from mid to late the 70's as well if there was enough damage to the front. Seems to be the pattern anyways.

 

[Inman789]

Thanks PrairieDrifter!

so it sounds like I have nothing to gain by trying to source different / better fitting fenders, that is good. I assume to replace those fender badges the fender has to be off the truck, is that correct? (are the mounting holes universal does anyone know - meaning if I wanted to use more correct 73 fender badges).

One hood question...though the front end of it may not be true 73 correct, I am concerned about the passenger side bow in front of the hinge. I see there are hood braces. Has anyone put those on after a slight bow and does it actually draw that bow down some?

Thanks again, really appreciate the help and advice!

 

[Grit dog]

Everything @PrairieDrifter said is correct.
And yes the hood braces work. We used to put 1” angle on the hoods with self tappers before pre made “hood braces” were an item.

 

[Inman789]

thanks @Grit dog, I will give the braces a shot and not worry that the front edge is not 73 as long as I can get it pretty close.

This will not be a show truck, it will be our daily driver farm truck. We love the look of the square bodies and figure by the time I go through this and get it completely functional (and looking as good as possible) it will be a fraction of the cost of a new truck. Besides, I will be able to work on it. Our 2007 Silverado has nearly 200k on it and before that gives up the ghost, I hope to have this transition to my daily driver.

Again, I really appreciate all your knowledge and advice!