Good, body parts

[fnny6770]

Hello, I have a 1980 GMC 1 Ton dually 4x4 needs new front body parts, hood, fenders ECT, what years will inner change?

 

[TotalyHucked]

Everything from '73-80 will technically interchange. That square headlight front end is '80 only and a specific core support/headlight bezels and also '79/80 had it's own hood with a little raised detail on the front edge. Also be mindful of grille/hood latch combos, they changed through the years, you just have to make sure whatever latch you use, you use the corresponding grille

 

[fnny6770]

This Hood one day decided to buckle in the middle when we tried to close it, I've seen other hoods that have done this too so it must be characteristic of the hood after many years?

 

[Ricko1966]

This Hood one day decided to buckle in the middle when we tried to close it, I've seen other hoods that have done this too so it must be characteristic of the hood after many years?

The hoods designed to fold instead of come through the windshield in a front end collision. You have to keep the hood hinges cleaned,lubricated and use care shutting the hoods. Aftermarket companies do or at least did make repair braces for the hoods,it be worth a google search.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Yep, very common with the '73-80 trucks if the hinges are not regularly cleaned and lubed. Also, alot of people don't know how to properly close them. You don't just pull straight down, you have to push back toward the windshield as well

 

[75gmck25]

I have a simpler flat hood brace from LMC and it was not effective in preventing a bend. I had to straighten the hood again and add thicker metal. The brace in the post above looks like a better design.

 

[fnny6770]

Maybe this Hood wouldn't be an exact replacement?

 

[ChuckN]

Vice Grip Garage is making his own.
https://www.vicegripgarage.com/products/hood-saver-6000

 

[bucket]

Vice Grip Garage is making his own.
https://www.vicegripgarage.com/products/hood-saver-6000

Well that's pretty cool. A bargain, imho. I mean yeah, you can do the same thing with steel flat stock for less money, but it won't have that nice finished look. Nice it comes with nutserts too.