will fenders from a 73-80 fit on a 81-87 ??

[MannyDantyla]

Can fenders from a 73-80 c/k be made to fit on an 81-87 c/k?? I only want to replace the fenders. So the hood, grill, doors, radiator support, etc. would not change. Is it possible? How much cutting/drilling/welding/grinding would be involved?

I want to know because I have an '83 but I like the older look. Thanks!

 

[CSFJ]

The hood, core support, and the cabs are different too.

 

[CSFJ]

to be more specific, When they changed the front end in '81, the hood hinges migrated from the fenders to the firewall. The hood on the '80 and earlier went all the way to the windshield, and the wipers tucked below it. The hood itself, had a slightly different radius above the grill. The radiator core supports is also different to accommodate the different style and placement of lights. It is possible to back date your truck, the easiest way would be to find an older front clip. Then you wold need to remove the cowl panel at the base of the windshield, and figure out which model wiper assembly is needed to fit the wipers under the hood.

 

[MannyDantyla]

So the front radius on the hood from my '83 would not match the radius of the older-style fenders? So I could have to place the hood as well, which which also involves removing the cowl-panel and replacing the wiper assembly.

The radiator support, grill and lights are all different, but could they be made to fit?

 

[MannyDantyla]

OK, no, that' just not going to work.

The older hood will not fit with the newer grill. Comparing them side by side, it's obvious.

1973-1980:

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1981-1987:

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The whole front end sheet metal would have to be replaced to get the older fenders to fit...

So the answer to my question is: NO, the fenders are not interchangeable. Now I know. HOWEVER, if I ever get into a collision or hit a deer or something... I know what I'll be doing. Now I'll be secretly hoping that some dumb frat boy (I live in a college town) drives their jeep into the front of my truck.

 

[CSFJ]

Yep.

 

[firebane]

OK, no, that' just not going to work.

The older hood will not fit with the newer grill. Comparing them side by side, it's obvious.

1973-1980:

You must be registered for see images

1981-1987:

You must be registered for see images

The whole front end sheet metal would have to be replaced to get the older fenders to fit...

So the answer to my question is: NO, the fenders are not interchangeable. Now I know. HOWEVER, if I ever get into a collision or hit a deer or something... I know what I'll be doing. Now I'll be secretly hoping that some dumb frat boy (I live in a college town) drives their jeep into the front of my truck.

73-74 front end was the best with the 77-80s. After that I think they just look silly

 

[CSFJ]

I like the older styles, but the quad headlight look of my '87 has really grown on me.