Vannin' Home Forums Chevy General Discussion Swaping a early 70's front & grill onto a 90's Chevy G20

I've heard where there is a 76 chevy van I've seen people put these grills on the newer one to make them look old. What all parts would I need to take off of the old van? And do I have to modify the newer 95 van or is it bolt on?

It is in no way a bolt-on. It is quite a bit of work.
The core support, for example, will need to be heavily modified and some things will need to move/relocate to maintain the '95 A/C system and coolers. Then the older bumpers and newer frame rails don't get along well together either.....
It's a great mod if you can afford it.

if you can find the parts for cheap then go for it. i got m grill and core support for $20 at a salvage yard. the rest is just time and cuss words.

This thread could turn out to be a major source for a grill retro fit. I'm doing a conversion from a '78 to a '77. I'll document the whole change over on video for you tube. Mine has A/C so I expect a little nip and tuck. I would have already started the project bu there is one small dent in an otherwise perfect grill. It's a metal fab shop getting hammered out. I have OCD...

I will say that I've seen a few monochromatic paint jobs where the grill matches the body. I was about to go this route until I found one on a '77 RV. Rv's are the new source for the grills and can be found paired up with the bumper like mine. I paid $300 for the set.

Since they came in 2 variations (paint & Chrome), don't be afraid to buy a $75 unit and paint it to match. I can buy a whole '77 van for $300 today with everything you need for the change over.
Beware! It's the damn turn signal lenses that are impossible to find especially with the housings.

I will reveal what I believe is a match in a few days. I'm having something sent from Mexico that I think will solve this issue. Stay Tuned for that.



There's also another thread here by Lindz who did it as well. It starts with the words."Get all of your parts together". His van eventually went from his garage to Hot Rods TV show with full on tools and skills. You can google Hot Rod Magazines Grill conversion, but it's big on BS and and low on technical how to. They start it, cut to commercial and come back to tighten the last screw. Done!

Anyway. OCD man (that's me) will show you really how it's done. I'm a sign maker, not a mechanic, so expect simple laymans terms, simple instructions, pop rivets instead of welding.

These are 40 year old pieces. My van has 1/2 inch body panel gaps from the factory. I'm not going to worry about getting the headlight buckets 1mm from side to side and top to bottom. But that grill ding.....

ps, if any of the big aftermarket part manufacturers are listening, A complete kit is begging to be made that will fit 20 years worth of G20's. No other model of vehicle can make that claim. Don't make me start a kickstarter fund. I'll do it myself if these inquiries become more frequent.

Lindz did the one here. It's the most detailed so far. And yes, I am grateful for the basic knowledge.
Your journey begins here. May the force be with you.



https://www.vanning.com/threads/ubbthreads.php/topics/726323/2

keep us posted on the blinkers. i swapped mine with my dads RV..... he doesn't know..