hi guys newbie to the forum here . my question is this im taking delivery of a 1954 chevy shortbed soon . i dont care for the grille ( il call it a bull nose) and what i would like to do is replace it with the bar style from a earlier year is that gonna be doable without any major mods ? Thanks
It’s done all the time. I don’t believe it requires any major modifications.
Martin '62 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed (Restomod in progress) '47 Chevy 3100 5 Window (long term project) ‘65 Chevy Biscayne (Emily) ‘39 Dodge Business Coupe (Clarence) “I fought the law and the law won" now I are a retired one! Support those brave men/women who stand the "Thin Blue Line"! Hug a cop! USAF 1965-1969 Weather Observation Tech (I got paid to look at the clouds)
I think the 54-55 front fenders will have depressions from where the grill bars and signal lights wrap over, if I remember correctly. Someone else needs to confirm this though.
1970 Chevrolet C10 Grandpa's -- My first truck -- In progress to shiny Follow the build in the Project Journal 1950 Chevrolet 1-Ton Dually "Ole Red Girl" In the Stovebolt Gallery More pictures here 1951 GMC 9430 1 ton dually--Shiny! | 1972 Chevrolet C20- Rusty- the puzzle box lid for the C10 | 1962 AMC Rambler American- my wife's Parts trucks- 1951 GMC 9300 | 1951-GMC 9430 | 1951- Chevrolet 1300
The 1954 grill attached differently to to 1954 fenders. This could be easily made to work - probably
The 1954 fenders have the side-lights/lamps in the fenders. The earlier A-D grills have the front side lights attached/mounted in the grill assembly.? Leave those holes/indentation or fill those areas?
(I posted this while Fox posted is comments.)
Last edited by TSP Curmudgeon; 06/23/20215:48 PM. Reason: Added last sentence
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
The radius on the corner of the grille opening looks sharper on the early AD’s.
Maybe some ‘bolter, that did this swap can chime in!
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals
1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc Brakes Project Journals Stovebolt Gallery Forum
The radius inboard of the headlight opening is definitely sharper on earlier fenders.
Here's a pic for comparison with Brad's.
One could modify the later fenders, but it might be easier to swap them with the earlier ones. '54-55.1 fenders are likely scarcer than the early ones. If you find someone with a 54-55.1 who desperately needs fenders, you might be able to get some decent early fenders in a swap.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
thats great info , thanks guys ! I have a classic industries catalog and i guess the fenders in there should fit has anyone had any experience with their parts ? good fit or no ?
You will need to assemble the entire front clip (preferably before paint) and check the fit of aftermarket parts, especially the top of the fender openings where they meet the grill. The grills don't usually fit original fenders in that area, and I doubt that they fit aftermarket fenders. The radius of the corners aren't right.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
Most everyones replies are correct. Its NOT done all the time. ~~~ unless you have a 47-53 front end to use for parts. Fenders,splash pan, hood, emblems, etc..... It DOES require major mods. ~~~ changing the fenders, splash pan,, etc. And keep in mind, youre ruining a '54. You may as well butcher out the dash, to switch with a 53, also try to fit a 2 piece windshield in place of the one piece.
