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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
W
New Guy
New Guy
W Offline
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2
My 49 panel needs a grill and I love the 1 year only look of the '54. I am not a purist, more of a hot rodder. Would the '54 grill be a hard swap? any ideas would be helpfull, thanks, Woody.

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,596
4
'Bolter
'Bolter
4 Offline
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,596
It would probably be best to change the front fenders and everything (possibly hood too, i'm not sure). That way you know everything is in the right place, and you can just bolt the fenders and hood to the cab.


1946 GMC Pickup - S-10 Frame, 455 Buick, TH400, original patina.

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J
'Bolter
'Bolter
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,750
Woody,firstly welcome.
Like 46gmcpu mentions it's not just a straight forward grill swap.
I'm pretty sure the hood's different and AFAIK the front fenders and radiator support may well be different too.

If it's something you really want,like 46 says it might be better to source a complete front clip,but then you're into body and paint etc,it might get pricey!


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C
Shop Shark
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Joined: Aug 2008
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I'm pretty sure it would swap easily. I don't think there's any difference in the hood or fenders...Possibly a hole or two in the fenders...I really don't know. My brother's first series '55 and my '52 seem the same to me.

Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Bubba - Curmudgeon
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 29,262
The fenders are different.

You will have to figure out what to do about front parking lamps. They are mounted in the 47-53 grill, but they are mounted in the 54/55 fenders.

Can you make it work, sure. But, they are not the same, if you are looking for a "bolt and go" installation of a 54 grill on 47-53 fenders.

Also, be sure to use the 54 radiator/grill cover and hood catch/lever.

Joined: Sep 2006
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B
'Bolter
'Bolter
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Joined: Sep 2006
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The hood is different, also the front fenders have a recess in them for the grill to fit into. I have also heard that the inner fenders are different but not sure how that affects the fit. The fenders and hood are the biggest issues. People that have made this change transfer most of the parts from one to the other because of these issues.


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