The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Grille swap question

I currently have a 1954 3600 that is nearly up and driving. Now its pretty stock and i plan to keep it that way for the most part, at least for awhile.

Its been kicking around in my head for a year or so though of possibly converting it to a 4x4 set up in the future as i do a lot of work out in the woods and plan on using the truck for it.
Now its my understanding that a Big Bolt, that is 1 1/2 ton and bigger have similar cabs but larger front end sheet metal - hood, fenders, etc. If I were to swap that on to my 3/4 ton the larger fenders would give me more clearance to run some bigger tires on the truck and generally give me more room.
I just found for sale locally a 51 1/12 ton flatbed for $400. Sheet metal looks in decent condition, generally a nice looking old farm truck and a smoking deal.

Question then is, how difficult would this swap be? And would the difference in grilles, park lights etc between 51-54 cause me major grief trying to adapt? Id like to keep the 54 grille and overall look, but use the older big bolt fenders etc for improved clearence.

Maybe i should just find a big bolt 54...

Any advice is appreciated,

Chooglin

can't use just the fenders, the whole big bolt front is a package - I think you'd have to run some reaaaaly big tires to make it not look like a clown car, and I doubt using the light truck grill would work out .... drive what you have until you get the $400 truck converted to 4x

Bill

Thanks for the reply Red, thats kind of what i was thinking too. Little more hassle then worth.
Probably just end up passing on the deal... dont have a really great place to put it unless its in pieces and ive got quite a bit invested in the 54 as is. Just came across it and it seemed like it might be what i was lookin for and a great deal ta boot.
Still open to ideas but was kinda thinkin the different grille and park lights might bugger me.

The search is on for a big bolt '54 then i guess.

Chooglin