68-72 Front end 75 Bonnet

[FTrucknewbie]

Hey all,

I need to know if its possible to put a 68 - 72 front end on my 68 body which has a 75 bonnet.

It has a 75 front at the moment and a really really dont want to put the plastic 2pc grill in.

If it is possible, what sort of complications should i expect?

Thanks,
Ross.

[Joshpow]

I don't know about australian trucks, but not on American. I think you could by changing grilles and possibly hoods.

[FTrucknewbie]

Bugger.
Im figuring if not on American then same on the aussie.
Thanks Josh.

[FORDification]

When you refer to the "front end", do you mean the front grille? Sure, it'll fit...since it bolts to the fenders you've already got on the truck. Shouldn't be any complications...the mounting holes are all there. However, there are differences in how the hood (bonnet) latches to the radiator support between the two eras, and since I'm not sure exactly how you currently have things set up, I'm not sure how to proceed with advice. You won't be able to use the early upper valance panel without some surgery, since the '75 hood latch is bolted to the radiator support and the hood catch is in the hood, the opposite of how things are with the earlier truck, meaning the support-mounted latch won't fit up through the upper valance panel. I'm not sure if the later valance panel will work with the earlier grille...never tried that.

The easiest by far would be to simply also use the early hood, and then everything will be a straight bolt-on.

[Joshpow]

I know that several things are slightly different detween aussie trucks and US ones. Looks to me like the fenders in the avatar pic are the same. The grille and hood seem to differ. At most I'd expect drilling some holes and finding the replacement parts you want to use. Our trucks in the US change to an entirely different body in 73. I don't think that is the case in australia. I'd say Keith is correct when he says it'll work if all parts are changed as a group.

[Joshpow]

Oh, and by the way, That's apretty neat truck you got going there. I like the color alot. I'll probably repaint mine a similar color when I get ready to give it a paint job.

[FTrucknewbie]

Thanks Guys,
Well it sounds like it is going to be able to happen.
I havnt had a chance to have a good look today, but hopefully tomorrow i will take parts of my 70 and sit them in place to see if i cant do this.
FYI Keith, it is only the bonnet and grill which are 75.The rest is 68.Here is a better pic.


Thanks for the compliment on her Josh.She does look pretty nice but unfortunitly i cant take credit for her to this stage.
This is exactly as i bought her. The guy that did her to this stage has done a meticulous job on her drive train and a not so bad job with the body.
Now that i have her i am finding all the little glitches that need fixing up.
I am glad that she is not exactly as i want her as its giving me a chance to "bond" with her and make her mine.
^^^Bloody trucks with personality are making me sound loopy.^^^
I guess thats a case of..."if u have to ask u will never know.

Cheers for now and ill keep yas posted on how it goes.

[FTrucknewbie]

Ok.This is what i have figured so far.

The 75 upper valance wont take the 70 latch.
As far as i can see so far, this is the only problem.
With the older grill in place the hood catch will bolt to the radiator support no probs.

As far as a solution to this, i reckon if i can find an older valance in good condition and cut the front centre section out and screw it to the 75 valance should do the trick.

What do yas think?

[Joshpow]

I think you got to do what it takes. Just think of welding the panel. You've got an awful nice truck to do anything half way. If it weren't so expensive to ship, I'd make you a deal on a 70 valance panel to use, but from here to you would cost a fortune. Keep us informed on the results. I want to see it when you get it done.