Whats the difference between the rad supports

[mudslut79]

Im converting my grill over from 79 to 77 but am having trouble trying to understand how the headlight bezels mount. Do they mount to the radiator support? Allready got the grill and all the hardware i need just dont know how to put the buggers in.

 

[Fellro]

You need the actual headlight mounts, they will bolt up that way, just have to have the part that supports the buckets.

 

[LEB Ben]

Sorry nothing really to add here...never done the swap, but I'm interested in how it's done. If no one can answer the thread, be sure to PM either Dennis (Mil1ion) or Bill (BKW)...and be sure to post pics of the swap.

 

[Fellro]

Oh, I've done the swap... took a 78 rad support and made it work on a 75. The earlier trucks mount higher than the 78-9's.If you take the mounts and locate them according to where the grille shows you it should be, you will find the holes to mount with. On the 78 support, I had to drill one hole, the rest were there.

 

[LEB Ben]

No disrespect Fellro...had this thread tabbed and didn't see you had answered until after I posted my reply. So it looks like you can answer any questions the OP has...haha.

 

[mudslut79]

Would the 78 headlight bezels work in the 77 grill will they mount up just like the 79 bezels is what im wondering.

 

[Fellro]

If I can get some time, I happen to have both a 77 and a 79 truck here, maybe can get some pics, but will be Wednesday before I can do that.

 

[Fellro]

No, the 77 grilles are different, the 78 and 79 will swap if you want rounds, but the 77 grille is the split grille, and as I mentioned, the location of the light is also different.

 

[mudslut79]

Ok thank you for the advice pictures would be greately appreciated these mounts are mounted right to the rad support right?.

 

[Fellro]

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1658&ppuser=1068 73-77 front
http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=1571&ppuser=1123 78-9 front

Notice the grille styles and headlight locations? I do of course realize that the 78-9 is showing a rectangular headlight, but the location is the same for the round headlight, the only change is the bezel and mounts.
Yes the headlight mount supports go right to the rad support itself. For the round headlights, the mount is actually the same if I recall.

I also see I was backwards, the newer trucks mount higher than the older trucks...

 

[mudslut79]

Ok i see now thanks for pointing that out so the 77 bezels should mount lower than the 79s. Maybe i should head back out to the junkyard so i can get some picture referances.

 

[Ranger429]

To convert it over to the 77 style you need the 77 headlight buckets. It is a matter of simply drilling 1? hole and using the existing holes to mount the buckets to the 78/79 core support.

 

[mudslut79]

You need the actual headlight mounts, they will bolt up that way, just have to have the part that supports the buckets.

I got the whole mount setup for the 77 grill style just the radiator support is different between the 77 to 79 i think .

 

[Fellro]

The 77 bezels are part of the grille pieces as well, while the 78 is by itself.The aluminum around the headlight separates it from the grille, while the 77 is not separated. The support itself is not really different, just have to add one hole that was not used in 78-9. but is needed for the 77 headlight mount.

 

[Ranger429]

I got the whole mount setup for the 77 grill style just the radiator support is different between the 77 to 79 i think .

The only difference is the location of the mount(ing) holes for the headlight buckets, the rest is the same.

 

[mudslut79]

Ok well i got the 77 grill and inserts and the buckets the headlights mount in i will just have to see how they mount in if i have to drill new holes i dont know.

 

[Ranger429]

Did you read any of what I posted? You do need to drill new holes, 1 for sure maybe 2 tops.

 

[mudslut79]

Yep i read that i read all the posts and the help is greately appreciated i will post pictures of it when im done. Make it into a how to.

 

[Fellro]

I seem to remember one, but it could be two, that has been a few years...at least 8...