front end conversion(older van----newer clip)

[dean89]

Here are a couple of pics from when I took on this task last fall,







and finally the reason why I ended up doing this

[lockdoc]

What I don't get is why some had to cut the subframe at the bumper mount. The AWD mounts from my donor front end bolted right up.

[dean89]

I think that part of it is the age of the vans, my 89 I think is the last year of the original style frame. It does not have that square metal bracket on the inside of the tubing and the holes are not even the right spacing for the new brackets. I ended cutting that inch of the front of the frame horns so that I could pull the new bumper back far enough to line up with the fenders without modifying the brackets.

[s10-den]

Dean,Great pics of the conversion! On the very first pic,On the first hole,you have marked it with a marker, is that all you had to cut off the fender to get the 2 top bolts to line up? I suppose you didnt have any fitment probs like Locdoc did? Thats strange how he ran into all those problems. Must have been the jackstands .

ScottS, the bumper extensions are on the front of the frame bolted on by 2 bolts on each side of the frame.

So dean ,your saying that a 94 has the same frame as the 95-05 as far as the bumper brackets??

[nitropyro]

i will try to get a write up also but i cant spare enough time right now. i welded on my fenders for a cleaner look in the engine bay no bolts. but i went the oppisite way i have an 89 and i cut up my bracket to get the bumper to line up right. and thanks for adding you must keep the frame straight or you will go through hell like i did!!!!!!!!
Danny

[Logan]

When I did my conversion on my 93 (I'm VERY cheap btw) I didn't even mess with the inner fenders much. I bolted the core suppoert to the frame (not tight) without the body mounts/spacers then screwed the fender at the cowl area. Then screwed the fender to the core support. So "technically" the fender is what is keeping the core support from moving. Notice the gap on the passenger side. I did this because the salvage yard really screwed up removing the core support from the donor van. they twisted the driver side area around the head light too.


My bumper and supports had to come out about an inch and down about 2 inches to line up properly. I welded the bumper brackets to the frame then bolted the bumper to it. My gaps suck. Everything but the bumper bracket is held together with sheet metel screws.


Lets hope I don't get in an accident. LOL I dont' know that I would do it again...Although I know what NOT to do next time.

[Logan]

Notice the difference on the frames here...

1989 model van


1993 model van

[dean89]

Logan, thanks for highlighting the differences between the two frames. S10-den, yes I ground out the area marked with the marker for the second bolt, the other bolt is in a larger hole that I used a nut and bolt with washers to attach, the second original bolt goes in the threaded hole near the fender in the picture.

[s10-den]

=D> =D> Thanks a million fellas,This thread is now coming together!!!
As soon as I start mine I will post pics and everyone can ask for specific pic of anything.....Then maybe we can Stickie this again over here!!???
Nitro, when you get time.please do!

[Logan]

I just also remembered.....keep the fan shroud from the Old design nose. When you do the V8 with a new nose the old design shroud fits perfectly onto the new nose. :-)

[s10-den]

Thats good to know!!...

[lockdoc]

I just also remembered.....keep the fan shroud from the Old design nose. When you do the V8 with a new nose the old design shroud fits perfectly onto the new nose. :-)

That depends on wether you are still using the old radiator I would think. The newer radiator and shroud fits perfect as well. That was on of the reasons I wanted the newer front end. So I had more room for the radiator/shroud with the V8.

[Logan]

I just also remembered.....keep the fan shroud from the Old design nose. When you do the V8 with a new nose the old design shroud fits perfectly onto the new nose. :-)

That depends on wether you are still using the old radiator I would think. The newer radiator and shroud fits perfect as well. That was on of the reasons I wanted the newer front end. So I had more room for the radiator/shroud with the V8.

You are correct!!! I am still using the old radiator!!! So with the old radiator mounted to the new core support, you can use the old fan shroud. And you only have to trim the lower half by the power steering pump! Thanks Bill! I forgot I was using the old radiator! LOL

[andyfanshawe]

Mines done a different way! No cutting of the old shell at all!

Here are 2 photos of the new fenders mounted on the old original core support. As been said before, they are too long, so................





Make up a bracket to fit. This is one someone else already made and installed. Bit cheapy looking. I am going to just use the ends in the next few days. I'll post up later.





The other photos are self explanatory, but for some reason the passenger fender sits higher at the firewall end below the windscreen and needs some spacers underneath.











Spot of advice for anyone else doing this - block up the front threaded hole on the windscreen scuttle 'cos it will leak water into the cabin eventually. Don't ask me how I know





More photos later.
Andy.

[SoCalli V8]

Great technical pictures Andy, thanks for posting......