Differences between '73 and '77 front clips?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 919
Likes: 0
From: Kiersteadville New Brunswick
Differences between '73 and '77 front clips?
I'll be seeking out an entire front clip for my '73 project including the front bumper, in the near future. I know someone with an entire clip from a '77 I could pick up for a good price and there is someone else that is on the forum that has an entire clip from a '73 coming up at some point in time. The '77 clip is flawless, the '73 not so much as I have been told.
My question is, what exactly are the visual differences between the two and what are the mechanical differences underneath that would create an issue if I were to go with the '77 one? I have been studying pictures and really can't see a difference, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough.. I'm not building a show car but want it to look like a '73.
Thanks
My question is, what exactly are the visual differences between the two and what are the mechanical differences underneath that would create an issue if I were to go with the '77 one? I have been studying pictures and really can't see a difference, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough.. I'm not building a show car but want it to look like a '73.
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,372
Likes: 215
From: Peoria Arizona
'77's can either have an alarm key hole in the DS fender, or not. Some, have the alarm system tied into the drivers side door lock (our '77 does). Also, the nose emblems are completely different.
Bumper bracing and honey comb - '77 has reinforcement behind the license plate area, '73 are open in that area, and can either have a center grill, or a license plate bracket. As mentioned above, the grills and turn signals are also different.
Differences in bumper covers - notice the shape difference in the center and also the bracing and bumper on the '77 has bumper guards, and the '73 does not.
Last edited by AdamMeh; Jul 29, 2014 at 08:48 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 16
From: Los Angeles California
75 and up have horrible bumperettes and 73 has center cut out. you could always graft the 73-74 to the 77 front end make it seamless. check out this thread might change your mind if price is right I guess anything is possible with fiberglass and skills lol. good luck. you could always drill hole or cover them if you want the emblems.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...nt-bumper.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...nt-bumper.html
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
Yes it is a lot of work getting them to fit to the flares. I'm not sure If I'm going to put the rear bumpers on yet. I have them back from the chrome shop but sure they would be easy to sell. Once I get a coat of primer on the car I will put them on and make that decision.