body panel swaps
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 9,257
Likes: 4
From: NJ
body panel swaps
I have a chance to pick up a 77 decently cheap. Needs motor, paint and some interior work. I was wondering, can I put a 70 style back end on the 77? I love that back end.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
A lot of others will groan and say, "Here we go again...", but I don't mind. Also, try searching on this topic. It comes up a lot and the short answer is you're better off buying a basket case '77 or just buying a '73.
The frame and bumper supports are all different from the chrome bumper rear end to the rubber bumper rear end. You would need more than just body panels, as in rear of the frame, supports, exhaust, and the work to graft it all together.
If you had a '77 that needed rear end work and a donor bumper car then it would be easier.
If you really want the chrome bumper rear end, sell the '77 and get a '73 or earlier. Trust me, I asked this question once before to when I was a new member.
The frame and bumper supports are all different from the chrome bumper rear end to the rubber bumper rear end. You would need more than just body panels, as in rear of the frame, supports, exhaust, and the work to graft it all together.
If you had a '77 that needed rear end work and a donor bumper car then it would be easier.
If you really want the chrome bumper rear end, sell the '77 and get a '73 or earlier. Trust me, I asked this question once before to when I was a new member.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Waste of time, waste of money, too much work, won't look right, need the skills to even attempt the swap, body panels won't fit, chassis has to be modified in the rear, will cost more in the end...just a few reasons.
If you want a chromie, save up the cash and buy one. I am getting sick of these conversion threads already (don't mean to sound rude, but that is the way I feel). Good luck with the vette
If you want a chromie, save up the cash and buy one. I am getting sick of these conversion threads already (don't mean to sound rude, but that is the way I feel). Good luck with the vette
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,337
Likes: 14
From: Norfolk VA
buying a basket case 77 easier. Arts 73 did this swap on a 78 and there was another forum member who did this on a 76 but I forgot his name. If you must really go this route, you can purchase the rear kickups for that model year, but you will have a hard time finding the crossmember unless you can find a basket case 73 or 74. Remember this is your car, if you want to do this then forget the naysayers, they are just informing you of what youre going to run into for cost, and time. It MAY prove a cheaper alternative for YOU as opposed to buying a chrome bumper car or a 73 for that matter.
Last edited by Oldguard 7; Jun 16, 2008 at 07:32 PM.
