70's truck bodyparts interchange...

Posted By: abodyman

70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 12:58 AM

Can anyone tell me, if the 1981 Dodge truck hood and windshield cowl interchange with a 1976 ?
Am looking to replace my stock hood with something different than the bathtub type hood.
But don't want to actually buy one, till I know if will fit.
Does the latch install in same spot too?
Can I also use a remote hood release maybe?
Hmmmmm

Oops..see now the 81 hood is the same? so..mid 80's?

Posted By: 76dodgeboy

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 01:37 AM

Yes BUT you'll need the wiper transmissions aswell and modify the hood latch(not sure exactly what needs modded) Think the latch just moves over. The wipe transmissions are taller since the cowl panel is raised up. 79-93 use the same hood/cowl

Posted By: BulletBob

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 02:22 AM

Quote:

Yes BUT you'll need the wiper transmissions aswell and modify the hood latch(not sure exactly what needs modded) Think the latch just moves over. The wipe transmissions are taller since the cowl panel is raised up. 79-93 use the same hood/cowl

you have to slot the holes & move the latch over

Posted By: abodyman

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 02:37 AM

By "wiper transmissions" You mean the whole complete assembly with motor too? is the only difference in, the height of the studs, sticking out?

Posted By: abodyman

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 02:40 AM

Moving the latch over shouldnt be too much of a problem...hopefully!
I like the newer hood with the 76 grille !
and the remote latch possibility too
Thanks !! for the tips !

Posted By: BulletBob

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 03:14 AM

Just the linkages & transmissions not the motor
this only works 75-80
72-74 you have to make the piece that goes to the motor because in those years the wiper motor is in a different position

Posted By: abodyman

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 03:54 AM

Ok I have a 76 D-100 so should be good.
Now another ? if its ok?
Are the earlier hood hinges the same as the later ones? The reason I am asking, is I looked at a foto of a 1985 Truck hood on "row52" and it looks like the hinges may be, smaller?
also, can I use the earlier years fenders instead of the mid 80 ones? or are they exactly the same?
I have NO clue about what fits what and Thank everyone for Your experience and replies !

Posted By: 76dodgeboy

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 04:02 AM

Not even the linkage. Transmission is the part the arm hooks to. The part that sticks out of the hole in the cowl. Its 3 bolts. 7/16ths I think

Same hinges

Posted By: abodyman

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/07/13 04:20 AM

Ok thats good !! I just replaced the bushings in the linkage arms last year!
I Love doing this kind of stuff !!! making things better with factory parts !!

Posted By: scannman70

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/08/13 10:28 PM

So this is the look you are going for. 76 grill and 1980 hood

Attached picture 7769923-SnoCommander2011.jpg

Posted By: 76dodgeboy

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/08/13 11:24 PM

You have 81up sheet metal though

Posted By: abodyman

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/11/13 04:06 AM

It looks good to Me...
How big a difference is 81 and up sheetmetal?

Posted By: 340SHORTY

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/11/13 05:12 AM

Look at the body lines in the fenders and doors..

Posted By: 76dodgeboy

Re: 70's truck bodyparts interchange... - 07/11/13 06:39 AM

Fenders

Attached picture 7772692-70sN80sfender.jpg