1999 to 2000-04 FRONT End SwaP

Just got done dropping some money into my 99. Drove it mostly stock since I first bought it in 06-- except for kn intake ,Flowmaster exhaust , 31" duratracs on steelies.

Recently, I got a 3.5 inch toytec coilover suspension lift with Total Chaos UCAs--- OME 3" leaf packs rear. 33x12.50 BFGs and a front end swap to the 00-04 with one piece heqdlights.

What do you guys think?

here's some progress pics.

 

How did you paint the hood?

 

code matched paint in aerosol cans with broad tips from local detail shop, also used a coat of hardening clear.

 

White is a very forgiving color and easy to match.

 

About how much did it cost?

 

$15(3) per code matched can of paint, $20 (1) for the can of clear. Total of about $65

 

Thanks!

 

So you swapped everything instead of just modifying the 01-04 stuff, interesting

 

My truck is a 1999. I converted the front end to a 2000-2004 front end. I don't understand your comment.

 

Your 4th and 5th picture, it looks like you swapped out the framing (don't know what that's called) from a 98-00 to a 01-04 instead of just modifying the 01-04 grill to match the 98-00 mounts. (the thing that was painted white in pic 4, then in pic 5 is now black)

You swapped to 01-04, I have a 2000 and its the same as your 99 front end (just fyi)

 

Ahh, I see. You're right, 2000 is the same. My mistake.

The reason I swapped the "framing"( it's called Radiator support $60 on ebay FYI) is because it was just easier and would fit the new hood and grill much better. Also, my truck has a salvage title due to front end damage, therefore the existing radiator support wasn't straight. It's a clean job done by a friend who does custom fab work.

 

It's all good, thank you I didn't know what that was called. Yea most people just modify the new hood and grille, not sure what I will do, but that's a long ways away

 

I just got done doing my conversion not too long ago and need to paint my hood. Your post about painting it has got me thinking I could do it myself instead of spending $350 to get it done. Like you said white is forgiving haha so I'm a little nervous to do mine.

With the radiator support you don't need to swap it out since the 98-00 is the same as the 01-04 EXCEPT for one hole for the grill and the spot welded headlight bracket (which needs to be removed to put the 01-04 bracket on). Like you said though that you just wanted everything to line up perfectly which is understandable but that was way too much work and money for me to do!

Since yours wasn't straight then I understand you getting a new one though!

 

Thanks! Yeah, my friend who does body work came up with the idea of killing two birds with one stone--fixing radiator support/upgrading to 01-03 front end. As for painting the hood, I figured it's a used salvage truck not a parking lot princess. I say you paint yourself...the worst thing that can happen you have to sand it and paint it again.

I'd like to see a picture of your truck. Why don't you post one on my thread?

 

That is true, all valid points! I linked some of what I was saying to my thread but here are a couple pics

Before



After

 

Looks good! But, I'd definitely paint that hood. If you find a local shop that can mix you that paint and pump it into aerosol cans for you, I'm sure that same shop sells the clear with hardener spray can also. At the same time you should buy a spray can of "Trim Black" and repaint the bumper and your fender flares

 

Yeah I will definitely look into that! Tired of the white. I may paint the other stuff but I hate the 98-00 bumper and like the 01-04 so tried to recreate it by painting the 'lower valence' and like it. I'll probably do the flares though sometime

 

How was the front end swap any major mods that you had to do?

 

Is there a possibly to do it the other way. Like a 01-04 truck swapped to a 98-00 front end?