3rd Gen body panels on 2nd gen

Hey, I was curious how much modification it takes to make the 3rd gen front end and bed fit on the 2nd gen Tacoma's. I am looking for a truck and think it would be cool to do a conversion. I am not a huge fan of the McNeil racing conversion kit because of the wide fenders. I want to buy a 2nd gen and think it would be a cool project. If anyone knows if the fenders and bed can be added with little modification, please let me know.

 

Welcome to TW...probably be alot of modifications

 

Instagram: tacomas_bodyshop
These guys show 2nd to 3rd conversions

 

Thanks. I was curious cause I want a 3rd gen but don't want to spend the money. I figured I might be able to get the best of both worlds.

 

Did you have any luck? I’ve been looking to find a step by step on how to do this and haven’t had any luck

 

Step 1, buy 3rd gen panels. Step 2, make them fit

 

I decided not to do it. From what I could find online it looked like it would be a ton of work and would be smarter to go a different route.

 

I’m down to buy the parts but that’s the problem, I don’t want to buy the obvious parts and then midway through the installation realize I’m missing a ton of parts. Was hoping to see if i could come across a parts list

 

I don't know that the beds swap, but a 3rd gen to 2nd gen front end swap is fender assemblies, headlights, bumper assy, hood, and grille. Search for "2nd gen front end conversion" in the 2nd gen forum.

 

Well for starters..hood, grill, quarter panels, bumper headlights, bedsides (if not the whole box), tailgate, tail lights and whatever filler panels along the way. Maybe a hood latch assembly. Probably easier to just weld in a core support from a 3rd gen.

He went with fiberglass but same idea
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-to-3rd-gen-conversion-long-travel-and-more.762158/

 

I’ve read there’s a bracket I’ve gotta add for the fenders, so is that a bolt on or weld bracket? Also I’m curious if the headlights are plug and play or require wire splicing once the new fenders are one etc.

 

My advice would be don't ruin the beautiful 2nd gen lines.