body part swapping .. is it possible?

[Mike Engler]

Here's a question I haven't seen in the archives yet ..

Is there a reference guide, and or knowledgeable folks out there who could confirm/deny if vette body parts are interchangeable..

For example, I've seen late 70's vettes done up with Ferarri-like body parts ..
Say I wanted to take my 77, and because I like the 71 look so much, wanted to put a 71 style nose with chrome bumper and rear with chrome bumper... Is that possible? Will body parts from say a 71-73 fit on a 77???

Thanks,
Mike Engler

[Patrick H.]

Re: body part swapping .. is it possible?

Mike,

It's cheaper to sell your 77 and buy a 71 than to swap the parts. A stock original (not an aftermarket 1 piece) front clip alone for a 71 will run you $3500. This doesn't even include the hassle of the modificaitons involved.

Is it possible? Sure. The easiest way is to swap a 71 body onto your frame and keep your running gear. But by the time you pay, say $5k for a 71 body and pay for all the odd parts you'll need, you could buy one and have two cars.

And please don't take apart one of my 71's.

Patrick




My 1971 Corvette

[Mike Engler]

Re: body part swapping .. is it possible?

Yikes! I didn't realize you had to swap clips .. I thought a guy could just buy a 71 style nose and bumper fiberglass replica from eckler's or something..
thnx
Mike Engler

[Patrick H.]

Re: body part swapping .. is it possible?

Mike,

Where did you think that the nose and bumper were going to attach??? Remove that rubber bumper of yours and you've got a huge hole with the bumper internals right behind it. Overall, NOT an easy swap.

Patrick