Front end swap?

[rebelgtp]

Alright here is the deal my Cutlass ('80) is missing the front bumper (and rear) driver side is seriously wrinkled. I am having trouble finding parts local to replace them.

I was at the yard the other day and they had a Regal limited (83 I think) and 81 Cutlass both with good front ends. The Regals header panel was busted but all the rest was in really good shape (think the damage was from in the yard).

Would it be possible to swap on either of those fronts and or rear bumpers? I know they would not match up 100% and I don't mind the frankenstein look as long as the car is complete. I know that you can swap the post 81 Regal and Cutty fronts but could the post 81 be fit to the 80?

What all would I need? Just the fenders, hood, bumpers, lights etc or are the core support and inner fenders different as well?

I kinda dig the idea of the Regal front with the rear quarters of the 80 Cutty.

I know it might be considered sacrilege but hey its not a perfect car, started off as a diesel now has a 301 and will be getting a 355.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

None of the 81+ body parts will fit an earlier 2 door model of Cutlass or Regal. Sorry.

 

[rebelgtp]

what exactly doesn't fit about them? I know I am fairly new to these cars but they seem like under the skin they would be the same considering you can bolt up all the chassis stuff and the like.

I mean if I unbolt the entire front clip couldn't it bolt up to the older frame?

 

[joe_padavano]

what exactly doesn't fit about them? I know I am fairly new to these cars but they seem like under the skin they would be the same considering you can bolt up all the chassis stuff and the like.

I mean if I unbolt the entire front clip couldn't it bolt up to the older frame?

They won't fit because the contour of the fender is different and won't match up with the doors. Even the 2dr and 4dr fender contours are different for a given year.

 

[rebelgtp]

is it the leading edge of the door contour or the overall surface arch?

 

[kingcolbert83]

The earlier model doors and fenders are made different and slightly longer because of the angles like the other said. I tried an 82 up regal and cutlass door on my 78 and neither worked. Well one did but it rubbed the fender, didnt close all the way, and didnt line up with the rear quarter. Had a big gap back there.

 

[rebelgtp]

I guess its just the fact that I have messed around with imports for awhile and seen so many weird front clip swaps it makes think there has to be a way to manipulate things.

so if I tried to put the regal fenders (lets concentrate on just that part for now) onto the cutty would it be the overall surface arch that does not match or would the rear edge of the fender overlap the front of the door or be to far away?

 

[kingcolbert83]

I assume if you used the front fenders and doors it would line up but the doors still wouldnt line up with the rear.

 

[rebelgtp]

Ok but forget swapping the doors at least for now. What would be the situation on the edge between the stock 80 cutty doors and rear of the regal fenders?

 

[kingcolbert83]

not sure on that one. if your going from 80's to 80's it shouldnt matter. Just look at the chrome trim on the door. If its not the same as what you have then it will look jacked up without some work on the rear. May sound stupid but it worked for me when I got tired of taking off heavy doors because they said they would work and didnt.