I'm in talks to pick up a '70 Vista Cruiser for a song right now and I have a question. How easy is it to convert the front end to a '71 set-up? I like the grill better and would like to try to convert it if it's a simple bolt on process. Do the re-pop ram air hoods have good fit and durability? I have a '66 442 but this car would be a whole new adventure for me. I've always wanted a Vista Cruiser, really wanted a '66 but for the price this '70 is, I can't pass it up.

 

The fenders and inner fenders are the same, you'll have to change every thing else, all a bolt on affair.

Hood, bumper, bumper brackets, grill, radiator core support.

Henry

 

Doghouse for doghouse - easy!
If I remember right, less than a dozen bolts, and leave the hood on for support.

 

So far as the guys are reporting back, the ones from VFN and Fibreconcepts are top notch. Ultimately the best is the Thornton hood, but its huge $$$. The VFN is around 600 and the FC is 799 IIRC. If you're changing the rad support, you can use a donor from either a 71 or 72.

And Rickman is right, you can swap out rad supports with the hood and fenders still on.

Some other things you will need to change are the front bumper/mounting braces/park lights/stone shield/headlamp filler plates, and headlamp bezels. A fair bit of work, but not insurmountable.

 

Im fixing to buy a 71 and was wondering if its possible to do a 69 front clip conversion. is this possible an if so how much welding would be required.

 

Is it the one in Long Beach that you're buying? I looked at it a few weeks ago.