66 Olznut

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.

66400

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

Rickman48

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

Allan R

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.

Adam34

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.

tcolt

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