70-73 Nose Conversion

I am looking to convert the nose on my 81 TA to a 70-73. If you have done this, could you post a reply and explain some of the difficulities. Thanks

I am looking to convert the nose on my 81 TA to a 70-73. If you have done this, could you post a reply and explain some of the difficulities. Thanks


Funny, I'm actually doing the same thing, no real difficulties.The fenders are the same (pretty much). Take off your old nose, including that fat metal bumper under your front also. Now you will need those curved frame mounts on each side to connect to the frame and your new nose. The 70 - 73 nose is also mounted on the top to the radiator support, not sure how they call this piece you need, it looks like a subframe mount with a stud coming out on each side, you will have to get two of those, most of the time on the old 70-73 cars those are rotted out and you need replacements, those are being offered in reproduction by year one and others, ames, etc. The cable that opens your hood now, can no longer be used, the hood on the old front is being opened by a lever, metal rod, that protrudes through the driver side grille, you need to get those parts also, in case you don't have them yet. You might have to modify the turn signal/park light connectors, depending what year of lights you install into the lower valance. I'm using 70-71's and needed a different connector at the lamp. The headlight connectors need no modifications. You will have the wires for the high beam still hanging from the car, but you don't need them.The lower valance attaches to the radiator support and the fenders (screw/bolt behind lower turnsignals).You will also need a different hood, as the old one will not fit, the older cars had "curved" hoods. You can use hoods from 70-76. The hood of my choice was a 71 formula hood, as my car is a Formula, ...i just like the older style better. You did not mention if and what parts you already have, one word of caution, there a different grilles out there also, 70-71 is one style, 72 is the other and then you have the 73 style. I have a front for 70-72 cars, and it will not accept 73 grilles! I checked this already, 73 is different, be careful not to buy the wrong stuff... From 70-72 everything interchanges, grilles and fronts. 72 grilles have only been build for one year and are pretty rare.
You also have to remove the old horn support, (those mount onto the 70-73 nose), and that other thin member. the lower valance panel was available in metal and plastic, the plastic being more rare and prone to breakage, you can find the plastic ones reproduced but as far as I know, nobody reproduces the metal ones and even used ones bring some big money, if you have one, take good care of it, make sure you use some good rust prevention from the back, as the water will collect between the valance and radiator support, I Personally use some plastic spacers between the valance panel and radiator support, so the panel will not be scratched in tose areas and allow the water to escape better... hope i helped you a bit, let me know if you have more questions...

Thanks for the info. I have not started it yet. I wanted to get my basis covered before I start spending money. Thanks for the help

Thanks for the info. I have not started it yet. I wanted to get my basis covered before I start spending money. Thanks for the help


no problem.
you can find some deals on ebay. but i would also check the local junkyards, as the stuff on ebay can also get expensive, especially the lower valance panel.

hey Volkerc, is ur cars conversion done, i wouldnt mind seeing a piture or a coverted 3rd gen

hey Volkerc, is ur cars conversion done, i wouldnt mind seeing a piture or a coverted 3rd gen


I'm in the stages of restoring the thing, and I'm taking my time, I'm also taking lots of pictures, especially from the parts, before , primered and then painted, and finally assembled, what I can tell you is, it will look like this: 70 front with 72 grilles, 70 formula hood, T-tops, spoiler in the back, no side spoilers or front spoilers, blue 71 deluxe interior, 18 inch centerline lexi IV wheels all around, 400 Pontiac engine with hydraulic roller cam, 7 inch aluminum rods with used pistons out of a dale earnhardt inc small block chevy, warrior intake, holley carb, polished aluminum water pump and front housing, gear drive, heeaders, and all the other good stuff, chromed front suspension....outside blue. Because of the weather I can't do much, but I expect to have it done by the end of the year...hopefully, oh and the rest of the car is a 79. And every darn bolt will be cleaned and treated...thanks for the interest.

I am looking to convert the nose on my 81 TA to a 70-73. If you have done this, could you post a reply and explain some of the difficulities. Thanks


check this link and you'll see what i mean in regards to the valance panels,...thank god I got much luckier...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4528340493&category=34204