Topic: 1st gen front clip on 2nd gen yota

[sixstringsteve]

Here's my dilemma.  I love the 1st gens, especially the 79-81's with the round headlights, but I also love the 2nd gens (EFI, A/C, 5-speed).  I know you can convert the 82-83's to round headlights, but what does it take to convert an 84-88 to round headlights?  I love the idea of an extended cab for a bit more room in the truck.  Has anyone done this, and how hard would it be to add a 1st gen hood, fenders, grill (and possibly doors and bed)?  I spotted this in rockcrawlinredneck's build thread:
and it inspired me to ask more.

Anyone have any info on how to do that?  Is it as simple as bolting on 1st gen fenders, front grill, and hood, or are the 2nd gen front ends a little longer?

Thanks, I know it's a noob question, but I searched and couldn't find it.

[BLACKDOG]

It all depends on what you're willing to do.  With a little massaging, anything will fit.  I've got a 1st gen bed on my 3rd gen truck, just had to move 2 body mounts. 

I'm not sure how much anyone has done, you're best bet (if you're any good with sheet metal) is to just start messing with some 1st gen fenders, etc.

[sixstringsteve [OP]]

I don't mind new body mounts for the bed, I can handle that.  thanks blackdog

I haven't picked my rig vehicle yet.  I'm having a tough time deciding between a 1st gen longbed or a 2nd gen extended cab.  I can't decide if the EFI conversion would be harder than the front clip conversion.  And I can't decide if a truck would even look halfway decent as a 2nd gen with a 1st gen front.  I'd love to see some pics of conversions out there if anyone has any.

[sixstringsteve [OP]]

anyone have any pictures of a 2nd gen with 1st gen body parts?

[BUDDERS]

I'd like to see someone do a 2nd gen extra cab with a bobbed longbed on it.  I've seen some 2wd's with a extra cab and a longbed but they are rare - the 4wd's never even existed as far as I know.

[Mnmstoy]

I believe the second Gen doors are Longer. So they will not work. Same with the fenders and hood.
I would cut the Front ends corner (first gen fenders) section and graft it onto the second Gen Fender.
Headlight buckets should be simple enough to install. I would prefer a third Gen Hood myself. You can cut the corner section on the hood that curves with the Plastic bezel and graft them onto your hood. That would seem to be the easiest way IMHO. or........
Buy the First Gen and do as I did. X-cab baby.
A 22RE can come later. Love my Round eye Yoda.
1980 Dovetailed and Bobbed 13" back 18" front. 24" of space behind the driver seat. Priceless.
The black Yoda is my Best Friends First Gen. BUt he is square. lol

[sixstringsteve [OP]]

I believe the second Gen doors are Longer. So they will not work. Same with the fenders and hood.

Do you know how much longer they are?  Are we talking 1/2 inch, or 3 inches?  Thanks for the replies.

[-Jake-]

anyone have any pictures of a 2nd gen with 1st gen body parts?

the only pic I have of my old DD beater.  87 cab with a 1st gen 2wd bed on it

[sixstringsteve [OP]]

I'd like to see someone do a 2nd gen extra cab with a bobbed longbed on it.  I've seen some 2wd's with a extra cab and a longbed but they are rare - the 4wd's never even existed as far as I know.

That would be a long wheelbase.  A bit too long for me, but I'd love to see it.

[Mnmstoy]

I want to say the doors are about 2" longer.
Mike

[jimbo74]

doors and cab are longer on 84+....

you could get the fronts to get on there with some drilling of new holes, but the body lines wont match up either

[sixstringsteve [OP]]

good to know.  Thanks everyone.  I'm sticking with my 81 for now, nothin like a 1st gen