Front nose replacement?

Like many of these trucks and vans, the nose on my pickup is not in the best of shape. I was wondering if any one has successfully taken a nose off a donor vehicle and put it on another. I have a lead on a van that could possibly donate its nose to my pickup. Basically, I'm trying to see what I'm up against with this or should I try to fix what I have?

Thanks, Cole

It can be done but will take some effort. I have a front clip you can have if you want to drive to Gates county, Nc to get it.

I have done it a few times. Not hard just time consuming. A lot of cutting and welding. The last one I did I made a cut 2" above the seam in the windshield posts, drilled out the spot welds where the front valance and front step overlap, drilled out the spot welds where the front frame rails attached to the inner front valance and cut it along the seam in the front floor. I tack welded everything in position then fit the front doors and windshield to be sure of a good fit.
Fred

Here's my 8 door I've been messing with the nose on. It's not too hard to do. The lower seam is the hardest as it has three layers of metal. The pictures show how the different parts are assembled. Hope it helps.

8 door restoration.

Duane in Tennessee

Thanks a lot for all the good info guys.

Before you cut the windshield post, be sure to pull the wires out of it. I bought a van that had the nose replaced and they cut through all the wires when they cut the windshield post.

Thanks Barnabas, I be sure to do that.

Just another update to this thread. I picked up a 63 Falcon Club Wagon van Sunday to use its nose on my pickup. Nose is significantly better, only a few dents and way less rust. I'll keep you guys posted on the progress.

Hi Cole

Does the 63 happen to have a 9" rear in it?
If so and you are cutting it up. I'm interested. Same with the trans as I have the 62 style in mine.
Let me know

Thanks

Craig

Looking for a front bumper 61-64(the smaller one) that is damaged on the ends just need 12" of the center that is straight to repair a nice bumper that eas repaired wrong!!!!! just shot in the dark    Bob

@CraigK, No it has the small rear end, 7.75? I think? Also no trans as well.

@pan58head, I might try to hang on to the bumper I'm not sure what direction I'm going bumpers or no bumpers. I'll let you know if I decide to let the bumper go though.

I'm also up to any more advice, do's or don'ts on swapping the front nose. I'm wondering do I need to take the nose off my pickup first to see what I need? Or do I need to go ahead and take the nose off the donor that way I can have the nose off when I start on the replacement of the pickup nose. (Gonna do the nose replacement last on the pickup)

Thanks, Cole

Sounds good, I'm really looking for a junk bumper to cut up but would cut a nice one. I only need about 12" out of the center to fix mine.
As for replacement of the nose start with the junk one first, this way when you get to the good one you will know how it comes off.

If you want some more info on replacing the nose scroll back up to Duane'a (econopoor) post and click on the 8 door restoration link.
He has some good pics there and he is a good guy. He checked our my van for me before I bought it and his input was very helpful. Send him some questions and I'm sure he will give you some directions.

Craig

Interesting article with lots of pics including removing and repairing the front nose skin, should be similar on an E, A or G van...
http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2011/01/01/hmn_feature13.html

I'd start by cutting off the old nose first. That way you can see how far the damage goes and also learn a lot about how it all goes together. You don't want to do any unnecessary damage to the replacement nose. It doesn't matter how bad you screw up the old nose. It's going in the scrap anyway. I cut the nose off about one inch from all the seams then go back and remove the remaining metal a small section at a time. Makes it a lot easier the trying to take it off in one piece.

Some people have replaced the whole nose. Door jambs, dash, toe board, and all. I've never done one that way. If your door post are damaged from rust or wrecks then that may be a better plan for you. I just reskinned the nose on my 8 door. I have a full nose replacement planned on a 61 pickup but haven't started on it yet.

Duane in Tennessee

Thanks again for the tips guys. Econopoor, I'm thinking of replacing everything (jambs, etc...) since mine are rotted at the bottom. I'll be sure to post some pics as I go.