Sealed beam (W/T) to composite 88-98(2000)

[Ryan98948]

Sealed beam (W/T style) to Composite (Silverado style) on a 97 Chevrolet 1500.

Ever since I got this truck in July of 2000 I have not liked the way the front grill has looked with its cheap big ol funky headlights. So I decided to do something about it I looked online at various sport truck sites and parts vendors, but they wanted about $500 for the kit (aftermarket stuff not OEM mind you).
I thought to myself I could do this for less if i bought the parts seperatly so thats what I did.

Here is a list of the parts that I used and where I got them.

1. (1) Chrome grill for 94-2000 C/K composite style. $58.00 plus $15.00 shipping
2. (1) Set of (2)composite headlights for the C/K truck. $0.00 From a forum member at MyChevyTruck.com
3. (1) Set of (2)parking/turn signal lenses for the C/K $0.00 From a forum member at MyChevyTruck.com
4. (1) Set of (4) corner lenses for the C/K $0.00 From a forum member at MyChevyTruck.com
5. (2) Wiring pigtails for the 9005 bulbs $3.95 ea. through local auto parts store
6. (2) Wiring pigtails for the 9006 bulbs $3.95 ea. through local auto parts store
7. (2) Wiring pigtails for the 134 bulbs $3.95 ea. through LMC truck
8. (2) number 134 light bulbs $0.69 ea. from auto parts store
9. (8) Anchor nuts for the turn signal screws. $0.65 ea. through LMC truck
10. (8) Bolts for the headlights (you wont be able to use the bolts from the originals they are different) $0.95 ea. through LMC truck
11. (8) Screws for the parking/turn signal lenses. $0.45 ea. through LMC truck
12. (8) Nuts for the corner lenses. $0.95 ea. through LMC truck
13. Misc wiring stuff like tape, solder, heatshrink , and butt-connectors. Various prices from local auto parts stores.
14. Not needed but came in handy for me, a 12 pk of Coronas
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Procedure ,

1. Remove the Parking light lenses by removing the 2 screws (phillips) holding them in and rotating out until they are free

http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2837.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2838.JPG


2. Then disconnect the wiring/bulbs from the lenses by pushing the release tab and giving them a quarter turn.

Once those two steps are done then you will have access to all the screws you need to remove in order to take the grill off.

3. Remove the 7 screws holding the grill to the radiator support (9/32"). The screw locations are marked here by green marks. Note that in the second picture there will be one screw behind each of the parking light fixtures you have already removed.

http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/Mounting%20screw%20location%20of%20grill.bmp.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/mounting%20screw%202.bmp.jpg

Once the screws are removed place them into a small baggie so you don't lose them because you will need them later unless you bought all new hardware.

4. Now with the screws removed you will need to pop the tabs off of the grill on the bottom to get it free from the bumper filler. On mine there was one on each side and one in the middle. I just reached in and lifted up the tabs on the bumper filler on the sides and in the middle lifted up on the grill tab and the grill came free. There will be one on each side like in the first picture and the second picture is showing the one in the middle.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/mounting%20tab%201.bmp.jpg
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/mounting%20tab%202.bmp.jpg

Once that is done the grill should lift right out of there.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2845.JPG

5. Now you will have to remove those big ugly headlights to make room for the new (or in my case new to me) headlights.
There will be two phillips headed screws that are larger than all the rest one on the top and one on the outside edge of the headlight.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2847.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2848.JPG

Remove those and then remove the spring that is on the lower inside part of the headlamp and they should come out.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2849.JPG

Also remove the nylon plastic style anchors that held in the headlight screws by squeezing them and pushing them in they should come out on the back side.

6. Now it will be time to cut off the sealed beam headlight connectors and splice in the 9005 and 9006 connectors. ( OMG he hacked the factory wiring ... relax no big deal )
On mine there were three wires green(high beams) , yellow (low beams) , and black (ground will put both connectors to one ground) I first soldered my connections then used butt style crimp connectors after that I used heat shrink tubing and finally I wrapped them up with electrical tape I also did the same thing for the new corner light connectors that were needed I spliced those into the parking/turn signal lights using the brown and blue wires that are on the original fixtures.

7. Next step for me was to put in the new (new to me) composite style headlamp fixtures. First thing I did was connect the wiring to the headlamps and then bolted them in using the bolts I bought from LMC truck (10 mm) there are 4 on each side 2 on top and 2 on bottom.

http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2854.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2855.JPG


8. you have to take the old bowtie off your old grill unless you bought a new bowtie or your new grill came with one. Taking the bowtie off the old grill is easy there will be 2 13mm bolts just take those off and the bowtie will come out and just put it on the new grill and tighten down the bolts.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2853.JPG

9. now it is time to put the corner lenses in the new grill. One set will have a hole in them those go on the bottom of the grille and each one will be lettered either L (left) or R (right) those go on with two 13 mm nuts each for a total of 8. Once thats done its time to put the grill on the truck.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2863.JPG

10. put the grill on the truck by doing it reverse of how you removed the old grill by sliding the clips together with the ones on the bumper filler and putting the screws back into the same mounting locations in which you took them from the old grill.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2872.JPG

11. the grill does not come with anchor nuts for the parking lamp fixtures so put those in now. 4 on each side for a total of 8.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2873.JPG
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2875.JPG

12. Now take those new connectors the corner lamp sockets that you spliced into the turn signal/ parking lights in step number 6 and push them into the bottom corner lenses on each side. After that put the bigger parking lamps/turn signals into the new (new to me) parking lenses in the same way you removed them line up the marks and then quarter turn till they click into place.
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2877.JPG

13. now screw the fixtures into the grill using 4 screws for each side for a total of 8.


That should complete this project.
This will be an easy project for anyone it was a bit of a pain for me, but that was because I also changed the front bumper along with the grill.
Damn rusty bolts lol I put too much ummphh on the ratchet it popped off and i cut my finger open but luckily i had some medication (the 12pk of coronas) to help me out.
I know I got screwed on the price for the misc nuts and bolts from LMC truck but I really didnt want to go hunting down the right bolts and connectors this way I know I got the right connectors and hardware.

Over all it took me just shy of 3 hours to do with changing the bumper and grill if you are just doing the grill you should be able to get it done in about an hour.

I will tell you one thing.........

...... This is a lot better ......
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2882.JPG


....... Than this
http://photos.imageevent.com/k1500chevy97/grilleupgradechevroletwt/websize/100_2832.JPG



If you have a W/T style truck I highly suggest this swap it is well worth the time and little bit of $$ involved and if you do decide to go ahead and do it and run into anything you need some help with just drop me a line on AOL IM or shoot me a pm.

[Luke2kZ71]

sweet dude! this will end up in fscu :head:

[Ryan98948]

Originally posted by Luke2kZ71
sweet dude! this will end up in fscu :head:

Cool thanks , but I have a question , what is fscu? :think:

[454ss]

It' a tech article page, the link is located on the main page.

[88GMCtruck]

Looks good Ryan! Nice write up!

Gotta love that Chrome grille, no more w/t truck!

[Mondo]

2. (1) Set of (2)composite headlights for the C/K truck. $0.00 From a forum member at MyChevyTruck.com
3. (1) Set of (2)parking/turn signal lenses for the C/K $0.00 From a forum member at MyChevyTruck.com
4. (1) Set of (4) corner lenses for the C/K $0.00 From a forum member at MyChevyTruck.com

Hey Ryan, Looks good, looks like my old parts there! he he

[Ryan98948]

Hey Ryan, Looks good, looks like my old parts there! he he

Thanks , yep those old lights of your bolted up smooth and gave my truck what it needed thanks again :head:


Hey don't I know you guys????


Sure do :flipoff: :D

[ynot]

Truck looks real good with the new grille and lights and the tech article came out good too .

-Tony-

[88GMCtruck]

I know all you guys! Hello up there! :bye:

[ynot]

Whats going on everyone :bye:

[Mondo]

Hey, is this the MCT post or what!?

[88GMCtruck]

Hey MCTers i started a new topic here

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101136

so we don't clog up Ryan's awsome tech aritcle!



:happy:

[Mondo]

Good call Dave!

[Luke2kZ71]

ADDED to FSCU http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/wt.shtml thanks for the tech artle!

Originally posted by k1500chevy97
Cool thanks , but I have a question , what is fscu? :think:

FSCU stands for

Full Size Chevy University it is where we place most our good tech articles :D

[Ryan98948]

Cool thanks.
Makes me feel appreciated here :D
not like the other site that is :gay: and was the center of my decal removal thread :middle:

[IronMan2003]

Awsome! I have a(or getting april2nd) W/T and its the blue/green color and the grill isn't even color matched to make it worse.. Ive defiently been planning on updating it to the silverado style and was going to buy a kit but thats awsome you have the same year! So I know it will be exact.(Except mines a C not a K)

Wow you spent almost next to nothing compared to buying the kits.. Thats AWSOME! :head: No way in heck im buying a kit now!! But I will put in clear corners and such when I do it.. :head:

:clap: Good Work :thumbup:

[cxpcman]

is that a tong yang grill ??? do you like the way bowtie looks on it ??

[88GMCtruck]

Yes, it is a Tony Yang grille. Both that one and mine are. The one on my 88 fits great! :D

[Ryan98948]

The bowtie looks pretty good on there . I had no problems with it fitting on the truck at all :D

[BigChevMan]

it should be mentioned that this tech article applies strickly to the 94 and up trucks. the 93 and down trucks will require a few more parts and a few different procedures.

[88GMCtruck]

I know to update the 88-93 trucks to 94-98, you need the grille, bumper filler (all 3 pieces), new bumper brackets, all new lights, and a new bowtie. I think that is it.

[Ryan98948]

Yea I think you covered it right there dave, but most of the procedures I used are the same. :D

[88GMCtruck]

Yup! :D

[96chevy_2500]

I have an extra tip. I did the same mod back in november and since then my headlights haven't been as bright and when the low beams are on the high beams glow a little and when my high beams were on the low beams would be glowing to. So i figured I would redo all the connections and come to find out when i connected the ground from the high beam side to the ground on the wire harness and connected the ground from the low beam to the head light bolt my lights became much brighter and only one is on at a time. I dunno know if anybody else had this problem or if it was just my truck.

[IronMan2003]

Well im defiently going to see if the is the case with mine also.. .

I got a question. Where did you all buy the Chrome grill and by chance do any of you have the part # still? I want to go ahead and order that tommarow if possible.. and he list it as "Chrome grill for 94-2000 C/K composite style." What do you mean composite style? Do I ahve to order different chrome grill or just the regular one as that on the silverdo packages?

[Ryan98948]

Just order the regular silverado one. composite is meaning the grille for composite headlights as oposed to sealed beam headlights like what comes on the W/T.

Sorry bout the part number I no longer have it :(

[IronMan2003]

ok np thanks.. im calling the dealers tommarow see if I can get the part #... I forgot which one told me the part # because most of them were being ass's and wouldnt tell me... and their all far away..

[milehightoyz]

is there any other difference in updating a 1992 w/t to 94-98 composite besides the 3 piece filler? im assuming thats all bolt on as well.

i noticed someone mentioned bumper brackets, i wasnt aware that those needed to be changed as well.

[Ryan98948]

A new filler would be required as well as bumper brackets. some people have said that u dont need the new brackets but i would play it safe and get them.

[DragginLowChevy]

ok, this may be a dumb question. what is the 3-piece filler? pics?

Thanks,
Nick

[OceanboundZ71]

Does anyone have a link to the complete kit through Stylin concepts or Ebay? I am having a hard time finding them. Thanks!

[ynot]

Does anyone have a link to the complete kit through Stylin concepts or Ebay? I am having a hard time finding them. Thanks!
Here a link to one on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33645&item=7988359673

[jared1217]

where can i find a complete kit for cheap

[combro]

I was told that the rad core support had to be changed also for the pre '94 trucks. Is this true? :dunno:

[m grasso]

just did the swap on my truck and it looks awsome:rocking:

[TIMSPEED]

For anyone doing this swap, here's all the "small things" you'll need
Installation Items (http://www.mrtaillight.com/product_info.php?products_id=391)
Buying that kit is easier than trying to track down all the stuff...

[djay101]

Ive got the W/T truck with the same big ole funky bulbs. I like how they are due to the fact that my truck also has a 9'2 boss power-v plow. The truck is an ex- work truck but is also had been ordered new with the cab liner in the cab.( a silverado package...? ) I plan on replacing new material on it as the old white stuff is kinda grubby and not matching the cab of the truck.