Wagoneer grille support question

[doktorew]

Hey everyone, new to the FSJN and hopefully a soon-to-be FSJ owner.

Looking at a 1973 Wagoneer that has rust under both front headlights. I was wondering if it's possible just to install a new grille support panel (picture attached) to remedy the problem. If so, is it a simple screw-in job or would that require cutting a welding? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Drew

grille-support-1.jpg

[ClovisMan]

It's basically a bolt-in type of deal. Headlight adjusters and or mounting tabs may or may not be the same depending on what year you source the grille support from. For instance, I put a 78 model Boobie grill on my 88 grille support, I had to make headlight adjusters because the 88 was made for square headlights and I installed round ones. I also had to cut off some mounting humps but is was nothing a grinder couldnt take care of.

[doktorew]

It's basically a bolt-in type of deal. Headlight adjusters and or mounting tabs may or may not be the same depending on what year you source the grille support from. For instance, I put a 78 model Boobie grill on my 88 grille support, I had to make headlight adjusters because the 88 was made for square headlights and I installed round ones. I also had to cut off some mounting humps but is was nothing a grinder couldnt take care of.

As I mentioned, the Wagoneer is need of the new support is a 73. I've found a potential donor car, but it's a 79. Any idea if that panel will work without modifications? I know that's the first year of the square lights, but I'm not sure if that corresponded with a design change to the panel itself.

Incase I have to modify, how did you make new headlight adjusters?

[Nutz-n-Bolts]

Welcome to the group Drew! Yup, just lots of bolting things up to do that. As long as you have a replacement lined up you are good to go. That part isn't available new anywhere. Team Grand wagoneer has 2 NOS ones listed but you don't want to see the price. Oh and that won't be the only rust you find! Check the frame beside the gas tank and the floor in the front under the carpet.

PS: just saw your second post, I'm not positive which years had round versus square lights but they have been switched in both direction with ease. That support should work just fine.

[rstep]

79 had square lights 78 and older would work for you.

[serehill]

Yeah the headlight holes are exactly the same all the way to the end of production. The biggest difference is the grille mounts which you'll simply cut off th e79 the 73 didn't have them. It's relatively easy. Good luck.

[jaber]

Yeah the headlight holes are exactly the same all the way to the end of production. The biggest difference is the grille mounts which you'll simply cut off th e79 the 73 didn't have them. It's relatively easy. Good luck.

Headlight holes changed with the square lights. IIRC, there are tabs missing for the round buckets. When I converted the wife's '88 I had to make tabs to get the buckets where they should be.

I'll see if I can find the thread I did...
Here it is...

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=99769

[jsinajeep]

Like Rstep said. 79 had square buckets and you well need to add some metal
like this to put the round buckets in the center.

[fulsizjeep]

I have done this with some metal straps from the hardware store.

http://www.jubileejeeps.org/tech/facelift/index.htm

[serehill]

Well I did move the brackets but I didn't add anything. Lots of different ways to do things. I just moved the bracket to fit on the top side the bottom was fine. I don't think there is only one solution to this.

As you can see in the picture illustrated above I move the bracket to the 10 & 2 o'clock positions & bolted them back in. I cut it & re-riveted it back on. So you guys are right there was some mods.

[SpoOoling]

I had the same problem.
I needed a round light panel but got a doner with square holes.
I cut of the lower parts of the panels a welded together the round holes upper part with the square holes lower part.
Depending on the grill you have to move some brackets as well.