Raptor's 99+ Front End Swap
 

Okay guys, the time has come. As much as I like to show that my truck is a 98, there is no way I can get it to look "sporty" with a work-truck style front end. So, I've been thinking about saving up a little and doing the 99+ transformation. No this isn't going to happen by tomorrow, I'm doing a little homework and this will most likely happen in January when I have some free cash flow. So let step one begin!

(Page taken from LMC Truck online catalog, pg. 13)

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fe/images/0013.jpg

Here's where I need help. In the picture above, I can tell the brackets are different from the 97-98, so I would of course pull those off with the bumper. However, it shows the bracket-to-frame mounts (part 15 & 16). Are those the same as the 98? Because that piece is welded on and I don't feel like breaking out the welder.

Other items:

1- steel bumper
2- top pad (and corresponding screws)
3- bottom valence
4- bumper plate studs
5- bumper brackets
6- grille

1- There is an '00 Expy in my local junkyard with a chrome bumper. I could pull the steel bumper and brackets off of it. I'm assuming they are the same for the F-150s, so that solves part 1.

2- The top pad I will have to look around for, but once found I will be sanding and PTM'ing white.

3- HERE'S WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP! I have limited knowledge on 99+ valences, so give me some suggestions guys. Bottom line is it has to have foglights! I like the Lightning and HD ones, but only if they are cheap.

4 & 5- I'm assuming will still be on the donor vehicle

6-Hmm.... what to do. I've narrowed it down to four possible options. A.) Patman grille, B.) h-bar grille with vertical stakes removed, C.) Lighting, or D.) Harley-Davidson. All with the surround PTM'ed and the insert will most likely be black.

Discuss.

Well, things might be moving a little quicker than I thought. It needs some work, but it crosses the bumper, top pad, and brackets off my list! Additionally, I can PTM the bumper instead of having a chrome one! :banana:

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...49222525_0.jpg

Also, does anyone know how to remove the little stubs off that hold the pad and valence onto the bumper? I want to clean this sucker up and sand it down.

Removing the valance?
 

I had to remove my valance when I installed my bull bar. Bottom (top side lip) of the bumper has the nut heads where you can back the bolts out of those little stubs holding up the valance. Not sure if that's what you're asking though?

Good luck with the swap, it will look sweet once it's done. I'm planning on getting a 4x4 valance myself in the Spring and hooking up some fogs as well.

Thanks Chris, but these things arent nuts and they arent bolts. They look like plastic rivets that pop off or something.

I managed to get most of the cancer off the metal part. I've taken everything aparty and began cleaning it all up. One problem I have is a small dent, I'm going to try and see if I can pop it back out. Then I will begin sanding and primer then after Christmas begin the painting process. I'm still browsing for my bottom valance and grille, and this weekend I'll be checking out another junkyard and see if I cant pull the wiring harness for the fog lights. I want OEM hookups, not an aftermarket switch.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...5121/rust2.jpg

Cancer all cleaned up

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...5121/rust1.jpg

Small dent, I'm going to try and see if I can't bring it back out. Maybe bondo?

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...lcleanedup.jpg

Everything all cleaned up. The bottom 2WD valence took quite a hit on one side and is badly scratched up, so I have no use for it. Possibly going to sell it.

Do those "plastic rivets" have a small round center that can be pushed in with say an ink pen tip? If so, that should release them

That sounds about right, I'll give it a try, thanks!

Update: I think I'm going to be doing the Harley Davidson valence, $150 on eBay.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k2...HDvalence1.jpg

Still on the fence on what to do for the grille

all u need.. grille surround, bumper, upper pad, lower valance, and bumper brackets..

right, ive got the bumper, upper pad, and brackets.

RAPTOR YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

YOU WIN!

especially because of the freaking harley valence! YES!

haha I knew you would like it Travis ;) So I'll be getting one of those HD valences soon, and get everything PTMed. Then I need to get the foglights, an HID kit, and make my mind up on what grille to get. :o

:lurk:

Good Work! Can't Wait To See It Finished!

wish i had money to throw at my truck all the time.

nice work raptor

thanks!

Well the bumper combo you see above I got for litterally nothing from my local JY. The HD valence is going to run me ~$175, and I will have to save for a few weeks to get that. The grille is going to be $$$ too, so I'll be saving for that. The actualy lights will be farther down the road, I just want the front end right now. And the paint will be done by your truly. So I'm looking for >$400 total, but paid over time. :thumbsup:

Can't wait to see this. It's gonna look good man.