July 22nd, 2015, 1:16 PM
Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Lighting
- Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006 GMT800 How to Replace Headlight Bulb and Assembly
Step by step instructions for do-it-yourself repairs.
Browse all: Lighting
can you update to new style headlights and grill?
October 22nd, 2014, 7:41 AM
#31
from my research, if you have a plain Jane cargo van, then you don't have the wiring. If you have a passenger van, or a van that has power windows/locks already (but no cruise) then the wiring would be there. And on '07+ I believe they are drive by wire, and nothing is needed in any, besides the column switch.
Mine is a plain cargo van, so I am not concerned about the rear much, it is all tools. I have the safety divider right behind the front seats, so I insulated that to basically separate the cab from the back. That cuts down on a ton of noise from the back, makes my heater and a/c awesome, etc.
I did add a backup camera since mine is a cargo van with no windows behind the drivers/passenger's. I also installed Blaupunkt head unit with gps, dvd, etc. And 6x9 speaker boxes behind the front seats so I am ok there. If I lived closer to a u-pull junk yard, I would probably do a few more things, but the closest one is about an hour and a half away.
For me the biggest thing was cruise. Then probably the seats, then down the line.
Mine is a plain cargo van, so I am not concerned about the rear much, it is all tools. I have the safety divider right behind the front seats, so I insulated that to basically separate the cab from the back. That cuts down on a ton of noise from the back, makes my heater and a/c awesome, etc.
I did add a backup camera since mine is a cargo van with no windows behind the drivers/passenger's. I also installed Blaupunkt head unit with gps, dvd, etc. And 6x9 speaker boxes behind the front seats so I am ok there. If I lived closer to a u-pull junk yard, I would probably do a few more things, but the closest one is about an hour and a half away.
For me the biggest thing was cruise. Then probably the seats, then down the line.
November 7th, 2014, 3:03 PM
#33
CF Beginner
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Michigan - Automobile Capital of the World
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
You should be good up to 2002 for harvesting parts.
January 10th, 2015, 7:09 PM
#34
CF Beginner
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Bought harness at local auto parts store
We bought new harnesses at our local O'Reily auto parts store for $12
Most salvage yards will sell you that harness for 20 bux or less in our area.
It's worth the time you take to go and get it as you may find other items to upgrade your van. Of course, that's easy to say for an old retiree.
Try a mass Craigslist search by typing a google search like: 2005 Chevy Express Van Parts site: craigslist.org
My total swap over cost for the grille, headlights and bumper was a whopping $210 cash. 1 hour at the wrecking yard in Mason, MI plus 1 hour in the driveway to cut and assemble.
Good luck with your conversion. BTW, getting new extruded nuts for your conversion is smart if you are in a salty winter environment. Trade Fastener in Redford, MI has these in stock if you cannot find them locally.
It's worth the time you take to go and get it as you may find other items to upgrade your van. Of course, that's easy to say for an old retiree.
Try a mass Craigslist search by typing a google search like: 2005 Chevy Express Van Parts site: craigslist.org
My total swap over cost for the grille, headlights and bumper was a whopping $210 cash. 1 hour at the wrecking yard in Mason, MI plus 1 hour in the driveway to cut and assemble.
Good luck with your conversion. BTW, getting new extruded nuts for your conversion is smart if you are in a salty winter environment. Trade Fastener in Redford, MI has these in stock if you cannot find them locally.
January 10th, 2015, 8:57 PM
#35
CF Beginner
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you!
Thank you so much for posting this!! The picture was so helpful!!! Thank you
I just wanted to add to this a little. I just did this with my '06 and wanted to point out the only two "critical" spots are the ones with the x's in the above pic. These are where the bottom of the new lights mount. All the rest of the stuff you cut out is just for clearance, so that isn't critical. Just hope this helps the next guy.
Brew
Brew
January 13th, 2015, 12:51 AM
#36
CF Beginner
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey guys since yall are talking headlights , new to site , I have a 88 chevy k1500 and was wondering what I have to do to swap from the quad headlights to the newer 98 style head lights would I have to get a new core support , I know I will have to do wiring .
December 14th, 2017, 8:52 AM
#37
CF Beginner
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Can you reverse this process?
We hit a deer with our 03 with composites. We can't find used parts anywhere, so we were thinking about going sealed beam conversion just to keep our van going . Is this process possible?
December 14th, 2017, 5:43 PM
#38
It should be possible without any problems, but I wouldn't myself unless you like the look of the sealed beam style front end. The parts new are pretty darn cheap if you go through a company like certifit. I converted mine to the composite style and I think it was only like $150 for everything.
Certifit Online
if you have one around, you can swing by and check out prices. They used to have a catalog with prices, but they don't any more. If I recall, the headlights were about $35 apiece with bulbs, and the whole grill was like $75 +/-
December 15th, 2017, 12:33 AM
#40
Headlights cost $60 for a pair - ebay.com/itm/131869592286. Grill is around $160 on eBay or Amazon, all OEM quality stuff.
In addition, the sealed beam lights are much worse in doing their actual job - providing light..
In addition, the sealed beam lights are much worse in doing their actual job - providing light..