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Base model or Gran Torino front end?

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73Torino View Drop Down
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    Posted: 07-November-2011 at 11:25AM
I have been contemplating switching my 73 base model front end for a gran Torino front. On one hand, the base model is unique and isnt terrible looking (it has kind of grown on me) but the gran looks more sporty.
 
Any opinions/suggestions?
 
I know a junkyard close by with a large amount of Torinos/Rancheros so finding parts shouldnt be a problem. The only other drawback would be cost, what parts would i need for this conversion?
 
I also would like to tuck the front bumper in closer to the body, how difficult is that to do? and how is it done?
 
Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.
 
Here is a picture of the base model front on my car.
 


Edited by 73Torino - 07-November-2011 at 11:33AM
1973 base model Torino
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72sport Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-November-2011 at 12:09PM
On the 73s I prefer the Torino over the gran.  Plus you never see the base Torino.  Just my opinion
Tom
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote stanman Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-November-2011 at 12:58PM
I think you should leave it as is.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote picon3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-November-2011 at 1:17PM
Agreed.  I like the base grille set up on the 73.  Paul~
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kversch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-November-2011 at 1:51PM
if you did do the swap, you would need  the fender extensions, grill,  headlight buckets.    basically everything forward of the hood.  not positive if the header panel differs or now since the hoods are the same.   i like the gran more then the base
-kevin-
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Black 73 GTS FB 302
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lynchster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-November-2011 at 2:10PM
I'm partial to the Torino front end. I had the same nose on my red 74 back in the eighties and it was unique back then.  
Chuck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote interceptor460 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-November-2011 at 7:10PM
My 74 torino police car had the same front nose. I took the grill off. Vewry carefully removed the embelm and painted the grill satin black of flat black .Put everything back on the car and she looked even better. I have photos but I can't find the one of the front of the old cop car. My cop was a 2door like your car ,but in medium red ,(not the starsky and hutch red colour code 2B from ford.)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 72BoB Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 1:43AM
I like the front of the base Torino... I kinda like the front end of the base 72 Torino as well... It sorta reminds me of the 70-71 Torino's with the grill that covered the entire width of the car.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 1:45AM
Base front end. All the way. You could probably count the number of base front end cars on 1 hand in your entire state.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Psquare75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 3:50AM
Another vote for base model here. 

As for the bumper.



Paul
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote interceptor460 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 5:40AM
Yes, my 73 had the same bumper and reinforcement. In 1974 they got a more heavier reinforcement. So I held on to my 73's bumpers reinforcement to lighten my 74 bumper. Also in 74 the cars gained another 150 lbs. do to the heavier rear bumper. They were called park bench bumpers. They were great seats.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote interceptor460 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 5:41AM
Don,t get rid of the front end.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote gpd294 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 6:57AM
I did this conversion on my wagon, but in reverse. My 75 wagon had the Gran Torino front fascia, but I changed it to the 73 Torino front fascia. You will need the header panel, headlight buckets, stone guard, bumper backing, bumper, grill, and turn signal lights. Also gonna need some hardware to put it all together.
 
I agree with most these guys and leave it as is. I think the 73 Torino front is pretty unique being that you just don't see them anymore.
 
Good luck!
 
PS. I still have some of the parts your gonna need if you decide to go for it. Willing to sell cheap!  
Carlos....1975 Gran Torino Squire Station Wagon restored to look like a 1973 Torino Station

Wagon my Dad bought new from McAnary Ford on June 6, 1973 in Gary,Indiana
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73Torino Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 9:03AM
 Sounds like I should keep it the way it is. LOL 
 
I was supprised at how quick I got all of these responses! I'm impressed lol
 
Found a few pictures on Car Domain and around the web. I like the look of the brown one and blue/black one for sure! I guess the base model can look pretty sportyThumbs Up
 
 
 
 
1973 base model Torino
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73Torino Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 9:07AM
Originally posted by Psquare75 Psquare75 wrote:

Another vote for base model here. 

As for the bumper.



Thanks for the Link. It wouldnt let me see the second page though, I think you have to pay for it.
 
But the first page of it helps and would be useful if i go that route.
1973 base model Torino
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 9:37AM
If you do decide to swap to a Gran Torino front end, I have everything you would need, and would trade you for your Torino front parts. I also have a '74-'76 Gran Torino front end that I would trade for the same.
Joe
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote s2kCRick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 10:28AM
Wow!  I didnt realize that there was a base Torino thats different than the Gran Torino.  The base Torino looks way better.  I would keep it the way it is.

That brownish/reddish one looks sick.

Is there a 72 base Torino that looks different than the 72 Gran Torino?  And does it come as a SB/FB?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kversch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 10:42AM
the 4door i parted out last year was a base,   so i have all the parts for the conversion too.   hummm..............   got enought cars maybe a 73 conversion is in the works lol   anyone know was there a base model ranchero  that had this same front end?
-kevin-
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Black 73 GTS FB 302
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lynchster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 10:47AM
I've never seen a Ranchero with a base Torino nose on it. To the best of my knowledge they didn't make one. Dan might be the man to ask.
Chuck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lynchster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 10:49AM
Originally posted by s2kCRick s2kCRick wrote:


Is there a 72 base Torino that looks different than the 72 Gran Torino?  And does it come as a SB/FB?
 
Yes the 72's had a Low and High model too. I've never seen a fastback with a factory base nose on it however.
Chuck
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote s2kCRick Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-November-2011 at 6:42PM

72 Torino, base model.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Godzillarich Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09-November-2011 at 3:27PM
One more vote for keeping it standard, you have a very rare torino, the grans are a dime a dozen by comparison. I believe the 72 standard Torino is even more rare. If I am not mistaken the 72 had a different hood even . Simlar to the 70-71 with no header panel. Pretty neat stuff if you ask me. When I am ever fortunate to see either 72 or 73 Standard Torino I consider it a treat.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Guests Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-November-2011 at 9:09AM
I had a 73 base model Torino back in 1987 it was my 1st 2 door as my 72 Gran Torino wagon was the first torino i owned but the 73 base was the 2nd but the grille was busted and my uncle gave me his 74 Ranchero 500 so I took the 74 nose and doors and swapped it onto the 73 torino as it was rust free sheetmteal and the 73 stuff was junk.

The base model is more rare and would keep it a base,but maybe paint the plastic grille satin black as I think it would look better

here is my 73 torino if you look to the left the 73 front clip is sitting on the front of the Ranchero as I had already swapped the nose onto the 73 formal base model
here is the my 73 base with the 74 nose


Edited by 72 GTS 429 - 12-November-2011 at 9:23AM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Eliteman76 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12-November-2011 at 7:29PM
I like the base car, with that color.
Need some side and back shots. Car looks to be set up nice.

See you are way over on the other side of Iowa. Nice to see someone closer than 600 miles with another Torino!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73Torino Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13-November-2011 at 5:11PM
Originally posted by Eliteman76 Eliteman76 wrote:

I like the base car, with that color.
Need some side and back shots. Car looks to be set up nice.

See you are way over on the other side of Iowa. Nice to see someone closer than 600 miles with another Torino!
 
You dont see many Torinos around here thats for sure! I am planning on starting a project thread sometime soon, ill be sure to include plenty of pictures. The car still needs lots of work, it is currently torn down and im in the works of fixing it up.
1973 base model Torino
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