Another 73 Ranchero Front End Question
Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: General Discussion
Forum Name: Auto Body Forum
Forum Description: Discussion of anything related to body, paint and metal work/restoration
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=21827
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 10:26AM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Another 73 Ranchero Front End Question
Posted By: wantahertzdonut
Subject: Another 73 Ranchero Front End Question
Date Posted: 03-October-2025 at 7:32PM
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I've been smitten with a 73 Ranchero with a bitchin' drivetrain that's been available for a while, but I balked because the front end not my style. But I recently discovered the base model 73 Torino grille and it's much more to my liking. My question is, if I have a 73 Ranchero, but want to put a base Torino grille in, what sheet metal do I need to make that grille fit? I don't care about turn signal or headlight wires, I can make those. But will the front fascia be a direct swap? ------------- Shopping |
Replies:
Posted By: Sak7788
Date Posted: 04-October-2025 at 3:08AM
Correct, direct bolt on swap. Same fenders, hood and even the bumper. |
Posted By: wantahertzdonut
Date Posted: 05-October-2025 at 9:41AM
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What is the body panel that surrounds the grille called? I'm guessing "front end piece" won't get me very far. :) ------------- Shopping |
Posted By: Sak7788
Date Posted: 05-October-2025 at 10:11AM
| ...header panel for 73 Torino/Ranchero? - The Ford Torino Page Forum https://share.google/RL1r3eFP0HAFccMtb%20" rel="nofollow - https://share.google/RL1r3eFP0HAFccMtb |
Posted By: Sak7788
Date Posted: 05-October-2025 at 10:42AM
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That would be the "Header Panel" Pretty much best to find it with the Base model grill as a whole completele matching assembly since they are different.    |
Posted By: wantahertzdonut
Date Posted: 05-October-2025 at 1:48PM
Thank you for that! ------------- Shopping |
Sak7788 wrote:Posted By: hogfiddles
Date Posted: 06-October-2025 at 5:21AM
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Well there’s three … four, if you count the deflector…… the header panel - goes across the top Headlight housings or buckets - one on each side Stone deflector - which goes across the bottom ------------- 1973 Gran Torino Sport - Q code “Q-Clone” project-on-hold 1972 Gran Torino Sport - Q code new project 1972 Gran Torino - parts 1969 Torino GT - M code 100+ mid-80's Yamaha XJ-Series (14 trophies) |
Posted By: wantahertzdonut
Date Posted: 24-October-2025 at 4:59PM
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As a followup, I read that this same base model grill came on later years too, is that true? Just trying to open my options. Every 72-73 I look at is a rust bucket surprise, BTS, or major project advertised as a running car. ------------- Shopping |
Posted By: Sak7788
Date Posted: 25-October-2025 at 5:11AM
The 72 base Torino is similar but also different from the 73 and up that I posted above. The 72 front is a one year only design due to the government mandated 5mph front impact bumper. It can be made to work if you have a donor and modify the front of the frame to weld on older style frame ends. 72 only base model Torino just barely still showes the "fish mouth" of the more common Gran Torino 72. Also notice the non 5mph bumper on the front. 73 is a split year 5mph front but not rear bumper, 74 and up all had the government mandated 5mph impact absorber bumpers front and rear.
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Posted By: Sak7788
Date Posted: 25-October-2025 at 5:22AM
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I'm not exactly sure if or when they might have dropped the base model Torino front nose, the names get swapped around so you really have to go look for yourself to see what it actually is. Torino/ Gran(d) Torino/ Gran Torino Sport/ GTS. I didn't really understand until I got to digging thru this site, as well as Pinterest for having such a vast array of examples and related images. Good luck in your search. What part of the country are you looking in?
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Posted By: 72FordGTS
Date Posted: 26-October-2025 at 11:45AM
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There were only three years with the base grille. The 1972 base model was a one year only grille, 1973-74 base models use the same grille 1975-76 base model Torinos looked like Gran Torinos. ------------- Vince 1972 Ford GTS Sportsroof - Survivor, One Family car GTS.org Admin |
Posted By: wantahertzdonut
Date Posted: 28-October-2025 at 3:26AM
Thanks for the info. I'm actually after a Ranchero, and I'm in southern California. I should have made that more clear. I don't believe any Rancheros had the base grille but if that grille fits the 73/74-76 Ranchero, I can do a swap later. (The 72s have grown on me but I like the side profile of the later cars. I'm fine with up to the 75 models due to the CA emission exemption) ------------- Shopping |