Howdy folks, long time no see.

I am wondering how alike the earlier vs later 2nd gen Camaros are. My son is interested in a 73 model, but I'd prefer to put him in a newer one as they are more readily available. He doesn't really care about the year, he just wants the look. So the question is, will a front clip off a 1973 model bolt up to a later model, say a 79 to 81? I can probably lay my hands on one of the later ones pretty easily but it won't do any good if the older front clip won't bolt on.

I'll add that I tried searching for this, not much luck. Thanks in advance.

 

A number of people have done this swap, and it definitely can be done if you use a complete '73 donor clip. You wont be able to use anything from the later 2nd gen, except the hood. The rest should be a bolt on.
There were a few projects here in the project section over the years that showed conversions. Some simply the front metal, and others very radical changes of front, rear, and even modifying the rear window to the flat early 2nd gen type.

Here's a very advanced rework:
https://camaroforums.com/forum/70-81...-panels-47183/

 

yes but all you can use is the subframe and shell every thing else will need replaced both fenders, radiator support, and all inner structure

 

Excellent, thanks folks. He's mainly interested in the car appearancewise for its nose so if a front clip is a bolt on we can get that done. We probably won't be starting it for a couple of years though. Appreciate it.

 

Always good to plan ahead, especially considering how expensive this will be. At least you've got a couple years to look for the parts, and may run across some used pieces to keep the cost down.