thankfully...

[jwalterus]

found my front end parts locally, a complete (minus the bumper), rust-free (amazing find up here) front clip off a 1983 F-150 for cheap ($50)

hood, fenders, trim pieces, and rad support, guy brought the truck from NC when he got stationed at our AF base, gonna go pick it up tomorrow

got my new paint color mixed, single stage with a gallon plus 6 spray cans

gonna paint what's needed, drive a week or 2 without a grill or trim, and then get the parts slapped on once I get a couple days without rain or snow (got a few inches coming in tomorrow and friday)

 

[LCAM-01XA]

Nice find, but just so you know the rad support will need some fabrication to make it work with the diesel radiator.

 

[jwalterus]

yeah, not planning to use it since mine's still ok, but it'll be good to have a spare that I can "make" fit in a weekend should I ever need it