1996 Chevy s10 headlight conversion (Page 1/2)
DanDamage AUG 23, 07:12 AM
I have basically these headlights except the chrome is black



Wanted to upgrade to the newer s10 lights.



Is it possible? I've done notch to fastback conversions. How much more difficult is it? Do I need drill holes make brackets or cut wire harnesses?

Also are all s10 bumpers interchangeable? Will the Xtreme lip be able to be put on a 96? On ebay I see it listed as 99-04. I just want an "Xtreme" front end for the car. That 4.3 has balls


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[This message has been edited by DanDamage (edited 08-23-2013).]

craigsfiero2007 AUG 23, 08:17 PM
Its not hard. Its basically a bolt in. You will need the grille and the headlights. Here you go.

http://www.s10forum.com/for...e-headlights-477755/
Monkeyman AUG 23, 08:32 PM
Not even close. It's a JOB! You have to replace EVERYTHING on the front of the truck including the radiator support (and all it's misc brackets, hardware, etc). New headlights, turn signals, grille, bumper and brackets, radiator support, wiring, etc plus some misc fabrication. It's been done but it's not a 2 hour job. More like a really long weekend job if you have a bunch of tools and can fabricate/wire. It would be easier to swap to the early 2nd gen Sonoma/Jimmy flush mounted headlight front end although even that's a task. At least the fenders and hood are the same. If you bought everything new, you'd have close to 2 grand in parts. Even at a boneyard, you'll have $600+ in parts. I had a '96 Jimmy (early 2nd gen) and wanted to swap to the late 2nd gen Blazer/S-10 front end. I decided the cost and work wasn't worth it.
DanDamage AUG 24, 02:05 PM
Thanks for the links guys!


What fabrication needs to be done?

[This message has been edited by DanDamage (edited 08-24-2013).]

Monkeyman AUG 24, 05:02 PM
Misc stuff. I think the bumper reinforcement bars need to be bent and you have to rewire some stuff. There are a couple more things but I don't remember what they are. I think there's a write up on S-10Forums (I think they're a .org but might be a .net). I just reread your original post. If you want to make it into an Xtreme, you'll need the Xtreme bumper. That's NOT cheap. Few used ones as alot have seen speed bumps up close and personal.

You're right about the 4.3 motor. Both my Jimmy and my current Blazer have it. I traded my Jimmy off with 171k miles and it still ran like a top. So far, my Blazer (90k miles) is still running strong (other than going through A/C compressors like they're disposable).
DanDamage AUG 24, 06:55 PM
^Whats up with the compressors acting weird on the 4.3? I had some problems too but it wasnt the actual compressor it was a faulty connection. Yeah this s10 has 131k and feels so smooth .

I guess I gotta luck out at a junkyard for an Xtreme bumper, if not I'll be happy with just the lights conversion.
Cooter AUG 24, 09:29 PM
I bought a wrecked '97 S10 and had looked at using the later model front end parts to update the look of the truck. I decided against it because there were not as many of the later models in the junk yards to collect parts from. Eventually, I upgraded the stock headlight housings to Hella H4 housings and the light output is amazing. If you are just wanting better lighting, check out the Hella lights.
If you want a different look, why not grab the front end off a 94-97 Blazer? It has large composite headlights with the same bumper you already have and should swap in easily.
Monkeyman AUG 24, 09:54 PM
If it were me, I'd go with Cooters idea and get either a Blazer or Jimmy front end with the composite headlights and buy an aftermarket front air dam. Much cheaper and much easier. You know the Xtreme body package wasn't just the front bumper, right? It included fender flares and a rear bumper delete/roll pan. For an Xtreme-like front bumper, you might try something like this: http://www.andysautosport.c...ns/extr00078087.html
Raydar AUG 24, 10:04 PM
You can also check out www.lmctruck.com
They have S10, Sonoma, and the Blazer and Jimmy parts, from the old square bodies, on up to 2003s or thereabouts.
(If you can find Olds Bravada parts, they used HID lights, with the same body style.)
DanDamage AUG 24, 10:43 PM
Monkeyman, your right the xtreme has fender flares i didnt notice before. So the bumper lip wouldnt look right on a stock s10, it would stick out. I like those fiberglass bumpers but Im not trying to spend so much on this truck , Im a junkyard rat ,plus its been used moderately and not something you "Fiero Pimp" lol.

If I do find an Xtreme front lip in the junkyard I will buy it and try to make it work. Shouldnt be more than 15$ in the junkyard.