Gen1 To Gen2 conversion

[a229837]

I have a 2014 Gen1 Raptor with only 50K miles and was thinking about upgrading to the Gen2 or Gen3 because I love the way the front-end looks but at the same time, I like the steel body and the 6.2 motor. I saw some conversion kits out there and i'm wondering if anyone has done a conversion and if so, can you share anything I should be aware of? Is it worth the money and work associated with the conversion?

Thank you in advance for any advice,
George

 

[CoronaRaptor]

@PorterW1111 is kind of doing that with his build, but, yes there have been lots of them done. You can buy the fibreglass kits for the front end and the back and do it yourself or have it installed professionally. Not sure who does them in your area, but I know a place in Vegas that is still doing the install.

 

[Blacktor]

B is for Build did an oem parts front end conversion gen 1 to gen 2 and documented it on youtube. Not my cup of tea. I would just get the gen 2 if you want the look. Most everything is better about the new trucks with the exception of the sound and perhaps the extra cost.

 

[MFNG]

The real question is does someone do a Gen 2 to Gen 1 look swap? I want my Gen 1 to be made of aluminum and not rust out!

 

[Nesc204]

The real question is does someone do a Gen 2 to Gen 1 look swap? I want my Gen 1 to be made of aluminum and not rust out!

Aluminum Corodes actually easier than Steel rusts. If Steel is primed and sealed with good paint and maintained it lasts better than Aluminum. I been a Aviation Tech for well over 30 yrs and I see how easily Aluminum corodes on a daily basis and the planes aren't even on salty roads

 

[Xtinct]

Aluminum Corodes actually easier than Steel rusts. If Steel is primed and sealed with good paint and maintained it lasts better than Aluminum. I been a Aviation Tech for well over 30 yrs and I see how easily Aluminum corodes on a daily basis and the planes aren't even on salty roads

I did NOT just hear this...

 

[Canuck714]

I may know a thing or two..
There are a bunch of places that make glass for our truck, I have first hand experience with McNiel and ADV
McNiel sells 2 different 1 piece conversions, one is Gen 2 Raptor style headlights, the other uses the 20-21 F150 style lights... Thats what I did on my son's 2011.
ADV sells a kit that keeps hood, fenders, grill, valence all seperate. But I do not have install experience with them, just looked it over before and after.

If you go 1 piece, definately buy the tilt structure its a PITA to build.
The 1 piece I went with was 92 inches wide, so if you are on stock SVT suspension i probably wouldnt do the conversion. It will look way to skinny under the glass untill you mid travel or at very least run a wheel spacer. Rear glass is pretty straight forward and the same as doing anybody's bedsides.

If you are doing it just dor the look, I would have a serious conversation with your self on what you intend to do with the truck, building up suspension etc. I did it beacuse I was cutting the entire front clip off to do suspension, so it was the easy way to complete the truck.
Keep in mind you are fabricating and or cutting off a lot of things to accomodate the new bodywork and headlight assemblies which ever way you go. Then the fit and prep work can take some time as well. I figure I have a solid week to get mine right. I would hate to guess what kinda money you would pay someone to fab/install, finish and paint to get this complete but has to be $7-10k plus the parts.

 

[Canuck714]

Also... you have a low mile 14.. pretty much the most sought after Gen 1.
Its worth more complete and original than if you hack it up.

 

[FordTechOne]

Aluminum Corodes actually easier than Steel rusts. If Steel is primed and sealed with good paint and maintained it lasts better than Aluminum. I been a Aviation Tech for well over 30 yrs and I see how easily Aluminum corodes on a daily basis and the planes aren't even on salty roads

You’re comparing bare aluminum to primed and sealed steel; not a valid comparison. Aluminum outlasts steel in automotive applications; you’ll never see a Gen 2 with rotted cab corners.

 

[Nesc204]

You’re comparing bare aluminum to primed and sealed steel; not a valid comparison. Aluminum outlasts steel in automotive applications; you’ll never see a Gen 2 with rotted cab corners.

Wrong. Aircraft are alodined, primed and painted. Not bare. They don't get all the nasty crap they put on the roads and they Corode. We fix Corrosion on Planes every Damn day at work. Another reason Aircraft are continuously expected all the time. Aluminum is also prone to cracking cause it is very rigid, unlike steel that flexes and bends