I recently rebuilt my 54 grill and learned there is a right way and a not so right way to do it.

The right way is:
1. Assemble turn signal panels to bottom panel ends.
2. Assemble middle bars to nose piece. Make sure the bars are centered vertically and laterally on the nose piece. My repro nose needed slight modifications to the holes to get things aligned.
3. Place nose/middle bar assy on bottom pan and connect middle bars to turn signal panels.
4.Position nose piece over mounting holes in bottom pan to determine alignment. This is another area where modification of the holes was needed.
5. Working from front to back, attach the nose piece to the bottom pan. After installing first two rivets (or nut/bolts) inspect alignment again. The side of the nose may need a little encouragement to come into proper alignment but be gentle or it will bend on you.
6. Attach remaining hardware for nose to bottom pan connection.
7. Install top bar to nose piece then attach the ends to the middle bars.

I purchased a 54 grill hardware kit from Chevy Duty. It includes all the necessary hardware to assemble the grill and to mount it to the truck. It includes steel rivets and stainless hardware. I recommend the rivets but if you are going to bolt it together I would suggest using the elastic stop nuts and loctite to help mitigate future problems with hardware falling off.

Good luck.
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