I have reconditioned and rechromed 3 AD grills - average cost per grill is about $400. While it is cheaper and albeit easier to buy a repop. The definition of the sheet metal - especially on the ends of the bars is simply lacking in the repop grill. It is a matter of personal taste - and for me, I just like the look, fit and finish of the original sheet metal better.
I can tell a repop grill from original from about 15-20 feet.
