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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics126,780 Posts1,039,295 Members48,100 | | Most Online2,175
Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 37 | My truck is painted and going back together now I will need a new grille shortly ( CHROME ) everybody sells them so I need some advice on who sells one that actually fits good & is a good quality. THANKS ! ! ! ! | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | Scotty47, finding one like you WANT is going to be like finding a chicken with teeth. I put mine in the 52panel sometime ago and it fought me all the way. In the end I found the grille actually fit pretty good but getting the fenders, the radiator apron, the inner fender, and the radiator support all line up properly was the main thing. Leave stuff only finger tight until you get it where you want it and it'll still be a booger in most cases. It can be done though but will try your patience which you must have.
I bought mine from Classic Chevrolet Parts because they had it on sale and free shipping at the time. Total was $349. Its been on my panel for about 3 years and is holding up good. However, even when new it looked like it has "dust" particles under the chrome right in the creases of the grille. I've seen plenty of others and they look the same to me. I think only one or two places probably make all the re-pops so pick a vendor, check price and cross your fingers you get a good one. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Jan 2015 Posts: 37 | Sounds like a crap shoot ! ! ! like you said order one, cross your fingers and hope for the best...... | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | Heck, the original grilles are a bear to get to fit. It would be advantageous to test fit whatever grille, repro or original, to the truck prior to paint, so you can make your tweaks without messing up the paint.
Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 36 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2014 Posts: 36 | I fit our repro grille prior to paint and I'm still wondering how I will install it without chipping a fender. I had to file the backs of the edges flat so they wouldn't gouge the fender. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,059 | You can put blue painter's tape on the offending edges of the grille. It will make everything easier if you have ALL nuts, bolts and screws from the firewall forward as sloppy loose as you can without them falling out of their threads. This "loose screw" advice could not be more valuable than any other advice which I could offer you.
Carl
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,185 | You'll need lady fingers to reach all the bolts. I agree with all the other comments. I had purchased a repop, then a week later found a NOS one for the same price, sent the repop back (to China) and i got it in, with some help. | | |
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