The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop GMC grille

What's the difference between a 50 and 51 GMC grille? Any idea what it will cost me to have mine (a 50) disassembled and rechromed? Just minor surface rust and a couple dings....saw a rechromed one on that auction site for almost $900 and my jaw hit the floor!!!!!

Fred, there is no difference between a '50 and '51 GMC grille. The same grille was used from '48 on but the '47 and early '48 grilles are three bar and stick out into the gravel pan a lot more. The gravel pan is also different in '47/'48 early GMCs.

$900 for a show level rechrome of a GMC grille is about right in my experience. Chrome work is VERY expensive so get over the sticker shock now. I see Bumper Boyz at many big swaps and they usually have a GMC rechromed grille (4 bar) available for $600-$700 but I don't think that their work is really very high quality. Jez one man's opinion.

If you do decide to have your grille rechromed, it's VERY IMPORTANT that you carefully engrave each piece that you take off and mark it carefully (to survive chrome plating) so that you can keep them in order for reinstall. Each piece is just slightly different and you will go nuts trying to reassemble that grille if you don't carefully mark each bar and upright (left/right) etc.

Just remember: Nothing is as easy as it looks.

Well that's a bummer....last time I had something chromed it was around $100...guess times have changed! Anybody got a super nice GMC chrome grille for sale???? Like one I can just use as is? Truck's a frame off, but $$$ is getting tight!!! Still gotta buy A WHOLE NEW BED from Mar-K, gonna cost a fortune. I HATE RUST!

OldCarKook,
is that why I see so many GMCs restored with painted grilles, or was chrome an option?

Fred B . Dont be scared by that $900 grill . That guy is outta his mind & if anyone bids on that grill it will probably be one of his buddies. You should be able to get your 4 bars straightened & chromed for around $50 ea. As Kook said, mark all the parts for reassembly. Kook can correct me if I am wrong but, like the Chevies chrome was scarce on the 50,51 & 52 trucks because of the war. Most GMC grills I have seen from those years were painted light grey.

Thanks to all....I'm going to start calling the local platers on Monday! My goal is to get this grille show quality (local, not national) for around $300. Wish me luck!

Fred a good place to call about who does good work in your area are the custom harley shops.