The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Salvageable Grill?

First I would like to know how to tell if I have a repo grill or an original? See attachment
If it is original can the dents in it be removed enough for chroming or should I go the repo grill route or try and find another original?

Thanks,
Dongray

That grill could be straightened enough for paint, but I really believe that it would take a primo metal guy to look good in chrome. Maybe Robert (MPandC) could do it. Maybe he'll come by and give you a real opinion.

Have not seen a repo grille, but an original should have tubular rivets holding it together. I'm going to guess that's an original going by the two I've taken apart.

I’d buy it used as is for my project and salvage it! It’s in pretty darn good shape.

I'd go for that grille too if I didn't already have one (building from parts of two). My truck is getting a painted grille, and even I could take that one and make it look good enough for paint.

My grill looks similar to yours. I took it to my chromer and he said "no problem!" Same with my Suburban side outer window trim. It will cost me, but my parts will be better than reproduction. The only large component I bought repro was the rear bumper as I never had the original. The difference between it and the front bumper my chromer has already done, is night and day. Find yourself a good chrome shop.

I have found a few original grills for 100 bucks were the good bars are the ones I need to replace so Im thinking of buying them and making one good grill. Figure the time required to fix the metal on the current one would easily off set spending 100 bucks for bars in good condition. Does anyone know of a good chrome shop in North Texas area?

That's exactly what I did. Bought a second grill and am using the best parts to build a good one.

I agree that for chroming, the dings might make it a tough but maybe a local chromer can do wonders. Can't imagine what the freight cost would be for another used grill. But then again, that's what your local craigslist is for

I was just quoted 850 for each bumper and for the grill 450 per bar....that would be 3700!!!!!

Sounds like repro parts or paint if the rest of the bids are like that.

$450 per bar? OMG!! Am I outdating myself or what? Here I was expecting more like $150 per bar.

That's what my guy quoted me not so long ago. $150 a bar.

Go somewhere else. That’s stupid high. My 51 GMC grill, hood badge, and side call outs cost $1300 CDN.