The Stovebolt Forums Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 52 GMC Burb Grill

Hello all,
My 52 Jimmy has the original painted grill in nice shape. I understand that in 52, due to Korean war, there was less "shine" on these trucks, correct? I had decided to paint the grill for history's sake, but my son that did all my painting and body work says it has to have Chrome. Anyway, does anyone have any experience with the "Counter" brand of Chrome grills for the AD? Are they true to size and fit or am I going to have fits putting it back together? How about the thickness of the bars compared to original? I can buy the complete GMC grill from Classic Truck in CA for $500. The plater here in Phx area wants $1K for the 4 bars and 2 end caps. Son does show quality body and paint, but this isn't a Barrett Jackson car and $1k is a lot to spend on a grill just for looks...in my opinion.

Anyway, any help is appreciated.

And Merry Christmas from sunny AZ

Good morning! That's a great looking suburban. Yes you are correct, the 52 grill should be white. I purchased the Aftermarket chrome grille for my 49 Suburban and the quality is top notch. Just some minor adjusting up at the latch panel to get it to fit. Nothing major. The grill is now 5 years old and looks brand new. I garage keep my suburban. For the price of the grill I think it is a great deal verses chroming an original . I bought mine from Jim Carter but I am guessing the same provider supplies all of the major vintage truck parts suppliers.

I got mine from Truck Shop in Orange. It is a Counterpart item. Barely fits correctly, took a lot of work to fit it the way I wanted it to fit. I'm not happy that the shape of the bars are not like OEM, although you couldn't tell from 20'. The chrome is too bright with that offshore "triple nickel" plating. BUT, for me, it fills the hole while I take my original to the chrome shop, have them straighten the bars, then plate with the proper copper, nickel, chrome system.

Thanks guys for the replies. Just what I was wanting but not expecting. A toss up! I need to pull out my Carter catalog and check that one out. I was looking at the Truck Shop one. Glad I asked! Grandson inside the burb is almost 6' tall now @ 13yrs old! 7 years ago. How time flies!

Thanks again!

There is a NOS GMC grill on Seattle Craiglist for $550, still in original factory crate.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/pts/d/portland-nos-gmc-pu-chrome-grille/7419303584.html

That is a nice looking grill! If only it was a 4 bar grill.
Thanks for the tip.

I vote rechroming. I had my 51 GMC front redone and it was about the same price as your quote. It fits like glove, looks amazing, and I didn’t have ANY issues at all putting it back together. Ask the chrome shop if you can do any work. I saved some money by welding up holes, hammering and dollying, disassembling my grill at home and giving the pieces to them. I then had to reassemble them, but I enjoyed every minute. If I recall correctly, it saved me over $400 in labour (off their quote).

When it’s all done you won’t look back and say, “Man, I wish I had just rechromed the original...”

Here's another option. Chrome powder coating is available, probably for a lot less than actual chrome. Not indistinguishable from chrome, but pretty good.

I’ve never heard of that before, Kevin. Neat.

Nice thoughts everyone. I called Jimmie at Carter and asked about his grills. Different Manufacturer than the CounterBrand @ Truck shop in CA. Decided to give it a try. Only they are backordered at the moment. I had my grill all disassembled and in very good condition. I think I may paint it as planned, reassemble, and see what I think.

Thanks, and Happy New Year