The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 47-53 Replacement Grill

I just bought a new chrome with creme bars grill for my truck. I heard they are a bear to fit does anybody have any tips or suggestions. Front end is on but all the bolts are loose to tighten and align once the new grill is here other that that what can I expect?

Brad, mine was a booger but in all fairness it was as much "mis-alignment and me as anything else. Remember, that was one of the reason I wanted a better radiator apron because my old one was bent and not "true".
Nevertheless, I had to really almost force it in place to even get things to start matching up. I might add that before trying the new grille,just like the one you got, all the holes on the radiator support, inner fenders and such really matched up pretty well.
Once I got the grille in it seemed to not fit up flat with a couple places and I put the floor jack under the front lip with a 2/4 across it and jacked it up... to my surprise it seem to "pop" into place better.

One special note, be SURE you get all the clips slipped onto the new grille at the bottom and the two or three at the top of the grille where it bolts to the fender. To be honest, that is the place that in the end I just could not get to go "flat" against each other. It simply would not draw up like I wanted it to. I left them out and it seems not to be a problem. It still fit pretty nicely.
You might want to also go ahead and put the park lights in while the grille is out. I had a little problem getting mine in place without cutting off the studs some but I finally finessed them in.

Now, all that said the BAD part is the "foot" of the vertical bracket on the right side, but not the end one, would NOT match up with the hole in the apron. I ended up taking the tiny bolt out that holds the bottom bar to the bracket and then twisting the "foot" to the right. I should have just drilled a new hole and maybe I'll still do that.

I said a lot not to really not have given you any thing concrete but at least you know!! Oh, my grille came from Classic Chevrolet Parts. Chrome with creme back bars.

Brad, I didn't have that big of a problem with mine, all of the holes lined up just fine. Of course I had to do a little cursing but it wasn't all that bad. See pic

Wow nice. I wish my paint would have turned out that nice it was my first attempt and it shows.

That's really nice!
BTW do you need a hand fitting the glass,I could use a vacation!

Jockbolter50, that picture was taken over seven years ago, current pic

Wow! Must be rough to jump in the ole truck and cruise down to the beach. I'd throw a surf board in the back just to look cool.Ha.
Love the truck!

I guess I should have looked at the picture dates....

Your truck's still looking good though....

Gentlemen, I see grills advertised at all the major suppliers for my 53 half ton chevy.I am about ready to order one. Does anyone know if they are all made by the same company? Are they of good quality? Your opinions would be most welcome. Thank You, Babe, New member

I bought the one from www.ClassicParts.com and it fit pretty good which I was worried about. This one came from Taiwan and is about 1/2 the weight and strength as the original only time will tell how it holds up.

brad and babe , was fortunate to snap a new grille up from classic parts @$299 on special , the fit was excellant all holes lined up , only a slight modification in the top right corner as the profile of the new grille corner does match the orginal guards easily fixed by talented body man . agree with achipmunk make sure all your bolt clips are installed before final fit . worth noting pulled my new one apart and repainted the cream in body color reassembled and refitted no problems . money well spent rather than repairing and painting the original and trying to get the same finish as a bought one

Thanks FOR THAT INFO,I JUST WAS AT A SWAP MEET OVER THE WEEKEND,AND FOUND AN EXCELLENT PAINTED GRILL. WAS GOINGTO HAVE IT CHROMED, NOW IM HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS.IT WOULD COST A LOT MORE, SO I HAVE TO WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS. THANKS BABE.