Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | |
2 members (ShopRag, GradyB),
116
guests, and
1
robot. | | Key: Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,035 Posts1,055,564 Members48,426 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
| | THANKS!
For helping keep this great
old truck web site
on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down
with Ads!  Again, thanks!
| | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 73 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 73 | I'm looking for a recommended vendor for a '42 1/2 ton grille. Not sure of the quality from the different vendors. What is the quality of the chrome or should I buy it bare and have it plated myself?
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 | Gerry, its always better to go with original metal if you can. It may be a little more challenging to get it worked out but it'll beat the after market ones. I SUSPECT that most all aftermarket ones come from the same place!
Isn't there a place in Cherryville,N.C. that still does chrome plating the way its suppose to be done?!
I purchased a new re-pop grille for my 52panel. Its decent but the plating is not very "thick". About all they do is flash chrome it with little thought to thickness or hardness. In the "creases/recesses" of a cheap grille you will find what looks to be "dust particles" chromed over.
If you plan to keep your truck inside and waxed up a re-pop would probably be cheaper and last fairly well. This is all just my opinion/.02 cent. Good luck. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 698 | I'm looking for a recommended vendor for a '42 1/2 ton grille. Not sure of the quality from the different vendors. What is the quality of the chrome or should I buy it bare and have it plated myself?
Thanks Gerry, Your question should be where can I get one. The manufacter that was making the grills has stopped because of very bad quality problems. Finding a vendor that has one and is willing to sell it will not be easy. I'm told the new tooling is still about 6 months to a year away. The last re-chromed original one I saw on sleezbay went for north of $1500. good luck
My Fleet: 19411953195919651966 1953 Willy's Pickup John Vegetarian- old Indian word for bad hunter
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 667 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 667 | Have to second the caution above. I did similar homework regarding the re-pops and never found anyone who was happy with what they got. Horrible fit, cheesy chrome and nearly all from China. Mine had a straight grill so I sprang for a "95-point" chrome job locally. They could have done a 100-point but for a driver, what I came home with was beautiful. Cost me a grand but I'm not complaining. My 2 cents. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 Crusing in the Passing Lane | | Crusing in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 5,096 | There was not chrome for grills, etc., during the war, green paint. I have one of those(GMC.)
'37 GMC T-18 w/ DD 4-53T, RTO-610, 6231 aux., '95 GMC running gear, full disc brakes, power steering, 22.5 wheels and tires.
'47 GMC 1 ton w/ 302, NP-540, 4wd, full width Blazer front axle.
'54 GMC 630 w/ 503 gasser, 5 speed, ex fire truck, shortened WB 4', install 8' bed.
'55 GMC 370 w/270, 420 4 speed, grain, dump bed truck from ND. Works OK.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | Grey paint you mean? That was standard for 42 and 45 trucks. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 667 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 667 | '46's had either chrome or polished stainless. If you can score a stainless version, they can't be beat for my money. No rust and they polish out almost as bright as the best chrome. Good luck.
BTW...all are interchangeable from 1/2 thru 2 ton except for the COE's.
Last edited by Tango; 12/21/2013 11:11 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 420 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 420 | my 46 1/2 ton has a chrome grill | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | My '46 was chrome as well, but some other parts were stainless. | | |
|
|
