73-74 bowtie
 

We have witnessed a recent growth in popularity of the 74-74 grills for our trucks due to the unique styling that they offer. Unfortunately no one makes a reproduction grill or bowtie. For those of us that have been on a quest to find quality replacement pieces, it been a lesson in frustration. We have seen the prices on eBay go ballistic for NOS pieces, putting them out of reach for the average guy.

Fortunately the grills can still be found in restorable condition at a decent price. With a bit of work and some Eastwood paint, the grill can be brought back to life. What is almost impossible to find is a NOS 73-74 bowtie. Because of the design, they faded and deteriorated beyond repair rather quickly.

Recently forum member "KQQL IT" made a post that offered an alternative bowtie that would fit where the 73-74 unit went. It went unnoticed, so the discovery was missed. LINK I got a PM from KQQL IT with the information I needed to search one of these bowties out.

For referrence, they show two numbers on the back. The primary # is 672810 and the second # is 715626 which I have been told was superseded by 672810. These bowties are the same size as the 73-74 shape cast in to the grill, and have two studs for a mounting. Brad said they were originally from P chassis and had been sold through Grumman Olson.

Thanks to Brad ( KQQL IT) for sharing this info with me. It allowed me to locate an NOS bowtie and get one step closer to running a 73-74 grill.

They came with a blue center since these were pre73, but thats easily changed. Now if I could just find an NOS chrome grill that doesn't require a home improvement loan...;)

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

I bought one a couple of weeks ago. Scott bought two, so I picked one up off of him. He may want to sell the other grille.

edit- I will check and see. If not, I may let my original chrome grill go.

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

That's great information! Now to find one...

P.S. I have an extra 'chrome' 73-74 grille hanging on the wall in my garage... I was keeping it for a spare, but you never know..

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Don't tell me you're going to switch grilles in your black truck?
Or,... do you have another truck in the works???

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

hey a grill like this...lol

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Nothing new in the works at this time. I am considering a fresh look for my 77 though.Thats the one. You really need to stop showing me pics of that truck. I can't help but have visions of what it would look like slammed on billet wheels.

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Whatever happened to this truck? Did you guys end up parting it out?

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

On this same note, anyone know a good source for the brackets to install the 73/74 Grille? I picked one up in great shape for $20 a few weeks ago, and would like to put it on my 78.

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

on the back burner right now....i can not get my brother to move butt on it......

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

hey on that emblem and any little parts, do you know if it would be infringment if i could reproduce some of those products.....i would hate to get any trouble, but i specialize in custom jewelry......

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

could make them in silver, stainless, and brass.......not a bad idea, hmmmm.....lol

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Has anyone checked with top banana.com in Lynch burg Va. When I visited there last year they had a pristine looking repro. Also they were in the process of getting a repro 73-74 bowtie . May want to check them out

they are also a forum vender.

Did not inquire of the price at that time.

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

I could'nt stand it. Its mine.

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

So is there a company that makes repros/sells originals? Or is this something we have to scavenge Ebay for? :lol:

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

I put a 73 grill on my truck a few years ago and had to make a bowtie out of aluminum. But, I would like to find one of those.....So are there any left?

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

The '73-'74 grilles (painted with chrome trim and painted) will be available very shortly (5-6 weeks). They are done and so is the "Bowtie"

Here's a shot of the painted version before the bowtie was applied and before the screw pads were painted black


Soon the center grille support and then the outer supports will also be available. We don't have any pricing yet from the manufacturer so we can't help there yet.

Here is the foil bowtie

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

the grilles will come with the bowtie already installed on them.......just an FYI

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

:metal:

Can't wait. I already have a 73-74 grille, but I will definitely be down for the supports when you get those ready.

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

bad photo but this is the new center grille support

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Thank you for the time and effort that went into this! I look forward to pricing information and I'm always up for a road trip to Lynchburg!

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Can a hampsterrod be passed off as a ratrod?

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Sure can, but getting the little wheel in there requires a ton of fab work!:smoke:

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

That's awesome!! I can't wait. So I'm assuming that the bowtie is available seperately?

Re: 73-74 bowtie
 

Tim told me that they will be available separately at a later date. The first ones available will be a grill with the Bowtie already installed.