Need advice about 69 grill (replace or restore)

[BrianG]

I could use some good advice and even some pics please.

The rebuild of my 69 should be happening this spring. I have an okay grill, but it does have a few dings and several scratches. It would be fine for a patina look, but I'm worried, that it will look like I went on the cheap with a new clean body and a not so new grill. I've read on here about stripping off the anodizing and sanding the scratches out and buffing them, and I'm sure I could get it looking better by doing this, but that frankly sort of worries me. I don't think I'd do too well with the dings and I'm not so certain how long they still look nice without clear coat, which I'd rather not do. (so, I suppose that could be question number one):

1. without a clear coat, how well do these stay clean and brite after the anodizing is stripped and they are polished up.

my other option would be buying a new one. I know that the new ones, have a slightly different look than my original.

2. Does anyone have any pics of one of the new ones with lettering installed.

I know the major difference is between the marker light and the headlight.

3. Are their any other differences in the new grills, and how is the quality in them compared to factory original (first style)?