Question for those with chrome/billet grills

[NevadaDVX]

I've got a Tri-Plus complete billet grill assembly with steel chrome frame for my 71. The grill did not come with any hardware, although I heard it was supposed to. I purchased it well over a year ago, so it's too late to do much about it from the vendor I got it from.

Anyway, I got the grill brackets mounted, but need to figure out how to make an extension for the hood latch. Pics would really help if anyone has one of these.

Oh, and I am very dissappointed in this thing considering it ran almost $600 shipped. The chrome is peeling off the top and lower edges, not to mention the missing hardware.

[NevadaDVX]

Anyone? I know there are a lot of guys on this forum with this grill.

[NevadaDVX]

Dang! Nobody has one of these grills and can describe how the hood latch works???

This is the same grill I have.........

[Andy4639]

I took and made it where I can just get my fingers between the bars and open the hood. Most people can't though which is a good thing.

[Tim Christian]

It should of came with the T-Bar that mounts to your hood latch handle. What other hardware was you looking for? Also if you don't mind me asking were did you buy it? Thanks Tim

[NevadaDVX]

Originally Posted by Tim Christian

It should of came with the T-Bar that mounts to your hood latch handle. What other hardware was you looking for? Also if you don't mind me asking were did you buy it? Thanks Tim

Tim, I had Wes at ClassicHeartbeat order it for me about a year and a half ago. I opened the box at that time to see what it looked like, but never took it out. It did not come with anything whatsoever except the grill, which I did not find out until I was ready to assemble it. I had to go to the hardware store and come up with some fake looking aluminum rivets for above and below the headlights. Plus I added stainless philips screws for the upper and lower portions of the side brackets. That all turned out fine.

I had called Wes when I found there was no hardware in the box a couple of weeks ago, and he said he usually comes up with his own anyway because the stuff that comes with it is cheap. He also said he makes his own latch extension. But I have no idea how the hood latch is supposed to work, which is why I started the thread. I don't have the truck here at the moment, as it is getting painted. I wanted to have everything ready to assemble when I get it back in the next couple of days.

The thing that really gets me about this, is while I was cleaning the protective film of grease off it, the chrome started peeling at the top, and a small bit on the bottom. I did not know this until after I talked to Wes about the hardware. But I doubt he can do anything now anyway. Either way, it is VERY disappointing. Hopefully the bumper will hide the lower portion, and the upper part won't be seen unless the hood is open, but it is a fairly large section and most likely will get worse.

Don

[Lemield]

Originally Posted by NevadaDVX

I've got a Tri-Plus complete billet grill assembly with steel chrome frame for my 71. The grill did not come with any hardware, although I heard it was supposed to. I purchased it well over a year ago, so it's too late to do much about it from the vendor I got it from.

Anyway, I got the grill brackets mounted, but need to figure out how to make an extension for the hood latch. Pics would really help if anyone has one of these.

Oh, and I am very dissappointed in this thing considering it ran almost $600 shipped. The chrome is peeling off the top and lower edges, not to mention the missing hardware.

I put a billet grille in my 1970 CST....I HATED the handle that was supplied in the kit and decided to make a cable operated hood release....here is a link to what I did....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445343

[Classic Heartbeat]

Don, I don't remember you saying anything about the pealing chrome. As for the hardware, I explained that the grill does not come with mounting hardware, I explained that I use stainless machine screws to mount these grills, because they look better than rivettes. I also explained to you that the grill comes with a "T" bar, but because it had been over a year I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. Too much time had passed. I explained to you how I make them and what you needed to buy at your local hardware store. Had you mentioned that the grill was peeling at that time I would have told you the grill is warranteed and would have made arangements with you to pick that grill up and have another one shipped to you.

Now, I have called Key Parts, and they will warrantee the grill, however I was also told they were out of stock at this time. Probably 6 weaks or so before they get any in. They do have the grills with 8mm bars in stock though. I do have another idea in order for you to be able to use the 4mm grill insert, but I will have to get that approved once I open my shop. You can call me after 9:00 am and we will work this out. WES

[Lemield]

Yet another example of how Wes takes care of his customers!

[NevadaDVX]

Thanks Wes. As I stated above, I did not know about the peeling chrome until after I talked to you and was just going to live with it, because I knew it was out of warranty. I noticed it after I had the brackets on and I was cleaning the protective grease film off with mild degreaser. I wiped the upper area and a large section of chrome just rolled up as well as a small section on the bottom. Like I said, this happened after I talked to you.
Yes, you did explain the "t-bar" thing. I was just hoping I could get someone on here to post a pic of what it should look like, how long it is, etc, to give me an idea or ideas of what to make.
I just got home from work and not sure if you are open on Saturdays, but will give you a call in the AM. For the record, this post is not a bash against you or your business which is why I never mentioned you until asked. You obviously have no control over parts issues as does any vendor. I am in the automotive trade as a body tech and realize how aftermarket parts can be difficult at times. Anyway, talk to you soon. Thanks again

Don

[Classic Heartbeat]

No offence was taken, and I saw you hadn't mentioned our company. I usualy don't handle problems on the board, but my company was name was mentioned. So I was left with no choice. I'll talk to you in the morning. WES

[FRENCHBLUE72]

And yet another reason why I only shop with wes, although it has been awhile..