71-71 grill question???

[Critter]

What exactly are the differences between the OE and “non OE” outer grills that venders sell for the 71-72s. The link below is a page from everyone’s favorite magazine but I have seen lots of dealers do it. For instance, item #1 shows an OE aluminum and a regular aluminum version. Is there a crease missing somewhere, a few bolt holes missing, different finish, etc? I’m very visual so a pic would be helpful if anyone has one. I’m not in the market for one at the moment, I am just curious more than anything.

http://www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/CB/full.aspx?Page=61

[Critter]

Nobody knows??? Is there an obvious footnote or something that I didn't see?

[Jtrux]

Price

[truckster]

I can't speak specifically about the outer grille, but I bought a non-OEM bumper for mine since it didn't have one when I bought it. I saved a pretty good bit of money, but the fit isn't quite right. The holes that join the bumper to the frame were off by a little bit, and the holes for mounting the turn signals didn't line up at all. It's also not the best quality finish, but it's better than no bumper.

[Critter]

NO ONE knows the difference???

[turp mcspray]

Oem is a GM grille. The other is aftermarket.

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Oem is a GM grille. The other is aftermarket.

He wants to know if there is a different in fitment, quaility, etc.

[Critter]

Originally Posted by Jtrux

He wants to know if there is a different in fitment, quaility, etc.

Yeah, what he said. Fit, finish, bolt hole location, different crease somewhere, etc.

[70rs/ss]

Yes, there is a difference. OE isn't necessarily made by GM (GM doesn't make these and hasn't for a long time other wise they'd be NOS), but could be approved by GM. Still a repop, but approved or even licensed by GM (think of it as a quality check, not up to our standards, no GM approval, licensure). Goodmark and some of the other suppliers of repop sheetmetal had the GM licensed replacement stamp on them, new metal made where ever but was officially licenced to carry the GM logo and in theory was held to GM's standards of quality in fit, finish and performance. The OE will be the better of the two and price should show that. But, now that I look at those, I think the OE in this case is actually an NOS part made by GM (or LMK is trying to convince folks that the GM approved part is as good as GM by jacking the price up $999 list sell $799!!), and the other is a repop. There are differences in quality, but a repop is OK, with some being better than others. The other two are steel and chrome instead of the OE aluminum, so I'd guess those may not be that great, as there are some pretty serious contors on the grill shell and steel isn't as maluable as aluminum. For a DD or a repaint, (read: not a show quality truck) the repop aluminum one would be OK and better than a 40 year old piece that is pitted, dented, etc, etc, but still may not "fit" like it should. I have seen some members here use them and the shells don't fit like they should and had some gaps where thay should mount tight and flush. I think OE off the assembly line was not perfect either, but some forget that!!

[turp mcspray]

Yes, like the previousy post said not even the factory stuff was perfect. Chevrolets were still assembly line built. Not hand built like a Rolls Royce. I have seen the repo grilles in person and they look very nice. I have a restoration shop (thats all I do) so I have seen LOTS of repo parts. I am very fussy about fit , finish, etc. A friend of mine also has a body shop and has used the repo grille on his own truck. He said that it fit good and would not hesitate to use one again. I hope this is of some help to you.

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by turp mcspray

Yes, like the previousy post said not even the factory stuff was perfect. Chevrolets were still assembly line built. Not hand built like a Rolls Royce. I have seen the repo grilles in person and they look very nice. I have a restoration shop (thats all I do) so I have seen LOTS of repo parts. I am very fussy about fit , finish, etc. A friend of mine also has a body shop and has used the repo grille on his own truck. He said that it fit good and would not hesitate to use one again. I hope this is of some help to you.

Very good to know.