Billet grilles? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jr2 · 04-20-2006, 11:55 AM

OK.. I have a problem (not me my truck

).... I think??

I bought one of the "brand new" billet grilles for my '78 from ebay about 6 months ago. When it arrived I checked the box for damage, cracked open the end of the box and slid the piece out about 1/2 way. Everything looked like brand new so I slid it back in the box and put it on the shelf for later.

Well, now is later. I pulled the grille out of the box and proceeded to install on the truck. This is where the problem is. I believe I have received a grille for an 81-87? It has about a 3-4 degree bend in the middle of the grille? Because of this bend it does not look right nor fit properly in the grille opening? I thought all grilles for 73-80 were completely "flat"? No curves, no bends or anything?

Am I crazy or is this the wrong grille? I have emailed and called the vendor which I purchased this from and they deny that it is incorrect. I have offered to pay the difference in shipping to have the correct grille shipped/swapped to me but I think I am being stonewalled. I do have a reference picture/auction from someone else selling the same "bent" grille and stating that it will fit a 73-80 pickup.

Anyone ever used one? Especially on a 73-80? Did I get burned? Should I just cut my losses and sell it off and buy the correct one?

Thanks,

bigblock73 · 04-20-2006, 12:25 PM

I have seen some grills like you are referring to advertised, and they did state that they had a bend in the middle. I always thought that was odd, but never questioned it.

I believe you have the right grill, just not one you care for.

I have seen flat grills out there, I just don't remember who made it/them.

jr2 · 04-20-2006, 12:54 PM

I can't find one yet that states anything about a bend in the middle. Not that there might be one I still find this kinda shady...It doesn't fit at all and never would? I'll weigh my options, maybe stick it in and take a pic for you guys to judge and go from there.. Thanks for the reply Big

Prerunner1982 · 04-21-2006, 03:07 PM

posting a pic might help as well...

jr2 · 04-21-2006, 03:19 PM

Well since the cab is under wraps waiting for the bed to be finished? I'll put these pics up. They're not the best (camera phone) but they'll have to do until l can get some better shots later.

As you can see from this pic. The "curve or bend" of the grille does not fit a 73-80 front clip. There is no curve to the grille area whatsoever? So the center pokes forward and the furthermost left & right ends are recessed into the grille area. You can also see the gap it creates at the top center.

And here you can see (try to look around the distortion from the light) that the grille pokes forward in the center like a 81-87 so it would never fit properly. Flush with the grille surround.

I can edit the images and insert arrows pointing to what I am trying to show but I think you can see it pretty clearly.

Prerunner1982 · 04-21-2006, 04:07 PM

well its not an 81-87 because the one you posted seems to have rounded corners at the bottom, which 81-87s dont.. that doesnt look right though..

jr2 · 04-21-2006, 04:56 PM

So now you see what I'm saying? Somehow it's like a cross breed? 73-80 fit w/ a 81-87 curve to it?

And thanks BTW.

I didn't know the 81-87's didn't have rounded corners? Never payed much attention to that.

cliffsta · 04-21-2006, 05:12 PM

Are you taking in to consideration the grill trim? IIRC the grill trim is thicker at the middle... lemme go outside and look...

...ok the black panel in front of the rad support is curved, and the grille trim curves along this curve...

..Here's a picture (albeit low quality, sorry)

OK so that picture sucks worse than I thought, I have one of my factory grilles sitting on the ground, they have a curve.

I hope this helps, I know I'm a $hitty photographer :-x

jr2 · 04-21-2006, 05:21 PM

My grille opening is perfectly flat.The trim is perfectly straight and fits right on the grille opening.

Bad Karma · 04-21-2006, 07:00 PM

My billet grille looks just like yours. I got one of the 4Wheel Parts blowout ones for like $45. I would prefer a flat grille, but it doesn't look bad to me. I have mine adjusted so it sits as far back as it can. I think once you get the trim installed it will look better. Sorry, no pics of mine right now...

**AspecialZ** · 04-21-2006, 10:56 PM

you need to call trenz billit

Chevrolet4x4s · 04-22-2006, 05:33 PM

Drive over it and straighten it out

Shane

jr2 · 04-24-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bad Karma

My billet grille looks just like yours. I got one of the 4Wheel Parts blowout ones for like $45. I would prefer a flat grille, but it doesn't look bad to me. I have mine adjusted so it sits as far back as it can. I think once you get the trim installed it will look better. Sorry, no pics of mine right now...

Well at least I know I'm not crazy

. I'll see how we go when I get to slappin it in there. Maybe I'll just run it over a few times to make it fit?

Thanks Shane!

I got the rest of the truck painted on Friday night (Up til 2AM) So I should get to start puttin it together by the end of the week. We'll see how we go.

boxrodz · 04-29-2006, 02:03 AM

A little late, but your grille may not be too noticeable once you button everything up. Check out the grille on this truck.

BTW, how's everything coming along?

nivimar · 04-29-2006, 02:16 AM

I know it's to late but i would wacth buying on e-bay,I'm getting mine from summit.hey send me some picks of that stepside.I have the same paint scheme and mine is a 1976.

jr2 · 05-02-2006, 02:31 PM

Well...

I put the grille back in now that the paint is all done..(Well almost, I forgot the rear bed crossrail section??) I have forced it to fit a little better. It still does not fit correctly but yes Rodz, it will most likely fly when the trim and the rest is in place. I am just not satisified with the fit at all. Maybe I'm a perfectionist but??? Had I known they fit like that I would have bought a stocker. I have more updated pics of the truck but unfortunately I left them home today. I'll bring em into work and post em up tomorrow hopefully.

I have the complete harness all cleaned up and put back in the truck. I lucked out and it has not had any "customizing" done to it

. I have the steerig column, battery box, heater box, grille, headlight buckets and front bumper all installed. Remember the chassis and drivetrain is already completed.

I am going to ask for some more info in another thread. Bed wood? I am going to make my own so I need some specs.

nivimar-
I'll hook you up with some pics later but for now check these threads: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=192835
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=173172

Thanks guys! As usual you are all very helpful. I appreciate it very much!!
It's nice to know there are still some do'ers still in this world!

Bottoms up!!!

04-20-2006, 11:55 AM	#1
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Billet grilles? OK.. I have a problem (not me my truck ).... I think?? I bought one of the "brand new" billet grilles for my '78 from ebay about 6 months ago. When it arrived I checked the box for damage, cracked open the end of the box and slid the piece out about 1/2 way. Everything looked like brand new so I slid it back in the box and put it on the shelf for later. Well, now is later. I pulled the grille out of the box and proceeded to install on the truck. This is where the problem is. I believe I have received a grille for an 81-87? It has about a 3-4 degree bend in the middle of the grille? Because of this bend it does not look right nor fit properly in the grille opening? I thought all grilles for 73-80 were completely "flat"? No curves, no bends or anything? Am I crazy or is this the wrong grille? I have emailed and called the vendor which I purchased this from and they deny that it is incorrect. I have offered to pay the difference in shipping to have the correct grille shipped/swapped to me but I think I am being stonewalled. I do have a reference picture/auction from someone else selling the same "bent" grille and stating that it will fit a 73-80 pickup. Anyone ever used one? Especially on a 73-80? Did I get burned? Should I just cut my losses and sell it off and buy the correct one? Thanks, __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others...

04-20-2006, 12:25 PM	#2
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: Billet grilles? I have seen some grills like you are referring to advertised, and they did state that they had a bend in the middle. I always thought that was odd, but never questioned it. I believe you have the right grill, just not one you care for. I have seen flat grills out there, I just don't remember who made it/them. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

04-20-2006, 12:54 PM	#3
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Re: Billet grilles? I can't find one yet that states anything about a bend in the middle. Not that there might be one I still find this kinda shady...It doesn't fit at all and never would? I'll weigh my options, maybe stick it in and take a pic for you guys to judge and go from there.. Thanks for the reply Big __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others...

04-21-2006, 03:07 PM	#4
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: Billet grilles? posting a pic might help as well... __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

04-21-2006, 03:19 PM	#5
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Re: Billet grilles? Well since the cab is under wraps waiting for the bed to be finished? I'll put these pics up. They're not the best (camera phone) but they'll have to do until l can get some better shots later. As you can see from this pic. The "curve or bend" of the grille does not fit a 73-80 front clip. There is no curve to the grille area whatsoever? So the center pokes forward and the furthermost left & right ends are recessed into the grille area. You can also see the gap it creates at the top center. And here you can see (try to look around the distortion from the light) that the grille pokes forward in the center like a 81-87 so it would never fit properly. Flush with the grille surround. I can edit the images and insert arrows pointing to what I am trying to show but I think you can see it pretty clearly. __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others...

04-21-2006, 04:07 PM	#6
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	Re: Billet grilles? well its not an 81-87 because the one you posted seems to have rounded corners at the bottom, which 81-87s dont.. that doesnt look right though.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

04-21-2006, 04:56 PM	#7
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Re: Billet grilles? So now you see what I'm saying? Somehow it's like a cross breed? 73-80 fit w/ a 81-87 curve to it? And thanks BTW. I didn't know the 81-87's didn't have rounded corners? Never payed much attention to that. __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others... Last edited by jr2; 04-21-2006 at 04:58 PM.

04-21-2006, 05:12 PM	#8
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Re: Billet grilles? Are you taking in to consideration the grill trim? IIRC the grill trim is thicker at the middle... lemme go outside and look... ...ok the black panel in front of the rad support is curved, and the grille trim curves along this curve... ..Here's a picture (albeit low quality, sorry) OK so that picture sucks worse than I thought, I have one of my factory grilles sitting on the ground, they have a curve. I hope this helps, I know I'm a $hitty photographer :-x __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord Last edited by cliffsta; 04-21-2006 at 05:32 PM.

04-21-2006, 05:21 PM	#9
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Re: Billet grilles? My grille opening is perfectly flat.The trim is perfectly straight and fits right on the grille opening. __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others...

04-21-2006, 07:00 PM	#10
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Re: Billet grilles? My billet grille looks just like yours. I got one of the 4Wheel Parts blowout ones for like $45. I would prefer a flat grille, but it doesn't look bad to me. I have mine adjusted so it sits as far back as it can. I think once you get the trim installed it will look better. Sorry, no pics of mine right now... __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb

04-21-2006, 10:56 PM	#11
AspecialZ Street Rod Restoration Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wellsburg, WV Posts: 882	Re: Billet grilles? you need to call trenz billit __________________ Follow me on Instagram @ hot_rod_shop

04-22-2006, 05:33 PM	#12
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Billet grilles? Drive over it and straighten it out Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

04-29-2006, 02:03 AM	#14
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	Re: Billet grilles? A little late, but your grille may not be too noticeable once you button everything up. Check out the grille on this truck. BTW, how's everything coming along? Attached Images __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

04-29-2006, 02:16 AM	#15
nivimar Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: FRESNO Posts: 31	Re: Billet grilles? I know it's to late but i would wacth buying on e-bay,I'm getting mine from summit.hey send me some picks of that stepside.I have the same paint scheme and mine is a 1976.

05-02-2006, 02:31 PM	#16
jr2 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Snohomish,Washington Posts: 226	Re: Billet grilles? Well... I put the grille back in now that the paint is all done..(Well almost, I forgot the rear bed crossrail section??) I have forced it to fit a little better. It still does not fit correctly but yes Rodz, it will most likely fly when the trim and the rest is in place. I am just not satisified with the fit at all. Maybe I'm a perfectionist but??? Had I known they fit like that I would have bought a stocker. I have more updated pics of the truck but unfortunately I left them home today. I'll bring em into work and post em up tomorrow hopefully. I have the complete harness all cleaned up and put back in the truck. I lucked out and it has not had any "customizing" done to it . I have the steerig column, battery box, heater box, grille, headlight buckets and front bumper all installed. Remember the chassis and drivetrain is already completed. I am going to ask for some more info in another thread. Bed wood? I am going to make my own so I need some specs. nivimar- I'll hook you up with some pics later but for now check these threads: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=192835 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=173172 Thanks guys! As usual you are all very helpful. I appreciate it very much!! It's nice to know there are still some do'ers still in this world! Bottoms up!!! __________________ -John II "A Little's Good! A Lot's Better! & Too Much is Just Right!!" -1978 Chevy C10 Stepside 350/4sp/12 bolt -1967 Nova 2dr HT & a couple others... Last edited by jr2; 05-02-2006 at 04:57 PM.



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