Billet Grilles

[SRH916]

I am thinking of buying a billet grille from LMCtruck.com, but as I was thinking about it, how will I be able to open the hood, it doesn't look like there is an opening for it. Do the grilles sit back farther than the stock ones? Is there something I am missing here? If anyone could help me understand it would be great. Thanks!

[69face]

no there are no openings. it is a pain in the fingers(literally) my fingers get scratched up everytime i try and open the hood and eventually the grilles get bowed up or down however you have to maneuver them to get your fingers in. but daggumet they are just gorgeous. it's a win/loose.

[N2TRUX]

Sounds like you need to mod the latch so you can get to the release.

[Pyrotechnic]

Or go to the junkyard and get parts for an in the cab hood release setup.

[tvblazer78]

Ken hit it right on the head, I made my latch release a little longer so I can use the end of my fingers to open it. works good..

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Sounds like you need to mod the latch so you can get to the release.

[wildmanaaron]

Those billet grilles that LMC has can be bought a lot of other places for a lot cheaper! Those grilles on eBay that are made in Taiwan are just as good in my opinion.

[xtreme80]

I had no problem getting my hand in between mine to get to the latch. In fact, I'll sell it to you if you want. I got a new grille.

[Ivan D.]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Or go to the junkyard and get parts for an in the cab hood release setup.

How does that work? My truck has that listed on the build sheet, option #1T44 - INSIDE HOOD RELEASE, and all I got is the lever with cable to pull on to release the main latch, I still have to put my hand through the grille to release the safety-hook latch, which I imagine won't be fun with a billet piece right in the way...

[xtreme80]

Originally Posted by Ivan D.

How does that work? My truck has that listed on the build sheet, option #1T44 - INSIDE HOOD RELEASE, and all I got is the lever with cable to pull on to release the main latch, I still have to put my hand through the grille to release the safety-hook latch, which I imagine won't be fun with a billet piece right in the way...

That's exactly how it works. Anything with a safety latch will still require you to pop it from under the hood/grille area. I suppose you could cut off the safety latch, but it could save your hood one day.

[Pyrotechnic]

Really ? I had assumed that with an inside hood release that the safety release lever would be under the hood, so once you popped it, you just stick you fingers in the gap you just created and unlatch it, just like a lot of newer cars.

Of course, I just assumed this...which is the problem...my mistake. Never had a truck with an inside release.

[xtreme80]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Really ? I had assumed that with an inside hood release that the safety release lever would be under the hood, so once you popped it, you just stick you fingers in the gap you just created and unlatch it, just like a lot of newer cars.

Of course, I just assumed this...which is the problem...my mistake. Never had a truck with an inside release.

Neither have I, and mine was also an assumption, given the style of the hood latches on these trucks. You may be right man, I don't know for sure.

[sighlurr]

Originally Posted by xtreme80

I had no problem getting my hand in between mine to get to the latch. In fact, I'll sell it to you if you want. I got a new grille.

There's a big difference with the bar grilles, or tube grilles, and the much thinner billets.

[Ivan D.]

Originally Posted by Pyrotechnic

Really ? I had assumed that with an inside hood release that the safety release lever would be under the hood, so once you popped it, you just stick you fingers in the gap you just created and unlatch it, just like a lot of newer cars.

Nah man, tis still behind the grille, I guess I can modify it to open between the hood and the front clip by cutting off then re-welding the handle up higher, but tis more work that tis worth for me right now

Of course, I just assumed this...which is the problem...my mistake. Never had a truck with an inside release.

How do y'all open yer hoods is there a lever or something y'all yank of through the grille?

[SRH916]

yeah, there is a lever i have to push up on through the grille. i cant see how i would be able to reach it with a billet grille though. oh i have a 1975 chevy btw.

What would be needed for an in cab release, if i had one of those, im sure i would be able to make something to get around the problem.

[smills78gmc]

Some billet grilles come with a rod you install that allows you to open it from the bottom. Mine came with 2 rods, it gives you the option to open it from the left or the right. I think there is some drilling invovled.

[bmartin9122]

Originally Posted by smills78gmc

Some billet grilles come with a rod you install that allows you to open it from the bottom. Mine came with 2 rods, it gives you the option to open it from the left or the right. I think there is some drilling invovled.

Yup. Here is mine. It is made by Carriage Works. (see sig for link)


you can see the rod extension (part of grill kit) hooked into the OEM latch:


intermediate rod bracket: