Grille headaches

[chevyhed53]

Decided to replace the old, rusted body-color grille on my '56 with a chrome unit. Set the new chrome unit in place and wasn't happy with the gap on one side. Lower valance had about had it, too, so I bought a new one. Took everything apart again, and had to trim the valance a bit to get it to fit, but when I was done the bolt holes lined up nicely and the gaps between valance and fenders were nice. Only one problem--now the new chrome grill doesn't fit. The flanges at the top and sides get hung up and it just will not budge into place.
I figure that maybe if I loosen up the side bolts on the valance the fenders will move outward just enough to slide the new grille in, but I'm not optimistic. Any suggestions? Any tricks to setting the grille in right? The valance is from Eckler's and the grille from Brothers, but I think they're probably all from the same manufacturer. Appreciate any tips.
Thanks.
sr

[parkwood]

we had to loosen all the bolts around the grill to spread the fenders out to get the grill to slide in without tearing up the paint.. don't be afraid to loosen the bolts to get it in... helps to tape everything off too.. a buddy also helps..

[chevyhed53]

Thanks! I think that's what I'm going to have to do. Frustrating, because getting the lower valance to sit properly was not an easy task.

[oldcouple]

While you have it out, paint the back side with some rust preventer/reformer, the chrome grills eventually rust there and you can see it in the reflection on the cross bars.

[chevyhed53]

Good suggestion. Thanks!

[chevyhed53]

Got the grille in by loosening up the valance bolts and with a little elbow grease. Hood doesn't sit as well as it did before, but I will tackle that next!

[SCHRUMGMC]

Awesome paint and Grille !!!!!