Need advice about 69 grill (replace or restore)

[BrianG]

I could use some good advice and even some pics please.

The rebuild of my 69 should be happening this spring. I have an okay grill, but it does have a few dings and several scratches. It would be fine for a patina look, but I'm worried, that it will look like I went on the cheap with a new clean body and a not so new grill. I've read on here about stripping off the anodizing and sanding the scratches out and buffing them, and I'm sure I could get it looking better by doing this, but that frankly sort of worries me. I don't think I'd do too well with the dings and I'm not so certain how long they still look nice without clear coat, which I'd rather not do. (so, I suppose that could be question number one):

1. without a clear coat, how well do these stay clean and brite after the anodizing is stripped and they are polished up.

my other option would be buying a new one. I know that the new ones, have a slightly different look than my original.

2. Does anyone have any pics of one of the new ones with lettering installed.

I know the major difference is between the marker light and the headlight.

3. Are their any other differences in the new grills, and how is the quality in them compared to factory original (first style)?

[leftybass209]

I'm in the same boat but I decided I'm going to have my original restored. It seems easier to buy an aftermarket grill and be done with it, but they just scream aftermarket with the different cross bar stamping, not that it's a bad thing. Good luck with your decision!

[leddzepp]

Have your original restored, it will run less than a repop and look a whole lot better.

[WIDESIDE72]

This has been covered a few times on the board. You can find a lot by searching the forum. I stripped an oem 72 surround for my stepside. You will have to polish it periodically. I bought a kit from eastwood that fits in a drill. I believe it was around $40.

Btw be ready for sticker shock. The repro 69-70 are even more expensive than the 71-72.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Have your original restored, it will run less than a repop and look a whole lot better.

I've thought about having someone else do it, but honestly don't have a clue who to send it to. Is there a board vender/member that does this sort of thing? or are you suggesting that I just try to find someone local to me?

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by WIDESIDE72

This has been covered a few times on the board. You can find a lot by searching the forum. I stripped an oem 72 surround for my stepside. You will have to polish it periodically. I bought a kit from eastwood that fits in a drill. I believe it was around $40.

Btw be ready for sticker shock. The repro 69-70 are even more expensive than the 71-72.

I know that they are pricey, but honestly what's another 600 bucks or so when I've go this much already in to it? It's not that I have a money tree or anything, but I just want the finished product to look good. That's why I'm wondering which way to go. I wan't to make sure that if I decide to buy a new one that they look at least very close to original and that they are not something really cheaply made that I'll regret spending my money on.

[cheyenne shortstep]

I can spot a repop grille a mile away and they look and fit like crud. The restoration hobby has lost the whole restoration part, now you just open a catalog and buy new parts. You will get more satisfaction doing it yourself, get an old beat grille and practice with a hammer and dolly before tackling your grille.

[oldcane]

I'll be trying to knock dings out of mine in the near future. I guess I'll do some searching for how it's done and how the finish is done. Mine is a custom grill. The guy before painted over the shiny finish. Nice.

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by cheyenne shortstep

I can spot a repop grille a mile away and they look and fit like crud. The restoration hobby has lost the whole restoration part, now you just open a catalog and buy new parts. You will get more satisfaction doing it yourself, get an old beat grille and practice with a hammer and dolly before tackling your grille.

Thank you for the input. I appreciate your comments

Does anyone have any clear pictures of a repop installed on a finished project. 69-70 style only.

[john]

Here's a lettered chevy grill, comes in a GM box for a good price.
http://www.classicparts.com/1969-70-.../#.UwKv0YXN7vZ

[ItsRandy]

Originally Posted by BrianG

Thank you for the input. I appreciate your comments

Does anyone have any clear pictures of a repop installed on a finished project. 69-70 style only.

This is a repop grill without lettering. I'm happy with it.

[Fldawg]

Originally Posted by BrianG

I could use some good advice and even some pics please.

The rebuild of my 69 should be happening this spring. I have an okay grill, but it does have a few dings and several scratches. It would be fine for a patina look, but I'm worried, that it will look like I went on the cheap with a new clean body and a not so new grill. I've read on here about stripping off the anodizing and sanding the scratches out and buffing them, and I'm sure I could get it looking better by doing this, but that frankly sort of worries me. I don't think I'd do too well with the dings and I'm not so certain how long they still look nice without clear coat, which I'd rather not do. (so, I suppose that could be question number one):

1. without a clear coat, how well do these stay clean and brite after the anodizing is stripped and they are polished up.

my other option would be buying a new one. I know that the new ones, have a slightly different look than my original.

2. Does anyone have any pics of one of the new ones with lettering installed.

I know the major difference is between the marker light and the headlight.

3. Are their any other differences in the new grills, and how is the quality in them compared to factory original (first style)?

here's a new gm with billet insert

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by Fldawg

here's a new gm with billet insert

Looks really nice. Thanks for the pic. I like the billet insert also!

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by ItsRandy

This is a repop grill without lettering. I'm happy with it.

Thank you for the pic. Did you reuse your black headlight bezels, or paint a stainless/aluminum set?

[pwdcougar]

Originally Posted by john

Here's a lettered chevy grill, comes in a GM box for a good price.
http://www.classicparts.com/1969-70-.../#.UwKv0YXN7vZ

That is a decent price. Have you used one of these? I'm annoyed. The grill on my 70 is perfect except for where it is smashed on one corner.

Paul

[BrianG]

Originally Posted by john

Here's a lettered chevy grill, comes in a GM box for a good price.
http://www.classicparts.com/1969-70-.../#.UwKv0YXN7vZ

Strange, didn't see this yesterday for some reason.

Yes, that is a very good price. Think I may be ordering one. Thanks!

[john]

Here's a satisfied customer who bought one, with pics.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577263