Chrome or Aluminum 71-72 Grill?

[1971Stepside]

I am about to order my grill. I really like the look of the chrome repop grill. I've read some post from a few years back where they didn't fit very well. Has anything changed?

If you have one (or a new aluminum) please post pics so I can see fit and tell me what your experience has been with these.

Thanks,

[jondancer]

An aluminum egg crate grille? I haven’t seen them yet

[weshuseby]

I ordered a grill for a 67 GMC and was put on at mock-up we will be putting it on soon seemed to fit fine but I will post pics when it’s installed
Posted via Mobile Device

[1971Stepside]

An aluminum egg crate grille? I haven’t seen them yet

Sorry, I thought it would be implied the surround and not the egg crate. I'm looking for input on the chrome surrounds and not the egg crate.

[1971Stepside]

Anyone install a chrome 71-72 grill surround?

[646870SS]

Here is mine - original grille, I stripped and polished - trimmed in the black around headlights and the original insert. Had many scratches and very dull but no dings. Still has the original look, but more shine that the anodized version. Just have to keep up on the polishing of it - I redid all the trim this way as well and repainted black and found original NOS wood grain roll for bottom moldings at Charlotte Swap Meet last year.

[toolboxchev]

Originally Posted by 646870SS

Here is mine - original grille, I stripped and polished - trimmed in the black around headlights and the original insert. Had many scratches and very dull but no dings. Still has the original look, but more shine that the anodized version. Just have to keep up on the polishing of it - I redid all the trim this way as well and repainted black and found original NOS wood grain roll for bottom moldings at Charlotte Swap Meet last year.

Nice!

[sprint_9]

Originally Posted by 1971Stepside

Anyone install a chrome 71-72 grill surround?

Ive done one and Im pretty sure knomadd has one as well.

[1971Stepside]

So Sprint...you would do the chrome again over the aluminum? thanks,

[chewychevy67]

Is the Chrome one steel or aluminium chromed over? If aluminum how is the Chrome holding up on it? I was thinking about getting my side mouldings chromed.

[toolboxchev]

Oh who is it, take a look at his Orange and White Cream Puff.

Curtb1971, awesome member, has the Chrome one on his truck.

[sprint_9]

Yes I would do the chrome again. I like the look it gives a little more than aluminum, but the one above looks fantastic.

I had the joy of having both an aftermarket aluminum and then later purchasing a chrome one. The aluminum one seemed pretty thin and was slightly damaged out of the box. The chrome one is steel, and feels like if it catches a rock it might hold up, hard to say though. They both fit equally poor from what I could tell, both seemed like they were off in the same areas and in the same way, so probably more than likely stamped with the same equipment. The aluminum would probably install easier since it is so flimsy.

The chrome itself is ok, probably average I suppose, not anywhere as nice as my re-chromed Goodmark bumpers. I would rate the chrome on my bumpers as excellent though. Given the quality I have some longevity concerns, but in my case my truck is more of a toy so it wont see any weather and I plan to use a sealant on it. I haven't had it long enough to have any actual longevity info though.

[1971Stepside]

Thanks Sprint. It does look great. Like you, I'm building a sunny day truck and was just worried about fit since I already have repop fenders. I'll get one and see how much work it is going to be.