What did my '73 grille originally look like? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Number21 · 10-23-2010, 05:36 AM

I'm trying to keep my '73 as original as possible. As you can see in the pic, my grille is a bit weathered looking. I'd like to try painting it before I spend a bunch of cash on a chrome one...but what color? It looks like it was originally painted silver, I think the entire truck was originally painted silver. Would the grille have been painted to match the color of the truck or were all the painted ones silver?

Do you think chrome spray paint would look like crap?

Also, what color was the bow tie...gold?

Restrorob · 10-23-2010, 05:48 AM

Like this NOS;

And no one has found a aftermarket vendor for that bowtie emblem as of yet......

A light gray paint would look better/closer to stock than chrome/silver IMO.

Number21 · 10-23-2010, 08:53 AM

Wow, that's nice. I'm going to see if maybe I can hand paint the bow tie or have a custom decal made.

Anybody have any thoughts on the best rattle can paint/primer for the plastic grille?

bigblock73 · 10-23-2010, 08:56 AM

There are 2 different grills, a painted one and a chrome one...restorobs is painted fwiw, your should be chrome.

babyJay · 10-23-2010, 09:17 AM

Dark Argent Silver is a close match, is what I was told when I posed the same question a few years ago. I ended up using a dark charcoal metallic from Rustoleum on mine, and I was surprised to see the color matched perfectly the new headlight bezels I put on from LMC. Here's a few pics, although mine's a 79 model.
These pics are of what it looked like right after I sprayed it.

And this is 3 years later...still stickin good.

Only problem is the cheap headlight retainers I bought from Advance Auto are rusting.

**N2TRUX** · 10-23-2010, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob

Like this NOS....

You know I just hate you and Jeff with those NOS grill pics....

Grande Rojo · 10-23-2010, 11:34 AM

I restored my 73 grill with a color called Argent. I painted it with a single stage paint, its held up well for the last 3 years. As far as the emblem. I had to cut it out of a piece of 1/4 Aluminum and painted it Chevy orange.

Number21 · 10-23-2010, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

restorobs is painted fwiw, your should be chrome.

Why do you say that? My grille looks a lot like Restrorob's, except about 40 years older.

Does anybody have a pic of the factory chrome 73-74 grille?

bigblock73 · 10-23-2010, 10:37 PM

Most two two tone trucks with the divinding trim had chrome grills, the painted ones were primarily for the base models. Here is a pic of my NOS grill on my 73. All the leading edges are chrome. In fact, the entire gril is chrome, with the argent painted over it.

xs-style · 10-23-2010, 10:55 PM

I thought there was a thread one time that showed the 73/74 grill in all chrome. As Bigblock73 said, all of them were chrome then painted. The thread talked about using aircraft stripper to do the job. I found this thread:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...craft+stripper

but it didnt show the 73/74 grill. Anyone have a link to the thread Im thinking of?

bigblock73 · 10-23-2010, 11:00 PM

I don't think ALL grills were chromed, I think the chromed grills were painted after...and the painted grills are just painted, no chrome application at all.

KQQL IT · 10-23-2010, 11:22 PM

I have two plain and one chrome and its peeling/bubbleing up

Number21 · 10-24-2010, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Most two two tone trucks with the divinding trim had chrome grills, the painted ones were primarily for the base models. Here is a pic of my NOS grill on my 73. All the leading edges are chrome. In fact, the entire gril is chrome, with the argent painted over it.

Interesting...I'm not sure if my truck was 2 tone from the factory or not. It did come with all the other chrome trim on everything else though, it does seem like a "Cheyenne Super" should have been chrome...

Is the factory chome grille plastic? Or dare I even ask...can a painted/plastic grille be chromed?

Also, does anybody know if the bowtie emblem stayed the same until at least 1979 or later? I think I'm going to try and have some decals made for both the '73 and '79.

Restrorob · 10-24-2010, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Number21

Is the factory chome grille plastic? Or dare I even ask...can a painted/plastic grille be chromed?

Also, does anybody know if the bowtie emblem stayed the same until at least 1979 or later? I think I'm going to try and have some decals made for both the '73 and '79.

The factory chrome grilles are plastic, If you could find someone to chrome one it would likely not be cost effective.....

To my knowledge in looking for the bowtie for my other two chrome grilles, The size of the bowtie changed after 74. Not saying the later couldn't be made to work but just not correct.

I bought the painted NOS because it was there and I'm de-chroming my truck anyway.....

HOTFUN · 10-24-2010, 10:19 AM

After checking again the 1973 and 1974 Chevrolet truck data ordering books, this is what I found. The chrome grille was an option for all models and not included in any of the packages and was not even included on the Cheyenne Super model. It was option code V22 for $20.The grille is exactly as Jeff described and has pictured NOS!(which I verified as I also have one in the box dated from about 1974) Another interesting note is even the chrome drip rails above the doors were an option on all models in 73-74. Mark

Number21 · 10-24-2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOTFUN

Another interesting note is even the chrome drip rails above the doors were an option on all models in 73-74. Mark

Ah ha! I knew something was funny with my drip rails...they have to be aftermarket. And I need new ones...

**69Tom** · 06-16-2020, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob

Like this NOS;

And no one has found a aftermarket vendor for that bowtie emblem as of yet......

A light gray paint would look better/closer to stock than chrome/silver IMO.

Old thread. Any way I could get these pics re-posted thanks to Photobucket? Thanks.

blazer2007 · 06-17-2020, 09:33 AM

AMD sent me a update on products and they have the grill and all the emblems now http://www.autometaldirect.com/amd-g...r-p-19057.html

**69Tom** · 06-17-2020, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazer2007

AMD sent me a update on products and they have the grill and all the emblems now http://www.autometaldirect.com/amd-g...r-p-19057.html

That's a 75-76 grille.

**MJN** · 06-17-2020, 11:18 AM

Classic Parts of America has the correct bowtie emblem for '73-74 grilles available. I got mine from Squarebody Syndicate last year when Classic Parts was out of stock. Just use contact cement to glue it in place.
https://www.classicparts.com/1973-74...ctinfo/59-337/

AMD also has the grilles and emblems available for '73/74 trucks
http://www.autometaldirect.com/grille-c-28.html

**69Tom** · 06-17-2020, 02:02 PM

Well I'll be damned. Had no idea. Was still under the impression they weren't reproduced. Anyone get one? They're not horrible in price.

http://www.autometaldirect.com/amd-g...y-p-19054.html

**MJN** · 06-17-2020, 02:09 PM

Looks like the chrome version is being reproduced as well- Classic Parts has them on the website but no photo for $189.95
https://www.classicparts.com/1973-74...ctinfo/61-224/

blazer2007 · 06-17-2020, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69Tom

That's a 75-76 grille.

sorry ,wrong e-mail they sent me. I save most of the stuff they send me, too early in the morning at that time

10-23-2010, 05:36 AM	#1
Number21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 611	What did my '73 grille originally look like? I'm trying to keep my '73 as original as possible. As you can see in the pic, my grille is a bit weathered looking. I'd like to try painting it before I spend a bunch of cash on a chrome one...but what color? It looks like it was originally painted silver, I think the entire truck was originally painted silver. Would the grille have been painted to match the color of the truck or were all the painted ones silver? Do you think chrome spray paint would look like crap? Also, what color was the bow tie...gold? __________________ '73 K20 Cheyenne Super Camper Special 350/TH350/NP205 sittin' on 33's. You can set my truck on fire and roll it down a hill, and I still wouldn't trade it for a Coupe de Ville.

10-23-2010, 05:48 AM	#2
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Like this NOS; And no one has found a aftermarket vendor for that bowtie emblem as of yet...... A light gray paint would look better/closer to stock than chrome/silver IMO. __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!* Last edited by Restrorob; 10-23-2010 at 05:56 AM.

10-23-2010, 08:53 AM	#3
Number21 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 611	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Wow, that's nice. I'm going to see if maybe I can hand paint the bow tie or have a custom decal made. Anybody have any thoughts on the best rattle can paint/primer for the plastic grille? __________________ '73 K20 Cheyenne Super Camper Special 350/TH350/NP205 sittin' on 33's. You can set my truck on fire and roll it down a hill, and I still wouldn't trade it for a Coupe de Ville.

10-23-2010, 08:56 AM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? There are 2 different grills, a painted one and a chrome one...restorobs is painted fwiw, your should be chrome. __________________ 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

10-23-2010, 09:17 AM	#5
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Dark Argent Silver is a close match, is what I was told when I posed the same question a few years ago. I ended up using a dark charcoal metallic from Rustoleum on mine, and I was surprised to see the color matched perfectly the new headlight bezels I put on from LMC. Here's a few pics, although mine's a 79 model. These pics are of what it looked like right after I sprayed it. And this is 3 years later...still stickin good. Only problem is the cheap headlight retainers I bought from Advance Auto are rusting. Attached Images __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

10-23-2010, 11:34 AM	#7
Grande Rojo paper or plastic? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: SW Missouri Posts: 671	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? I restored my 73 grill with a color called Argent. I painted it with a single stage paint, its held up well for the last 3 years. As far as the emblem. I had to cut it out of a piece of 1/4 Aluminum and painted it Chevy orange. Attached Images __________________ 1967 Chevy SWB 250 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=442157 1977 Chevy SWB 454 No More 454 getting 5.3 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=310518 1977 Stepside Truck of the month winner http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=135524 1965 Chevy C10 454 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=731372 1975 Dodge Power Wagon http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7871388

10-23-2010, 10:37 PM	#9
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Most two two tone trucks with the divinding trim had chrome grills, the painted ones were primarily for the base models. Here is a pic of my NOS grill on my 73. All the leading edges are chrome. In fact, the entire gril is chrome, with the argent painted over it. Attached Images __________________ 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

10-23-2010, 10:55 PM	#10
xs-style Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lawndale, NC Posts: 658	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? I thought there was a thread one time that showed the 73/74 grill in all chrome. As Bigblock73 said, all of them were chrome then painted. The thread talked about using aircraft stripper to do the job. I found this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...craft+stripper but it didnt show the 73/74 grill. Anyone have a link to the thread Im thinking of? __________________ 1978 Scottsdale - celebrating 10 years of teaching me profanity 1990 Silverado - bought in Nov. 2016 and it's already catching up - Sold 1987 k5 blazer - sold... :\ seed money for the 81 1981 k20 4x4 - 5.3 swap in progress Events attended: Spring GOG 2011 Dale JR car show Summer 2012 Gathering at Tommys pickup parts

10-23-2010, 11:00 PM	#11
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? I don't think ALL grills were chromed, I think the chromed grills were painted after...and the painted grills are just painted, no chrome application at all. __________________ 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

10-23-2010, 11:22 PM	#12
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,200	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? I have two plain and one chrome and its peeling/bubbleing up __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

10-24-2010, 10:19 AM	#15
HOTFUN Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 2,145	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? After checking again the 1973 and 1974 Chevrolet truck data ordering books, this is what I found. The chrome grille was an option for all models and not included in any of the packages and was not even included on the Cheyenne Super model. It was option code V22 for $20.The grille is exactly as Jeff described and has pictured NOS!(which I verified as I also have one in the box dated from about 1974) Another interesting note is even the chrome drip rails above the doors were an option on all models in 73-74. Mark __________________ '66 CST BBW swb fleet 327 fac ac '67 CST 4x4 swb 327 stepside project '72 Cheyenne K20 50k original '72 Cheyenne Super K20 project '73 Sierra swb 4x4 frame off in paint stage '74 Cheyenne Super swb w/16k actual '71 & 72 Cheyenne K10 4x4 swb's '70 426 HEMICUDA conv SHAKER 4 sp Dana 60 '60 Impala conv 327 PG fac ac loaded 3rd owner '72 GMC K2500 4x4 '59 Apache CST BBW fleetside swb 283 '73 ElCamino SS LS1 T56 true SS bucket tach '76 ElCamino SS 52k survivor '87 Grand National 41k True 2nd to last built in 1987. '86 K30 454 SRW fleetside CA since new '88 Trans Am GTA 39k bought new 2018 DEMON plum crazy @ 840HP! "Need for speed" Last edited by HOTFUN; 10-24-2010 at 10:20 AM.

06-17-2020, 09:33 AM	#18
blazer2007 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: vernon b.c. Posts: 3,022	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? AMD sent me a update on products and they have the grill and all the emblems now http://www.autometaldirect.com/amd-g...r-p-19057.html

06-17-2020, 11:18 AM	#20
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 2,992	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Classic Parts of America has the correct bowtie emblem for '73-74 grilles available. I got mine from Squarebody Syndicate last year when Classic Parts was out of stock. Just use contact cement to glue it in place. https://www.classicparts.com/1973-74...ctinfo/59-337/ AMD also has the grilles and emblems available for '73/74 trucks http://www.autometaldirect.com/grille-c-28.html __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

06-17-2020, 02:02 PM	#21
69Tom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 1,335	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Well I'll be damned. Had no idea. Was still under the impression they weren't reproduced. Anyone get one? They're not horrible in price. http://www.autometaldirect.com/amd-g...y-p-19054.html

06-17-2020, 02:09 PM	#22
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 2,992	Re: What did my '73 grille originally look like? Looks like the chrome version is being reproduced as well- Classic Parts has them on the website but no photo for $189.95 https://www.classicparts.com/1973-74...ctinfo/61-224/ __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com



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