How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**DANTIP** · 01-02-2016, 07:49 PM

I bought a '72 outer grille and it did come in a GM box. The grille is almost too good to believe. What are the differences between a GM and a reproduction? Pics may help. Thx!

Dan

dazza · 01-02-2016, 10:54 PM

So you think it may be a repop? I have a couple NOS, (or so I was told when puchased), both in GM boxes as well but don't remember if I ever really found a way to confirm it.

Spartan · 01-02-2016, 11:15 PM

Not sure on this and would like to know.

All nos parts I have bought had some sort of marking, part number, or date code. Usually made in USA as well.

**basketcase** · 01-03-2016, 12:52 AM

I also have 1 NOS GM outer. Never had the chance to inspect a repop.

Tom

**Blue/72** · 01-03-2016, 03:18 AM

I was told that NOS ones will have a part number (on my 72 outer it is on the top drivers side on the flat surface that the latch bolts to) and that repop ones will not have a part number and possibly have a bar code/sticker instead of a stamped part number

dazza · 01-03-2016, 05:03 AM

My CDO got the best of me and I had to pull mine down and have a look...

Neither of the new ones nor my original have a part number on them. I bought mine from two different people, both came in GM boxes and both are identical.

At one time I had a NOS front bumper and there was no stamped p/n on it, just a GM sticker with the p/n, barely holding on by some ancient adhesive.

Blue/72 - can you post a pic of the part number location? no worries if not, just curious.

All in all, it's (N)ew to me, definitely (O)ld, and a (S)tock part, so I'm good with it.

Top center near latch:

**basketcase** · 01-04-2016, 02:07 PM

Mine doesn't have any part number sticker either. It was purchased 10-12 years ago, maybe a little more, from the local Chevy dealer. Bought a 69/70 inner and outer at the same time. Both came in GM boxes from the GM parts warehouse.

Tom

67ChevyRedneck · 01-04-2016, 02:17 PM

Put it on the truck... seriously... I have yet to see a 69-72 repop grille fit correctly over the fenders out of the box.

Doesn't mean NOS will either... but the fit of some of the repop grilles is pretty bad.

cypressbog · 01-04-2016, 02:25 PM

You need to compare apples to apples. Factory GM made replacement grilles are real tough to find, while the aftermarket parts sold as GM Restoration Parts in the 1990's and 2000's are a complete different thing.

67swb72klb · 01-04-2016, 02:38 PM

I agree with Redneck i have put a few NOS ones over the years and never a problem with fit

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 04-18-2025, 07:31 PM

I wonder if anyone has compared the look and feel between a quality reproduction and OEM outer grille?

I installed an NOS, and while it came in a nice box, I don't recall a sticker. I'll have to look for that for its "annual detail" soon. Perhaps newer GM didn't have one.

The grille is exactly like my old one. Fit well, less I had to bend the grille's bottom flange a pinch on one side, to mount to the bracket, and perhaps a pinch on the flat portion next to the fender's lower front. FWW, I also shimmed the grille brackets bottoms with a flat washer each to add clearance away from the lower front fenders.

The original grille actually sat on top of the lower fender's edge

Be easier if repops were stamped

OEM bumpers weren't stamped either, at least not to my knowledge, but I've seen a front and a rear chrome repop from two different places, and both were stamped. Dummies actually stamped the rear one's lower EXTERIOR, about 3/8" tall. Beautiful bumper otherwise, as heavy as OEM too. It was sold as Goodmark's top shelf ("A"). Returned as a reject.

**Orefactory4x4 swb** · 04-18-2025, 10:24 PM

Dang, you guys put a lot of thought into these, I put my grill on and it fit great. Nos is nice, but I definitely don’t lose sleep over it. As long as I’m going down the road I’m happy
I am happy most of my truck is factory, definitely bolts up easily

Lokin4AReason · 04-18-2025, 10:51 PM

nos usually have some kind of markings or stampings on them
along with some kind of reference or part number associated with them
.
as for the aftermarket , its a hit and miss with them , imo
all the ones i have worked on or the shops that dealt with restoration in using the bits n pieces or parts , have to modify them one way or another
.
its rare for them to fit with any work on them from what i have noticed

just depend(s) at what you can afford or want in putting you project together

**71CHEVYSHORTBED402** · 04-19-2025, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lokin4AReason

nos usually have some kind of markings or stampings on them
along with some kind of reference or part number associated with them
.
as for the aftermarket , its a hit and miss with them , imo
all the ones i have worked on or the shops that dealt with restoration in using the bits n pieces or parts , have to modify them one way or another
.
its rare for them to fit with any work on them from what i have noticed

just depend(s) at what you can afford or want in putting you project together

Are you saying you've seen an outer GM grille(s) with a casting stamp? Can you describe where and what, picture, year(s)? To my knowledge they had a label, if anything at all. Speaking for 71-72, yeah, the inner has a part number casted, and a letter if memory is right.

**lolife99** · 04-19-2025, 10:18 PM

I have two of these GM outer grilles with the same part number as the one in this picture.
I bought them from my GM dealer in the 90’s.
The black around the headlight bezel area is painted wrong.
Not sure if there’s a label on them without getting mine out of storage.

Casper42 · 04-20-2025, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

The black around the headlight bezel area is painted wrong.

I would not call that the gospel, but I hear you and agree that's not how they should have looked from the factory. There are so many oddities with our trucks straight from the factory...and I recall if one were to order a 1971 grill even a couple years later, you'd get the 1972 grill lacking the raccoon one inch stripe all the way around the outer frame.

**1970cstblazer** · 04-20-2025, 09:16 PM

There are no stampings on NOS GM grille shells. Easy way to tell the repro is they are very easy to bend. I bought a repro for my 1972 Cheyenne Super, and it fit very well, but the aluminum is too malleable. The OEM is stiff.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 04-22-2025, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

I wonder if anyone has compared the look and feel between a quality reproduction and OEM outer grille?

I installed an NOS, and while it came in a nice box, I don't recall a sticker. I'll have to look for that for its "annual detail" soon. Perhaps newer GM didn't have one.

The grille is exactly like my old one. Fit well, less I had to bend the grille's bottom flange a pinch on one side, to mount to the bracket, and perhaps a pinch on the flat portion next to the fender's lower front. FWW, I also shimmed the grille brackets bottoms with a flat washer each to add clearance away from the lower front fenders.

The original grille actually sat on top of the lower fender's edge

Be easier if repops were stamped

OEM bumpers weren't stamped either, at least not to my knowledge, but I've seen a front and a rear chrome repop from two different places, and both were stamped. Dummies actually stamped the rear one's lower EXTERIOR, about 3/8" tall. Beautiful bumper otherwise, as heavy as OEM too. It was sold as Goodmark's top shelf ("A"). Returned as a reject.

The Goodmark "A" bumpers were, at one time, GM bumper cores that had been rechromed. I have one on my '70 that came from Rock Auto several years ago. I don't recall seeing a part number stamped into it.

**1970cstblazer** · 04-22-2025, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70STOVEBOLT

The Goodmark "A" bumpers were, at one time, GM bumper cores that had been rechromed. I have one on my '70 that came from Rock Auto several years ago. I don't recall seeing a part number stamped into it.

They are a biatch to get now too. I wanted them for my Blazer, but nobody has them anywhere.

01-02-2016, 07:49 PM	#1
DANTIP Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA Posts: 1,892	How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille I bought a '72 outer grille and it did come in a GM box. The grille is almost too good to believe. What are the differences between a GM and a reproduction? Pics may help. Thx! Dan

01-02-2016, 10:54 PM	#2
dazza Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: California Posts: 971	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille So you think it may be a repop? I have a couple NOS, (or so I was told when puchased), both in GM boxes as well but don't remember if I ever really found a way to confirm it. __________________ --------------------------------------------------------- I'm not crazy, I'm chosen, there's a difference. ---------------------------- '72 K10 SWB, 350, sm465/np205 ---- ----

01-02-2016, 11:15 PM	#3
Spartan Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Backwoods, OR Posts: 888	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille Not sure on this and would like to know. All nos parts I have bought had some sort of marking, part number, or date code. Usually made in USA as well. __________________ '69 K20 350/4 speed/Rockwell/D44/HO52. "orange rhymes with door hinge"

01-03-2016, 12:52 AM	#4
basketcase Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Edgerton OH USA Posts: 687	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille I also have 1 NOS GM outer. Never had the chance to inspect a repop. Tom __________________ '69 swb stepside in progress. '59 Corvette lifetime project

01-03-2016, 03:18 AM	#5
Blue/72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sandy, Oregon Posts: 2,396	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille I was told that NOS ones will have a part number (on my 72 outer it is on the top drivers side on the flat surface that the latch bolts to) and that repop ones will not have a part number and possibly have a bar code/sticker instead of a stamped part number __________________ My dad always says that HEI distributers are pointless... •1972 Custom/10 Deluxe. My first truck and I've had it since I was 7. Tilt, tach, AM/FM, 350, deep dish rally's, original paint and an increasing amount of NOS jewelry. It's always taking my money.. •1967 c10 with tach, dropped 3/5 on deep dish rally's •1972 Cheyenne Super. Sold

01-03-2016, 05:03 AM	#6
dazza Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: California Posts: 971	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille My CDO got the best of me and I had to pull mine down and have a look... Neither of the new ones nor my original have a part number on them. I bought mine from two different people, both came in GM boxes and both are identical. At one time I had a NOS front bumper and there was no stamped p/n on it, just a GM sticker with the p/n, barely holding on by some ancient adhesive. Blue/72 - can you post a pic of the part number location? no worries if not, just curious. All in all, it's (N)ew to me, definitely (O)ld, and a (S)tock part, so I'm good with it. Top center near latch: Attached Images __________________ --------------------------------------------------------- I'm not crazy, I'm chosen, there's a difference. ---------------------------- '72 K10 SWB, 350, sm465/np205 ---- ----

01-04-2016, 02:07 PM	#7
basketcase Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Edgerton OH USA Posts: 687	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille Mine doesn't have any part number sticker either. It was purchased 10-12 years ago, maybe a little more, from the local Chevy dealer. Bought a 69/70 inner and outer at the same time. Both came in GM boxes from the GM parts warehouse. Tom

01-04-2016, 02:17 PM	#8
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille Put it on the truck... seriously... I have yet to see a 69-72 repop grille fit correctly over the fenders out of the box. Doesn't mean NOS will either... but the fit of some of the repop grilles is pretty bad. __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications! Last edited by 67ChevyRedneck; 01-04-2016 at 03:41 PM.

01-04-2016, 02:25 PM	#9
cypressbog Go Pack Go! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Green Bay Posts: 2,669	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille You need to compare apples to apples. Factory GM made replacement grilles are real tough to find, while the aftermarket parts sold as GM Restoration Parts in the 1990's and 2000's are a complete different thing.

01-04-2016, 02:38 PM	#10
67swb72klb Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: livingston co.mi Posts: 2,559	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille I agree with Redneck i have put a few NOS ones over the years and never a problem with fit __________________ California 65 GTO---Texas 64 burb 283 ---Oklahoma 67 CST SWB BBW wood bed 327 2004r---New Mexico 72 k10 350 350 auto---Georga 72 short step project

04-18-2025, 07:31 PM	#11
71CHEVYSHORTBED402 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 7,692	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille I wonder if anyone has compared the look and feel between a quality reproduction and OEM outer grille? I installed an NOS, and while it came in a nice box, I don't recall a sticker. I'll have to look for that for its "annual detail" soon. Perhaps newer GM didn't have one. The grille is exactly like my old one. Fit well, less I had to bend the grille's bottom flange a pinch on one side, to mount to the bracket, and perhaps a pinch on the flat portion next to the fender's lower front. FWW, I also shimmed the grille brackets bottoms with a flat washer each to add clearance away from the lower front fenders. The original grille actually sat on top of the lower fender's edge Be easier if repops were stamped OEM bumpers weren't stamped either, at least not to my knowledge, but I've seen a front and a rear chrome repop from two different places, and both were stamped. Dummies actually stamped the rear one's lower EXTERIOR, about 3/8" tall. Beautiful bumper otherwise, as heavy as OEM too. It was sold as Goodmark's top shelf ("A"). Returned as a reject. __________________ Tony 1971 C10 Custom Deluxe SWB 402/400TH A/C I developed an assembly information kit for restoring my truck from nuts and bolts. It's written in Assy. order, short & simple, packed with all OEM hardware ID; castings; part ID; 100s of part numbers; wiring simple - Resource, and trivial too. Much info. applies to all 67-72 GM, A/C vehicles, esp. trucks W/O saying. Full search ability, including to 700+ images of illus., parts, charts, Assy., points of interest, cab, bed, & front clip cart plans- Specials and cores were serviced out and R excluded e.g. front/rear glass, body/paint, engine core, rebuilt hinges, steering box, trans, etc. The project was in-line with long former professions developing process, policy, specs, demo, written for novices, admin., policy, engineers, development, systems & test - Public & govt 2, gross. Sell soft copy cheaply, PM if interested.Build thread:https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=730025

04-18-2025, 10:24 PM	#12
Orefactory4x4 swb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2023 Location: Springfield oregon Posts: 385	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille Dang, you guys put a lot of thought into these, I put my grill on and it fit great. Nos is nice, but I definitely don’t lose sleep over it. As long as I’m going down the road I’m happy I am happy most of my truck is factory, definitely bolts up easily

04-18-2025, 10:51 PM	#13
Lokin4AReason Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: somewhere . . . Posts: 998	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille nos usually have some kind of markings or stampings on them along with some kind of reference or part number associated with them . as for the aftermarket , its a hit and miss with them , imo all the ones i have worked on or the shops that dealt with restoration in using the bits n pieces or parts , have to modify them one way or another . its rare for them to fit with any work on them from what i have noticed just depend(s) at what you can afford or want in putting you project together __________________ dont want to hear excuses, i want to hear solution(s)

04-19-2025, 10:18 PM	#15
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,739	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille I have two of these GM outer grilles with the same part number as the one in this picture. I bought them from my GM dealer in the 90’s. The black around the headlight bezel area is painted wrong. Not sure if there’s a label on them without getting mine out of storage. Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

04-20-2025, 09:16 PM	#17
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 2,501	Re: How to tell the difference between NOS and reproduction grille There are no stampings on NOS GM grille shells. Easy way to tell the repro is they are very easy to bend. I bought a repro for my 1972 Cheyenne Super, and it fit very well, but the aluminum is too malleable. The OEM is stiff. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, TOTM winner December 2024! Medium Bronze poly, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Frame off restored 1970 K20, To be a clone of my Grandfather's K20, Dark Blue poly, 350, 4 speed, 16.5" X 8.25" Kelsey Hayes wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM radio. Latest project truck 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, Dark Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 51k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 71k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.