Grill Support Panel Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**dean jendro** · 10-10-2011, 12:00 PM

What are the differences in the grill support panels? The repop guys offer 4 different ones 1960 & 1961 same, 1962 different, 1963 different and 1964-1966 all the same. Pictures of the differences would be great. I couldn't find any info about these changes any where on the FAQ section. Thanks!!

**aerotruk63** · 10-10-2011, 12:27 PM

It's the bolt pattern/locations for the different grill supports (1.266 group number) as well as the center of the headlights and number of headlights.

My personal favorite!

**dean jendro** · 10-10-2011, 01:31 PM

Thanks. Looks like 63 and up also have notches where the frame horns pass under. The earlier frames must be different?

**aerotruk63** · 10-10-2011, 01:33 PM

Goes to show how observant I am! LOL

Can you use a Chevrolet 60-61 on GMC's as well?

Yes the frames were different.

60-62

63-66

63sbssbbw · 10-10-2011, 01:41 PM

Ok Aero.. what does N.S.S. stand for???
I would think non supporting structure,but it is clearly a supporting structure.???
T

**dean jendro** · 10-10-2011, 01:52 PM

The LOL is really on me. I bought the most cherry grill support that I'd ever seen this weekend. When I tried to mount it up something was interfering with the fit. I soon realized it was hitting the frame horns and when I compared it to my old, beater panel realized the opening was different. There actually is a small opening ahout 1/2 inch deep that is not very obvious in your parts book and the on on my 64 is wider and a lot deeper.

I am now trying to figure out if this panel I bought is off a 60/61 or a 62 so when I go to resell it I am accurate.

**aerotruk63** · 10-10-2011, 02:01 PM

Let's try Not Sold Separately since it says it's part of another assembly? Would that make sense?

63sbssbbw · 10-10-2011, 02:02 PM

Yes,That's certainly feasible Aero,that does make more sense.
LOL ....just when we thought they were all the same !!
T

**aerotruk63** · 10-10-2011, 02:03 PM

Does it have 2 or 4 recessed areas for headlight clearances?

**dean jendro** · 10-10-2011, 02:14 PM

It has two, so I guess that makes it a 1962. The recesses are a lot smaller than the 64-66 also.

**MisterC** · 10-10-2011, 05:03 PM

Well it may be considered sacriledge, I'm considering swapping out my '66 grille for a '63. Like Aero, they are by far my favorite looking grill.

Is this a pretty straight forward swap?

**aerotruk63** · 10-10-2011, 05:57 PM

I would think it could come close since both grills have the headlights at the extreme outer edge unlike the 62 with the light moved inboard. A few mounting holes might line up and the others would have to be drilled. Do you have a 63 grill at the moment?

jonzcustomshop · 10-10-2011, 11:10 PM

I have tried most of the grilles in most of the supports. for sure the top outer hole is in the same spot in all of them 60-66 chev & gmc.

depending on what you have all the others have to be drilled...
a quick way I found is to mount the grille with the 2 that work, then use a can of spray paint and blast the other locations, remove the grille, and then you should have nice round dots where the holes should be.

**MisterC** · 10-10-2011, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

I would think it could come close since both grills have the headlights at the extreme outer edge unlike the 62 with the light moved inboard. A few mounting holes might line up and the others would have to be drilled. Do you have a 63 grill at the moment?

No I do not have the grill yet. I'm a bit hesitant to shop for one as I haven't decided for sure if I will make the switch.

**dean jendro** · 10-11-2011, 08:42 AM

Would it be feasable to open up the area at the frame horn on the '62' grill support or would it look hokey? In my opinion the opening is way too big on the 64-66 supports anyway. The only thing that would worry me would be the flanging required to make it look right.

jonzcustomshop · 10-11-2011, 09:27 AM

just cut the ones out of your 63-6 support, and then narrow them when you weld them into the early support

**dean jendro** · 10-12-2011, 03:38 PM

Jon,
That's a reasonable idea. You do a lot of metal mods and this probably isn't much of a project for you. For me, it's a major deal. But I think I'll try it. Thanks,
Dean

jonzcustomshop · 10-12-2011, 05:23 PM

you gotta dive in some time! haha

it shouldn't be too hard, I looked a couple of mine over, first cut the pieces off your 63-66, narrow them up to where you want, and then use them as a pattern to cut your 60-62 support. if you do a nice job cutting and preping you should be able to have a local welder/or body shop put them back together for you pretty reasonable.

10-10-2011, 12:00 PM	#1
dean jendro Old and crusty Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 462	Grill Support Panel Question What are the differences in the grill support panels? The repop guys offer 4 different ones 1960 & 1961 same, 1962 different, 1963 different and 1964-1966 all the same. Pictures of the differences would be great. I couldn't find any info about these changes any where on the FAQ section. Thanks!!

10-10-2011, 12:27 PM	#2
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Grill Support Panel Question It's the bolt pattern/locations for the different grill supports (1.266 group number) as well as the center of the headlights and number of headlights. My personal favorite! __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1 Last edited by aerotruk63; 10-10-2011 at 12:38 PM.

10-10-2011, 01:31 PM	#3
dean jendro Old and crusty Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 462	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Thanks. Looks like 63 and up also have notches where the frame horns pass under. The earlier frames must be different?

10-10-2011, 01:33 PM	#4
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Goes to show how observant I am! LOL Can you use a Chevrolet 60-61 on GMC's as well? Yes the frames were different. *60-62* *63-66* __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1 Last edited by aerotruk63; 10-10-2011 at 01:39 PM.

10-10-2011, 01:41 PM	#5
63sbssbbw UCA63 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lloydminster AB Can. Posts: 1,637	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Ok Aero.. what does N.S.S. stand for??? I would think non supporting structure,but it is clearly a supporting structure.??? T __________________ member#7816 "63 sb ss bbw 350\350 12 bolt rear Pwr Fr Disc PS tilt '61 GMC in progress '63 GMC to use for parts '90 Chevy Ext cab sbfs 5.7l (current d d)

10-10-2011, 01:52 PM	#6
dean jendro Old and crusty Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 462	Re: Grill Support Panel Question The LOL is really on me. I bought the most cherry grill support that I'd ever seen this weekend. When I tried to mount it up something was interfering with the fit. I soon realized it was hitting the frame horns and when I compared it to my old, beater panel realized the opening was different. There actually is a small opening ahout 1/2 inch deep that is not very obvious in your parts book and the on on my 64 is wider and a lot deeper. I am now trying to figure out if this panel I bought is off a 60/61 or a 62 so when I go to resell it I am accurate.

10-10-2011, 02:01 PM	#7
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Let's try Not Sold Separately since it says it's part of another assembly? Would that make sense? __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

10-10-2011, 02:02 PM	#8
63sbssbbw UCA63 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Lloydminster AB Can. Posts: 1,637	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Yes,That's certainly feasible Aero,that does make more sense. LOL ....just when we thought they were all the same !! T __________________ member#7816 "63 sb ss bbw 350\350 12 bolt rear Pwr Fr Disc PS tilt '61 GMC in progress '63 GMC to use for parts '90 Chevy Ext cab sbfs 5.7l (current d d)

10-10-2011, 02:03 PM	#9
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Does it have 2 or 4 recessed areas for headlight clearances? __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

10-10-2011, 02:14 PM	#10
dean jendro Old and crusty Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 462	Re: Grill Support Panel Question It has two, so I guess that makes it a 1962. The recesses are a lot smaller than the 64-66 also.

10-10-2011, 05:03 PM	#11
MisterC Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 1,027	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Well it may be considered sacriledge, I'm considering swapping out my '66 grille for a '63. Like Aero, they are by far my favorite looking grill. Is this a pretty straight forward swap? __________________ Poor and content is Rich...and Rich enough! - William Shakespeare 1966 C10 Custom Cab "Luigi" Big Window - SWB Fleetside 350 V-8 - Powerglide My not so much a build thread as a "Slow Progression Thread":http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=486894

10-10-2011, 05:57 PM	#12
aerotruk63 Check The Champ, Demonstrator Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal,Quebec Posts: 6,627	Re: Grill Support Panel Question I would think it could come close since both grills have the headlights at the extreme outer edge unlike the 62 with the light moved inboard. A few mounting holes might line up and the others would have to be drilled. Do you have a 63 grill at the moment? __________________ 1963 *Chevrolet Truck* Literature LINK: https://picasaweb.google.com/113840717762774560215 YouTube Channel with 20+ Original *Chevrolet Truck* Salesmen, Mechanics & Service Department Training Slideshows. https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...otruk63&page=1

10-10-2011, 11:10 PM	#13
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Grill Support Panel Question I have tried most of the grilles in most of the supports. for sure the top outer hole is in the same spot in all of them 60-66 chev & gmc. depending on what you have all the others have to be drilled... a quick way I found is to mount the grille with the 2 that work, then use a can of spray paint and blast the other locations, remove the grille, and then you should have nice round dots where the holes should be. __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

10-11-2011, 08:42 AM	#15
dean jendro Old and crusty Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 462	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Would it be feasable to open up the area at the frame horn on the '62' grill support or would it look hokey? In my opinion the opening is way too big on the 64-66 supports anyway. The only thing that would worry me would be the flanging required to make it look right.

10-11-2011, 09:27 AM	#16
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Grill Support Panel Question just cut the ones out of your 63-6 support, and then narrow them when you weld them into the early support __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955



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10-12-2011, 03:38 PM	#17
dean jendro Old and crusty Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Surprise, AZ Posts: 462	Re: Grill Support Panel Question Jon, That's a reasonable idea. You do a lot of metal mods and this probably isn't much of a project for you. For me, it's a major deal. But I think I'll try it. Thanks, Dean

10-12-2011, 05:23 PM	#18
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Grill Support Panel Question you gotta dive in some time! haha it shouldn't be too hard, I looked a couple of mine over, first cut the pieces off your 63-66, narrow them up to where you want, and then use them as a pattern to cut your 60-62 support. if you do a nice job cutting and preping you should be able to have a local welder/or body shop put them back together for you pretty reasonable. __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

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