aftermarket grille alignment

[sasquatch58]

hi folks, I have a problem fitting the sides of my aftermarket grille to the fenders. My questions are. do aftermarket grilles fit like oem,if so do I need to try to get the fenders to go in so the grille frame fits flush to the fender from top to bottom.now the grill doesn't want to fit over the vertical lip on the fenders.I hope this description make sence.if I don't get any replies I will try to take pics.any help would be appreciated,thanks

[cheyenne shortstep]

Pretty much anything aftermarket does not fit like OEM, the grilles don't fit worth a crap.

[Don Quixote]

My experience with grilles has also been very dismal. I was excited when I got my new GMC grille but it fit so badly that when someone gave me a billet Chevy grill I grabbed it and put it on although I bought the truck for the 4 eyes. Such is luck.

[Mister-B]

Well, I replaced my factory grille with a factory used grille, and it was a pain to fit. You just have to take it a step at a time. Tighten one bolt, go to the other side, jimmy with it, tighten that bolt half way, etc. keep going and eventually you should get it to fit.
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[cheyenne shortstep]

No you can tighten, untighten, bend, twist and hit it with a hammer but an aftermarket grille will never fit like OEM. You can spot a repop grille from 4 blocks away, they don't line up to the fenders. I deal with repop parts every day and none of it is direct fit.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by cheyenne shortstep

No you can tighten, untighten, bend, twist and hit it with a hammer but an aftermarket grille will never fit like OEM. You can spot a repop grille from 4 blocks away, they don't line up to the fenders. I deal with repop parts every day and none of it is direct fit.

Right, but the fact still remains that even factory grilles are hard to bolt in. I know. I've done it. I just don't want the op to get discouraged, thinking that the grass is WAY greener on the factory grille side, because even those are a challenge to fit.
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[JayDubBlazer]

OEM, NOS, repop; they are all hard to get aligned. Make sure your body and radiator mount are correct first.
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[cheyenne shortstep]

Mister-B, talk to me when you've dealt with a couple more trucks/cars than just the one. The fact is the grass is way greener on the OEM side, you were able to get your grille to fit with a little adjustment. NO amount of adjusting will get that aftermarket grille to fit.
I'm speaking from experience having dealt with both OEM and aftermarket parts for many years now on many different makes and models cars/trucks. I tell my customers to buy OE whenever possible, makes my job easier.

[Mister-B]

Originally Posted by cheyenne shortstep

Mister-B, talk to me when you've dealt with a couple more trucks/cars than just the one. The fact is the grass is way greener on the OEM side, you were able to get your grille to fit with a little adjustment. NO amount of adjusting will get that aftermarket grille to fit.
I'm speaking from experience having dealt with both OEM and aftermarket parts for many years now on many different makes and models cars/trucks. I tell my customers to buy OE whenever possible, makes my job easier.

You assume this is the only vehicle I've ever worked on? Lol. Not true. Not by a long shot.

Yes, OEM is better. I buy OEM whenever possible. Yes, OEM will fit better. Does it mean an OEM grille will just slide in like butter without any hassle? No. Your advice isn't very helpful to the OP. you're basically saying he's screwed unless he buys an OEM grille. I'm saying that while an OEM grille would fit better, they aren't without their challenges too, so just hang in there and eventually he'll get it.
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[leddzepp]

I have never seen an aftermarket grille for one of these trucks even come close to fitting properly. You will need to adjust and tweak an OEM grille to fit, just like any sheetmetal part that has been removed from its original location...but the point is you can get it to fit properly with some work. An aftermarket grille will not fit the same no matter how much you adjust it.
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[TBONE1964]

Well this may explain why I have some much trouble putting socks on a chicken. Anyone ever try that?

I have also had my fair share of grill installation form both OEM and Aftermarket and just like everyone else, I agree that the aftermarkets do fit like socks on a chicken.

There are some factors to consider. It is all a system and if any of it is out of place or mis aligned, the grill shell will never fit correctly. Especially the frame off builds where every part is a part from another truck or aftermarket or a combination of both. Do you know how far a core support will move around when the mounts are loose? That alone will have a huge effect on how well a grill shell fits because it can move the position of the front of the fenders.

On the other hand, if you have a truck that has been a one owner and never been apart and you just simply want to change the grill shell with another OEM, it should fit with out much hassle.

[sasquatch58]

thanks guys. I went by friends shop today to help put the hood on the cab(was painted separate from the cab}He is a dynamite body man with 30 + years experience and really takes pride in his work.But it is his first chevy c-10 restoration.he's doing a an awesome job on the body and paint work.I printed the info that Mister-b posted and gave it to him and he understood what Mister-B posted and corrected the problem.We had to remove the grille assy/loosen core support and longate grille brace to fender mounting holes to get grille to go in at bottom. Mind you I put core support and sheet metal back on truck not worrying about sheet metal lining up so I could drive it until he could get it into his garage to do the full restoration. He had 2 restorations going on in his garage when I asked him to do mine. Thanks mister-b ,you were right on time.So guys aftermarket grille don't line up perfect, but come real close after minor mods and proper sheet metal alignment.thanks again guys{and gals} for making this forum TOPS on my list.

[GMCPaul]

The aftermarket grills we carry can all be installed to achieve a perfect fit. I've received pictures of our customers trucks winning shows with every style of grille we sell. Here's a pic of JK Curtis's 72 GMC truck winning the 2006 All truck Nationals at Carlisle PA.
His almost entire front end is all aftermarket, and all trim pieces are aftermarket. Those OEM grilles didn't fit perfect on the assembly lines either they were made to fit within specs during assembly and this is done by adjusting all related parts. You can't just take one grille from one truck and throw it on another to get a perfect fit every time. It takes adjustments to achieve this.
I'll try to dig up some of our customers award winning trucks with our grilles installed later if I can get a little time after church and before I head out to take my grandkids on a boating/fishing picnic.
Paul @ GMCPauls.com

[Wasted Income]

Wow...that chick is smokin!

Carry on with the grille talk.