Questions On Installing '68 Grille Hoops and Fender Emblems

[NoNeck]

I've never worked on a '68 Grille before, so bear with me.

When installing the black grille inserts in the grill...
Should there be bolts in the little round holes or just moulding clips?
If moulding clips are used, is it easier to install the chrome hoops to those inserts and then to the grille? Or, just set the inserts in loose then push in the clips?

Also, how is the best way to install the Bowtie C10 fender emblems without removing the fender? I can get my arm in beside the fender and feel the pins, but I can't get the nuts to catch.

Any advice would be appreciated.

POP

[randy500]

It's been a while since I worked on a 68 grill but if I remember those inserts are riveted to the main grill and I think it is through the holes you mention.
You have 3 options on the fender emblem...
1. Remove the bottom fender bolt and as many inner fender bolts until you can pull out the fender enough to get your hand in there, place a wood wedge to hold it out while you work...this option I don't like because you can crack any bodywork that was performed.
2. Use barrel nut inserts in the fender holes to hold the emblem...I don't like this either because it usually makes the emblem sit a little off the body.
3. Glue the emblem on with silicone. I like this one because it is simple and it works...I bet you will get comments on this one not being right....whatever, it does work great!

[SoCoC10]

No Neck. Install the nuts on the fender emblems with them sitting on top of a nice soft towel on your work bench. If I'm thinking right, the nuts are sheetmetal nuts that will cut their own threads on to the mounting pins. Remove the nuts, put the emblems back on the fenders and use a friend or tape to hold them then reinstall the retaining nuts. They should go on to the threads that you made by tightening them on the first time.
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[57larry]

any tips for the grill hoops?

[Dustytrix]

For hoops install the inserts into the hoops first.

[leddzepp]

A flex head gear wrench will make installing the emblems to the fender easier when the fender is mounted on the truck. Skinny fingers help too.

[PanelDeland]

The grille hoops have bolts. IIRC a 5/16 nut driver works well. You may need a short handled one or a 1/4 drive would probably be good with the right extension.
They clip into the hoop somehow(I can't get to mine right now) and then need to be spaced to fit the holes. They are a stamped steel nut with a integral washer( Can't think of the real term for them but I consider them trim nuts), they are the same as the ones on the dash pad. OOps, my bad, That's for the hood edge and over the lights eyebrows.

[Grumpy old man]

On the fender emblems install the nuts as described above and cut the speed nut threads first then install them using a 1/4 drive small ratchet use a length of duct tape taped to the handle of the ratchet so you can pull it out if dropped a piece of tape will hold the speed nut in the socket so it doesn't drop while your getting it in place , the grille bezels are held on by clips with a threaded shaft install the clips into the bezels and they will be able to slide side to side to get them aligned . Then use washers and nuts from the back to hold them in place using care to not over tighten them and cause distortion . The grille shelves are of course installed first using bolts or pop rivits . If you need a picture of where the rivits are let us know .

[NoNeck]

Thanks guys. The info helps a lot.

I went to look at a friend's '68 grille yesterday and the pop rivets had been replaced at some time with 10/32" round head bolts and nuts. The hoops were off, but I believe the heads of the bolts will fit up in the channel of the hoops.

I will try all the tips and get back to you.

POP