69/70 NOS Grille

[harrisoncole4]

Hello everyone,

I frequently comb through parts listings on kijiji/craigslist (mostly out of procrastination) and have seen both of these advertised as NOS 69-70 grilles. It is clearly evident that there is a difference between the two, and after awhile of searching I have yet to find an explanation. This leads me to my question of whether people are attempting to sell reproduction grilles as NOS grilles? Or is the difference between the two year specific? (69/70). A minor discussion relating this topic occurred on a different thread, but a conclusive answer was never decided upon.

I personally believe reproduction parts are vital to maintaining 50 year old trucks, especially with the abuse they often receive over the years. With that said, IMO the grille is one of the most distinguishable features on these 69-70 models so I would like to have something that appears as original as possible.

Thanks everyone for your input.



Disclaimer - The second imagine was modified from a previous post

[custom10nut]

Your bottom pic is of the "from the factory" original. The top is of the gm replacement. Both could be considered NOS (if they're from dealer stock), but the top one is made with the die pattern that made the replacements.

[davepl]

Yep... this is one of those occasions where the service part wasn't the same as the build part (like dash clusters and a few other examples).

[mcbassin]

I bought an early GM grill in the box that came from GM. It was as pictured on the left. GM NOS. To my knowledge, other than the leftover production grill shells, they have all been made that way.
With that said, I would pay top $$ for a mint or new original production grill.
I have been looking since 2009. They just don't exist.....

[custom10nut]

When I finally get around to finishing my truck, I'm going to restore the brightwork myself using the method detailed on a thread from another member. I have thought about painting the lines like the original grills have. My grill was replaced sometime in its early life before I got it. The raised bead wouldn't be there be there, but the appearance would be. Eh, something to think about

[FirstOwner69]

As mentioned above, the GM service replacement grilles as early as 1972 were like your 1st picture as are the reproduction grilles that have "CHEVROLET" on them. My original 69 grille was replaced with a GM grille that looked like your picture #1 in early 1972 after I was hit in the front.

There are 2 things incorrect in addition to the lines not extending to the headlight bezels. First (and obvious), is the black paint and incorrect embossing at the outboard ends of the parking lights. Second (and not as obvious), is that the black horizontal lines are in the horizontal valleys AND on the raised ridges adjacent to the valleys whereas the originals were only in the valleys.

The picture below is the reproduction grille on my truck with the incorrect black paint removed. I was considering extending the lines to the headlight and, as seen in the picture, placed electrical tape next to the left headlight to evaluate the look. I elected to not add that paint due to the incorrect embossing. At least I'm closer to the original look.