Amazon: 2nd Generation Grill

[gothamus]

I like the early grills but won't be able to use my first gen set until I find an early nose, which is unlikely, used or new. I will only be able to use them if I modify the holes.

I do have the 2nd generation type. I have not found a post that illustrates or describes this process. The only reference is the parts book, which just shows the exploded diagram and pieces. I have all those.

The cross-bar is easy enough to install. But that trim around the outside is unclear. I can't tell if it slips into the edge of the hole via groove on trim. Or if there are clips to hold it on. I been able to get the cross bar to hold it in on the center side and outside. It doesn't flop around. But I can not get a very clean oval shape. I have all sorts of clips but none are of any use.

Of course, my nose is designed for the later one-piece grills with screw holes on each side. There may be a trim for holding it in that my nose is lacking. I have hunted the web and forums but only find images of complete installations.

I attach a picture of partial install, one side with a rough installation that is incomplete. The other side just has grill held in with the upper hangers. (and my little modification of the 144 badge and cross strip, just a little flair that stood out to my young self in the 70's). Another picture shows the best I could do last year. She's been punched in the nose several times, as you can see. But never beaten in NYC.

Anyone have advice or found a post about it?

[northNH]

Maybe this is useful?

[Quarterless]

You need to drill two holes per side in the top of the front panel to mount the grills. The mounting tabs on each side need cutting off. Then there are some clips to hold the grill on at the bottom. The chrome surround just sits inside / over the edge of the hole in the front panel.

[gothamus]

That's pretty much how I've been doing it.

The part I find difficult is getting some kind of clip or something to hold the trim to some spots on the rim. Mine never looks as good as all the others I see. But what do I expect until I do some intense metal work or plop down some cash for a new nose?

When I cleaned up the grill from it's rust and mess I got it perfectly clean to shiny metal. It's too bad it can only stay that pretty until I take them outside. I tried different products to keep that shine and nothing works. The opposite of preserving, actually. I came across a second pair recently and cleaned them up. This timeI got some automotive mirror finish spray paint, not expecting much. It's worked much much better than I expected. Some sun light reflecting off the bumper gets reflected again, off that grill! They look like clean chrome which I didn't expect.

I was able to get some new cross pieces, free of dents, scratches and sunburned dullness. I'm afraid to touch them, much less put them on the car where any stranger could touch 'em! They have been wrapped up on the top shelf. I thought of hiding them from the curious in-laws staying with us. Forget the antiques, these things can dent if dropped! I should ease up, maybe. But it's not like I have a pristine car. If I use them it will make the condition of everything else stand out that much more. Maybe I will keep them on the top shelf.