63/64 reproduction grill

[Philip Whitaker Member #2024]

I need information or opinions on the 63/64 reproduction grill that the vendors are selling. I 've had no luck purchasing an NOS grill and want to know what the comparison of the original is to the repop so I can make an educated decision on a purchase. My original is badly pitted. My experiance has been that sometimes (most times) the repops are nothing like the originals in quality. I don't want to pay the shipping back and forth just to look at a poor replacement.

Thanks in advance, Phil

[James W.]

Re: 63/64 reproduction grill

Phil,

I bought a reproduction grille from Paragon earlier this year. The reproduction grille was almost identical to my original other than the extruded aluminum bars on the repro had a more dull finish than my original. The thing that made me send it back was that none of the mounting tabs on the repro lined up with the mounting tabs on my car's grille opening. My '64 convertible has had no front end damage and the original grille that came out of the car fits perfectly. The only reason I was going to replace it was because of the same pitting you have. I cleaned and reinstalled the original and it looks fine and did not receive any deducts during judging. It seems the judges like to see a well preserved original part rather than a shiny new reproduction. I can live with a 1 or 2 point deduct for condition.

I did call Paragon to dispute the 20% restocking fee on the $280 grille. I explained to them that the mounting tabs did not line up with the grille opening mounting tabs and I was not about start bending a brand new part to make it fit. They said they had not hads any complaints regarding fit on previous sales of these grilles. They agreed to not charge me the 20% restock fee and I returned the grille for a full credit. I have had excellent luck with most of the parts I have purchased from Paragon and will continue to do business with them. This may have been an isolated case, but since you asked the question, I wanted to let you know what I have encountered.

Best Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.

[Philip Whitaker Member #2024]

Re: 63/64 reproduction grill

Thanks James,

Exactly the information that I needed. I will use my old grill until I can find an NOS example. My original isn't horrible, just lightly pitted. You have saved me from an unnecessary headache. I also order from Paragon and they have been good to work with.

Thanks again, Phil