Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

[Michael B.]

Hello All - I'm in process of bringing my coupe back to original and have already replaced the previous owners 67 BB hood with a correct repop. I now need the grills. Most all of the used 63 grills on eBay are pretty worn with bends and surface scratches. I don't know how well these originals can be restored, so I am hoping to learn from the experience of others on the pros/cons of the reproductions. Thanks in advance!

[Frank D.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Hello All - I'm in process of bringing my coupe back to original and have already replaced the previous owners 67 BB hood with a correct repop. I now need the grills. Most all of the used 63 grills on eBay are pretty worn with bends and surface scratches. I don't know how well these originals can be restored, so I am hoping to learn from the experience of others on the pros/cons of the reproductions. Thanks in advance!

As I replied on the other forum folks have had trouble with the repros....sometimes they are 'humped up' in the middle and some don't seat down in the hood depressions completely. Some of that may be due to body work on the hood on some cars. I don't know if adhesive like the originals would make them fit any better -- maybe.

If you have any friends headed to Carlisle maybe they can pick you up a pair....the last ones I saw in perfect shape and original were $600...
A pair that needs repainting is no big deal...dents and serious scratches are a problem.....these parts are THIN.

[Michael B.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Hey Frank -Thank you so much for your response on both the forums. You are always sooooo helpful. This morning I was able to find a straight set, all mounting stubs and no surface scratches.!!! After seeing some others, I scooped them right up after getting your insight. Thanks again!

[Frank D.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Sounds good! Seems that original hood grills and the 63 shifter consoles are getting harder and harder to find in decent shape...

[Harry S.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Hey Frank -Thank you so much for your response on both the forums. You are always sooooo helpful. This morning I was able to find a straight set, all mounting stubs and no surface scratches.!!! After seeing some others, I scooped them right up after getting your insight. Thanks again!

Depending on you VIN, one of the mounting studs was cut off. The one above where the upper radiator hose connects to the radiator. The hole is filled with dumdum.

[Michael B.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Wow Harry, thank you for that. I did know. Mine is a Late March car. Thank will certainly look into that. The car is in the paint shop now for the next few months and going back to its original Sebring Silver.

[Keith W.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Changed my grills on an old 63 when I carried out a respray - could'nt get a correct 63 hood so used a 64 put the new grills on the top - didn't look correct if you knew what to look for - but finished the Vette off visually 63 - I think I got them from Central Corvette but that was 8 years ago - see old grills with sealant on back

[John D.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Ken Amrick told me he was not going to be making the 63 repro hood grilles anymore. That news is over a year old. John D

[Michael B.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Much thanks to Frank, John, Harry and Keith for helping me through this. Your irespective nsight and experience was invaluable in this restoration journey!

[Frank D.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

My May 29th build 63 had the missing stud..

[Michael B.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Good to know, Frankie. The incredibly nice original set I purchased arrived Wednesday and each one has the missing stud. I'm a March 28th build. I don't know when this stud change was placed in production, but regardless, these will be proudly going on my car!

[John D.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Michael, My March 3rd car has the missing stud. John

[Michael B.]

Re: Help - 1963 Hood Grills - Reproductions vs. Originals

Thank you so much, John. How incredibly lucky to have found a very nice set that was also of correct stud configuration for my particular build date! Whew! Lucked into that for sure.