Reproduction 1964 Grill vs Original

[M W.]

Hi all,

Can anyone comment on any significant differences between an original verses reproduction 1964 grill and the best vendor to buy from if the reproductions are of any quality?

Thanks,
Craig

[John D.]

Re: Reproduction 1964 Grill vs Original

Craig, I bought one and have it new in the box. Very nice part I thought. But not nice enough for the scrutiny of our judges. It would need to be massaged. The aluminum bars have no sheen at all. Very very dull. The logo on the ends of the grille is missing also and the rivets are configured differently. But it is still a decent part and if judged would probably get called a service replacement (SR). John

[Stuart F.]

Re: Reproduction 1964 Grill vs Original

Now it doesn't seem like it should be more difficult than a lot of parts on a 63 - 64 Vette to see, but I know I have the darndist time with my grill to even clean it, but then I am old and feeble. It is one part I feel I never got clean. Of course, I suppose you could take off the bumpers to do it.

Stu Fox

[John D.]

Re: Reproduction 1964 Grill vs Original

Stu, That's exactly what I did. Last summer we removed the bumpers on the 63. Installed the correct hardware, etc. I sat on my worn out easy chair for hours cleaning up the 63 grille with everything I had. My original plan was to put a repro on but I decided the original would be good enough. I would hate the thoughts of cleaning it in the car though. Good job to farm out. Takes a lot of q-tips and patience. But with the hood open for judging the spotless grillle looked very nice. JD

[Stuart F.]

Re: Reproduction 1964 Grill vs Original

This discussion is of interest to me because mine was changed in about 1992 when I used the original as a "venison meat tenderizer". I was told they used a NOS service replacement, but I have never scrutinized it to see if it measures up to the orignal, which I still have (as I said before; it's too darn hard to see). The deer was only about 215 lbs so it was no contest, but I regret it to this day. My fenders got cracked, hood got scratched, bumper bent, and one headlight bucket broke out of it's pivots. State Farm and I paid about $3500. to fix it w/NOS parts (1992).

Stu Fox