Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell

[cedorris]

I need some advice.

I need to replace the dent magnet... um I mean chrome grille shell on my 72.

Has anyone ever used a chrome steel repro? I know the original is aluminum, but I'm curious if the steel will hold up better or if I'm asking for rust issues down the road.

Thanks!

[Classic Heartbeat]

The steel grill is tougher to install and a harder to maintain. If you do not mind the extra work, I like the steel better than the aluminum ones myself. They will rust if you don't keep them waxed though. We installed one on the Garden truck over 4 years ago and it still looks great. WES

[cedorris]

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

The steel grill is tougher to install and a harder to maintain. If you do not mind the extra work, I like the steel better than the aluminum ones myself. They will rust if you don't keep them waxed though. We installed one on the Garden truck over 4 years ago and it still looks great. WES

Thanks for the advice, but I've got to admit... I'm confused. You like the steel grilles better, but you've only given me the negatives about steel.

[Classic Heartbeat]

Just because something requires a little more work doesn't mean I don't like the look better. And everything is going to require a little maintenence. I don't mind a little extra work to get the look I am after. The steel grills will resist denting better than the aluminum ones do, but once you scratch through the chrome they will rust if you don't keep it waxed. They are steel after all. Aluminum reproductions will not rust, however the reproductions are clear coated and not annodized. Clear coat does not stick as well to pollished surfaces as annodizing does, so when the scratch the clear coat actualy chips away where the scratch is. Both have good and bad qualities, it is up to you what you are willing to do to achive the look your after. What I am trying to do in answering your post, is to let you know in advance of you purchasing a grill what the pros and cons that both grills have. This way you know what to expect from the product you purchase in the future with whatever decision you make. Something most parts vendors will not do for you. I hope this clears it up a little for you. WES

[cedorris]

Thank you so much for the info! This is exactly what I wanted to know. You're right... a lot of vendors don't really offer much info.

As far as looks go... do you have a photo of your steel grille?

[Classic Heartbeat]

Here is one on the Garden truck with 4ml billet incert. WES

[cedorris]

Dynomutt - No worries. I found them in the LMC Catalog: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cb/full.aspx?Page=71 but I know there are other vendors that carry them.

[dfwright]

I'm sure Wes has them too

[cedorris]

Originally Posted by dfwright

I'm sure Wes has them too

DUH! LOL

I'd rather buy from Wes considering how helpful he has been.

[Classic Heartbeat]

Yes we have them. I got busy with customers yesterday, so I was unable to get back to this thread. I do have a customer that used the waffle grill with the chrome plated grill. It looked great, and he didn't report any problems to me, other than the fact that it was tough to install, but he went on to say how he thought that it was worth the extra effort. Other than that he was happy as a clam. WES

[Dynomutt]

Wes I looked around your site yesterday (before I asked the question ) but didn't see them. Are they listed on there somewhere that I can get a price or can you send me a PM? I have a brand new aluminum outer but may want to go with steel instead.

[cedorris]

Originally Posted by Dynomutt

I have a brand new aluminum outer but may want to go with steel instead.

If you go with Steel and are looking to sell that aluminum outer let me know... I'm undecided as of yet and I'm not to far from North Texas.