47/53 Chrome Grill, Which vendor????

[mr48chev]

I have been hunting for a new chrome grill for the 48 as mine got bent.

I'm looking for info or comments on which grill folks think is the best one or a really good one and even the don't buy it one.

I got a flyer from Brothers showing one on sale this month for a price that is competitive with the ones on Ebay and was wondering if anyone had one of those.

[warden]

check out these guys....http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/
and they also have a forum too. You'll need to get his email off of the site and email directly.....pretty sweet info. they are helping me track down a grill.

[mylow53]

don't they all come from the same place?
GT

[warden]

Originally Posted by mylow53

don't they all come from the same place?
GT

these guys have originals. do have access to NOS stuff too from China, but i'm going original.....forum is VERY helpful....it's more of a "consortium" of people that have GMC trucks and they sell/trade, share info etc....

[MrDude_1]

Originally Posted by warden

these guys have originals. do have access to NOS stuff too from China, but i'm going original

I always thought NOS stood for "New - Old Stock"... as in actual original parts that have been sitting around in a warehouse or something for years..

Am I wrong? If so, what does NOS stand for?

[PurdueSD]

Back in the day...NOS was New old stock...OEM replacement parts left over when the Manufacturers (OEMs) stop making the replacements. Not necessarilly "original parts" but usually made by the vehicle mfg or a sub company.

Now-a-days, most manufactures make replacement parts for 1 model past, then sell the rights to make off to separate companies resulting in the parts to continuing to be labeled OEM even though they aren't.

[warden]

there are some, like the guys i ref'd you too that have the "original parts" from the actual trucks that have been salvaged off of specific model parts.

[solidaxel]

I picked up one from Brothers a few months ago on a sale, It fits and looks like a orginal and for my 53 chevy truck it was complete and finished!!

I am looking for JUST the first three bottom chrome bars for the grille, where can I find them?

[mr48chev]

I know that I can find old grills if I want to pay for them and that isn't the issue. My grill right now is parts of five grills that I hunted down over the years and had chromed but my son backed into it a few years ago and I don't have a good spare nor do I want to pay exorbitant prices to some guy for a used grill he pulled off a truck just so I can say I have an original grill.

And yes to me NOS is New Old Stock meaning that it is still in the original box or crate and has NEVER been installed in anything. New off the shelf out where it was found in the back room or attic of some dealership.
Used original is not NOS it is just old and used original. If it is perfect or close to perfect great.

I think I'll go with Brothers if they will treat me right on shipping. Thanks.

My bottom bar might be good Solidaxle but I know the other two are bent and the back of it is bent. He towed me home when the truck quit on the road and then backed into it the next morning. Same kid that backed into the side of my Caddy when it was parked behind his car.

[pgf545]

We just got one....I think it was from Brothers. I have a picture of it on my build thread on the second from the last page. I though it was decent quality.

Bernie

[PurdueSD]

My classic parts grill is pretty decent too. Worth the $300 i paid. Not original quality though, but still very nice.

[MrDude_1]

Originally Posted by PurdueSD

My classic parts grill is pretty decent too. Worth the $300 i paid. Not original quality though, but still very nice.

what is the difference be between that and "original quality"?
Ive never compared them side by side... matter of fact the only grill ive held alone in my hand was my rusted through grill as i was taking it off and chucking it in the scrap pile.

Would the classic parts grill be a good choice for a "driver" truck that will see road rocks, or should i go with a original for durability?

[PurdueSD]

Originally Posted by MrDude_1

what is the difference be between that and "original quality"?
Ive never compared them side by side... matter of fact the only grill ive held alone in my hand was my rusted through grill as i was taking it off and chucking it in the scrap pile.

Would the classic parts grill be a good choice for a "driver" truck that will see road rocks, or should i go with a original for durability?

Steel seems a little thinner, not sure if it is... Not as beefy, but maybe its just the 10 coats of paint on my original. You know its made in china based on price alone. 300 bucks wouldn't get you close to a quality triple plating chrome job in the states (let alone an entire grille) so I am not expecting it to hold up to 60 years in the weather like a lot of originals have. Mine's got a garage spot.

I would buy it again after receiving it. Perfect for a driver or even a show car. Kinda sucks to put Chinese parts on an American classic, and for that i suck!

[blitz'd]

I just compared my new aftermarket to a OE grille side by side and I dont see much difference in them. I think the aftermarket was heavier, definatly sturdier but the old grille was pretty shot.