Grille Opinions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muddpile · 01-23-2010, 07:45 PM

Well, I'm to the point now that I should be making some decisions on how I actually want the truck to look. The hood, Bowtie V emblem, white painted grille and white painted bumper are all things that will be around it, but I'm just not sure which I like better.

jonzcustomshop · 01-23-2010, 08:16 PM

I like the gmc grille bette.
I photo chopped the turnsignals into fresh air vents, and shaved off the hole for the hood latch..

Frizzle Fry · 01-23-2010, 08:18 PM

I think the GMC grille goes better with that hood.

markeb01 · 01-23-2010, 09:22 PM

If those are the only two choices I prefer the GMC grille. In fact I looked for a 1960 Chevy hood for years to put on my GMC. I like how the truck looks from the drivers seat overlooking the double humps. I also really like the 1960 parking light inserts, don't like the 61's at all. The other grille that looks good with this hood is the 1963 Chevy, but they are very hard to find. With the GMC grille, the hood might look better without the V emblem.

**ChiefRocka** · 01-24-2010, 12:22 AM

GMC is my choice as well...Looks good...personally I cant stand the 4-5-6

62gmc910 · 01-24-2010, 12:36 AM

I like jon'z idea for filling under the emblem how about vertical bars all the way across the hood inserts (I'll try to get 65gmc930 to photo chop it tomorrow) and the emblem moved to where the gmc letters used to be
those hoods need dual headlights
How about messing with everybodys head and flip the gmc grill upside down??

72bigred · 01-24-2010, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonzcustomshop

I like the gmc grille bette.
I photo chopped the turnsignals into fresh air vents, and shaved off the hole for the hood latch..

I also say the GMC.. Or if you can find a 60/61 grille I would go that way.. With how large the blinkers are the double headlights give it balance IMO..

Jonz I love the idea of shaving the hole for the hood latch and need to look into that more, you have any idea's on how to release the hood then? Might be something I do on my wifes 60.. Hood is about to hit primer so now would be the time.. Since its not assembled I cant get an idea of how I could pull it off... Dont mean to hyjack you can PM me if ya have done this or know where I can get some idea's on a release.

72bigred · 01-24-2010, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62gmc910

I like jon'z idea for filling under the emblem how about vertical bars all the way across the hood inserts (I'll try to get 65gmc930 to photo chop it tomorrow) and the emblem moved to where the gmc letters used to be
those hoods need dual headlights
How about messing with everybodys head and flip the gmc grill upside down??

Aye good idea, not sure how it would look. I have a 60 grill that is in pretty sad shape, photo chop the 60 bars if they look good and Mudd likes em I'd be glad to hook him up with the bars for the cost of shipping, there are of course alot of ways to put bars in.. Just an offer.

Reid

monolith · 01-24-2010, 02:50 AM

I just picked up one of these hoods for my 64 GMC- I love the way the grille and hood go together- I actually like how the hood latch hole kind of mimics the contours of the bottom grille opening.

terd ferguson · 01-24-2010, 05:18 AM

I say use the GMC grill with '61 hood inserts.

This is what it'll lollk like...

jonzcustomshop · 01-24-2010, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72bigred

I also say the GMC.. Or if you can find a 60/61 grille I would go that way.. With how large the blinkers are the double headlights give it balance IMO..

Jonz I love the idea of shaving the hole for the hood latch and need to look into that more, you have any idea's on how to release the hood then? Might be something I do on my wifes 60.. Hood is about to hit primer so now would be the time.. Since its not assembled I cant get an idea of how I could pull it off... Dont mean to hyjack you can PM me if ya have done this or know where I can get some idea's on a release.

probably just install the whole latch system off a newer car that has an inside release...you might even be able to fab a cable release to the original latch.

or if the hood is the hood is one of those reverse opening types I see sometimes, it would latch in the back.

*lakeroadster* · 01-24-2010, 08:47 AM

Personally I have never liked the 4-5-6 grille as they came from the factory. They just look like an afterthought, the square headlight enclosures don't match the curved profile of the fenders and they stick out too far.

I would say go with the GMC, it blends better with the 60-61 hood.

Or maybe modify the 4-5-6 such as shown in the photo below? IMHO there is just something about the mix of paint, chrome and the additional horizontal bars that makes this looks like a factory high performance option.

65gmc930 · 01-24-2010, 12:04 PM

here' a quick photoshop

*LILRED66* · 01-24-2010, 12:11 PM

How about a factory-correct '60 or '61 grille? Of the two choices, I like the GMC. I think it fits better with the curves of the hood.

muddpile · 01-24-2010, 01:52 PM

Wow, you guys have come up with a lot of great ideas! I can honestly say I've never liked the 61 hood openings, as they aren't frenched as far, don't look as custom and are just a little too "busy". The 60-63 chevy grilles look nice, but are RARE in this area. For one reason or another, everyone in a 200 mile radius owned a GMC.

joe231 · 01-24-2010, 02:23 PM

I just don't like the GMC grills
I thing any of the Chevy grills would look better than the GMC

61TWUK · 01-24-2010, 07:28 PM

I say go back to the 61 grill!!!

creep · 01-24-2010, 10:40 PM

I have a few suggestions. If you go with the Chevy, you could get a billet insert that goes over the stock grating. If you go with the GMC you could cut the lettering out of the Chevy grille and weld it into the GMC grille's crossbar or try mounting the GMC grille upside down so the crossbar is on bottom.

ruffrida2005 · 01-25-2010, 01:30 AM

Has anyone made any one off grills I've seen some cool Ideas I liked. I just dont know what way your wanting to go with your truck. I do like the GMC grill with the ealier hood.

low79fx · 01-25-2010, 08:15 AM

I think the real answer lies in what do you like?I myself am a GMC only guy!! But I do take a liking to what some of the Chevy guys have done.I say go for it what ever you like and surprise everyone!!Do something different.Don't go with the flow.

"Only a dead fish goes with flow of the stream,it is the live fish that fights to get upstream."G.K.Chesterton

frmula505 · 01-25-2010, 03:15 PM

I like the Chevy grill also. As far as the hood inserts, I painted just the grill sections, left the rest body color, and clear lenses.

SIR · 01-25-2010, 03:19 PM

try flipping the GMC grill up-side-down then try putting your badge in then...

muddpile · 01-26-2010, 12:42 AM

I flipped the grille upside down tonight, and it makes the hole for the rad look HUGE! That's not a bad thing though, as that just gives me a reason to fill it with something, and looking around the shop I came up with a few ideas.

Chevrolet4x4s · 01-26-2010, 01:32 AM

I too was going to suggest flipping the grille.
Maybe try some perforated aluminum for the filler
http://www.perforatedsheet.net/perfo...edsheet_13.jpg
http://www.mills-scaffold.com/images...ecking-big.jpg
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3D2%26hl%3Den
maybe use a 57 emblem monted in the grille
http://www.nerdonwheels.com/other%20...uge-emblem.jpg
Shane

jonzcustomshop · 01-26-2010, 01:43 AM

the gmc is a photo shop I think, the brown one uses 58-59 headlight rings and vw bumper guards for teeth ( I am pretty sure you can still get the guards new at a v-dub dealer)

View Poll Results: Which Grille?
Chevy 4-5-6 grille with single large headlights	17	28.33%
GMC grille with dual small headlights, no emblem	43	71.67%
Voters: 60. You may not vote on this poll

01-23-2010, 07:45 PM	#1
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Grille Opinions Well, I'm to the point now that I should be making some decisions on how I actually want the truck to look. The hood, Bowtie V emblem, white painted grille and white painted bumper are all things that will be around it, but I'm just not sure which I like better. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-23-2010, 08:16 PM	#2
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Grille Opinions I like the gmc grille bette. I photo chopped the turnsignals into fresh air vents, and shaved off the hole for the hood latch.. Attached Images __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

01-23-2010, 08:18 PM	#3
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Grille Opinions I think the GMC grille goes better with that hood.

01-23-2010, 09:22 PM	#4
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Grille Opinions If those are the only two choices I prefer the GMC grille. In fact I looked for a 1960 Chevy hood for years to put on my GMC. I like how the truck looks from the drivers seat overlooking the double humps. I also really like the 1960 parking light inserts, don't like the 61's at all. The other grille that looks good with this hood is the 1963 Chevy, but they are very hard to find. With the GMC grille, the hood might look better without the V emblem.

01-24-2010, 12:22 AM	#5
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,150	Re: Grille Opinions GMC is my choice as well...Looks good...personally I cant stand the 4-5-6 __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!"

01-24-2010, 12:36 AM	#6
62gmc910 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cremona AB Canada Posts: 370	Re: Grille Opinions I like jon'z idea for filling under the emblem how about vertical bars all the way across the hood inserts (I'll try to get 65gmc930 to photo chop it tomorrow) and the emblem moved to where the gmc letters used to be those hoods need dual headlights How about messing with everybodys head and flip the gmc grill upside down?? __________________ 62 GMC 910 short fleetside 454 super t10 14 bolt w/gov lock 70s c20 front discs (built in the 80s) 65 GMC 930 dualwheel 292 4spd all origonal 39k mi(my sons truck) 63 GMC 950 camperized school bus, (Gus the bus) 350 4speed 2 speed rear 64 GMC 950 "spare" bus 283? 4speed detroit locker 53 GMC 1ton dual wheel bus 78 GMC c25 short course off road race truck(son's truck) 355 th400 14 bolt (www.wheel2wheel.ca) 88 Peterbilt 379 longhood (hauls race truck)

01-24-2010, 02:50 AM	#9
monolith Zero Albedo Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: San Gabriel, California Posts: 478	Re: Grille Opinions I just picked up one of these hoods for my 64 GMC- I love the way the grille and hood go together- I actually like how the hood latch hole kind of mimics the contours of the bottom grille opening. __________________ Baz "Deserve's got nothin' to do with it." 66 GMC 1500 wideside longbed 250 4spd "Project Rekker"http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=467467 65 GMC 1Ton Panelhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post4794432 65 Chevy Panel (former U.S.Navy truck) 64 Chevy Suburban Carryall 4x4http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=358348 64 GMC 1000 wideside longbed 305 4spdhttp://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=3600890(Rip- parts truck now) 68 Dodge Charger

01-24-2010, 05:18 AM	#10
terd ferguson Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 531	Re: Grille Opinions I say use the GMC grill with '61 hood inserts. This is what it'll lollk like... Attached Images __________________ "I never apologize. I'm sorry, but that's just the way I am." - Homer J. Simpson 1955 2nd Series Chevy "King Of Trucks"

01-24-2010, 08:47 AM	#12
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: Grille Opinions Personally I have never liked the 4-5-6 grille as they came from the factory. They just look like an afterthought, the square headlight enclosures don't match the curved profile of the fenders and they stick out too far. I would say go with the GMC, it blends better with the 60-61 hood. Or maybe modify the 4-5-6 such as shown in the photo below? IMHO there is just something about the mix of paint, chrome and the additional horizontal bars that makes this looks like a factory high performance option. Attached Images Last edited by lakeroadster; 03-13-2010 at 09:20 AM.

01-24-2010, 12:04 PM	#13
65gmc930 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: cremona alberta canada Posts: 63	Re: Grille Opinions here' a quick photoshop Attached Images __________________ 65 gmc 930 292 4speed 700-18 duals 39k all original 65 chevy 10 long fleet parts truck 63 gmc 950 camperized bus 350 4spd 2spd axle 64 gmc 950 spare bus 53 gmc 1ton dual bus 79 gmc c20 short course offroad race truck 355 th400(www.wheel2wheel.ca)

01-24-2010, 12:11 PM	#14
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Grille Opinions How about a factory-correct '60 or '61 grille? Of the two choices, I like the GMC. I think it fits better with the curves of the hood.

01-24-2010, 01:52 PM	#15
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Grille Opinions Wow, you guys have come up with a lot of great ideas! I can honestly say I've never liked the 61 hood openings, as they aren't frenched as far, don't look as custom and are just a little too "busy". The 60-63 chevy grilles look nice, but are RARE in this area. For one reason or another, everyone in a 200 mile radius owned a GMC. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-24-2010, 02:23 PM	#16
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: Grille Opinions I just don't like the GMC grills I thing any of the Chevy grills would look better than the GMC __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

01-24-2010, 07:28 PM	#17
61TWUK Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 290	Re: Grille Opinions I say go back to the 61 grill!!! __________________ 1961 Apache SWB/SBW for now... Built 327 You need two tools in life: duct tape and WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, you use duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, you use WD-40.



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01-24-2010, 10:40 PM	#18
creep Registered Loser Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Elyria, OH Posts: 1,523	Re: Grille Opinions I have a few suggestions. If you go with the Chevy, you could get a billet insert that goes over the stock grating. If you go with the GMC you could cut the lettering out of the Chevy grille and weld it into the GMC grille's crossbar or try mounting the GMC grille upside down so the crossbar is on bottom. __________________ ((..)) ((0)) '63 GMC lwb, 383, th350, lays frame, genuine patina. The Build Thread - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=374267 '88 Astro cargo bagged, shaved, phantom grille. SOLD '50 Chevy 2 door sedan awaiting attention. 2014 Silverado Ext cab, 5.3, daily driver.

01-25-2010, 01:30 AM	#19
ruffrida2005 Member of the longbed union. Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Killeen, Tx Posts: 2,158	Re: Grille Opinions Has anyone made any one off grills I've seen some cool Ideas I liked. I just dont know what way your wanting to go with your truck. I do like the GMC grill with the ealier hood. __________________ Paul 88 GMC Crew Cab dually, 454/T400 64 LWB 400 HP 350/350T Bagged, under construction! Sold most of it! 92 S10 Iron Duke 5 speed, 5/7 drop for now. soon to be bagged. Sold http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...59#post4637759

01-25-2010, 08:15 AM	#20
low79fx Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: odessa,tx Posts: 208	Re: Grille Opinions I think the real answer lies in what do you like?I myself am a GMC only guy!! But I do take a liking to what some of the Chevy guys have done.I say go for it what ever you like and surprise everyone!!Do something different.Don't go with the flow. "Only a dead fish goes with flow of the stream,it is the live fish that fights to get upstream."G.K.Chesterton

01-25-2010, 03:15 PM	#21
frmula505 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Posts: 456	Re: Grille Opinions I like the Chevy grill also. As far as the hood inserts, I painted just the grill sections, left the rest body color, and clear lenses. __________________ 1961 GMC Suburban Custom 1969 Short wide project http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=535479 (SOLD) 1959 Apache fleetside (frame off in progress) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348746 1960 Apache short/narrow shop truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=350780 (SOLD) 1951 Plymouth leadsled project 2005 Corvette conv. Procharged 1969 Corvette stingray 2006 Cadillac XLR-V 1950 Oldsmobile 98 custom project

01-25-2010, 03:19 PM	#22
SIR SIR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: grants pass oregon,usa Posts: 658	Re: Grille Opinions try flipping the GMC grill up-side-down then try putting your badge in then... __________________ 66long low fleet http://community.webshots.com/user/LVNR66

01-26-2010, 12:42 AM	#23
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Grille Opinions I flipped the grille upside down tonight, and it makes the hole for the rad look HUGE! That's not a bad thing though, as that just gives me a reason to fill it with something, and looking around the shop I came up with a few ideas. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

01-26-2010, 01:32 AM	#24
Chevrolet4x4s Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: WV Posts: 227	Re: Grille Opinions I too was going to suggest flipping the grille. Maybe try some perforated aluminum for the filler http://www.perforatedsheet.net/perfo...edsheet_13.jpg http://www.mills-scaffold.com/images...ecking-big.jpg http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...%3D2%26hl%3Den maybe use a 57 emblem monted in the grille http://www.nerdonwheels.com/other%20...uge-emblem.jpg Shane __________________ 1993 K1500 350 5 speed 1985 K10 Silverado Vortec 406 5 speed (in body shop) "I been drivin' this '85 pickup truck Them buddies of mine call it a bucket of rust She's a little beat up but she still runs like the wind Yeah, kinda like me I been banged and bruisedBeen around the block a time or two But I'm runnin' like new goin' places I never been No, I ain't broke I'm just broken in" 1963 Dodge Townwagon(its amazng what 30 years and zero miles will do to a vehicle ) Member#20327

01-26-2010, 01:43 AM	#25
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Grille Opinions the gmc is a photo shop I think, the brown one uses 58-59 headlight rings and vw bumper guards for teeth ( I am pretty sure you can still get the guards new at a v-dub dealer) Attached Images __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

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