How to remove a grille for 60-66 GMC?

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Hey guys, last year in the very VERY back of an old salvage yard I found an early 60's GMC with a really nice grille still in it. The owner has agreed to sell it to me and I'm looking to get an idea on where all the mounting hardware is on these and how to remove it. It's about a 25 minute hike, through thick woods and overgrowth in the summer, from the farthest point you can drive a vehicle, so the less I have to carry the better!

Whenever the snow has melted and hopefully dried up a little I'm planning to head out there, early to mid March.

Just to give you an idea, this is how the main part of the yard is like. I started on the other side of the white van way in the back and climbed over all the cars to get where I was. And this is one of the easier places to get around!!



I don't have a pic of the truck or grill, didn't think about it at the time. Too busy swatting mosquitoes and pulling ticks I guess.

[markeb01]

There are three bolts behind the grille, under the fender in front of each tire. Two are near the outer edge of the fender and one is near the bottom flange, below the lip created by the radiator support. These are shown in the first photo, from behind the driver's side fender. This may look a little strange as my truck has the inner fenders removed:



The last two bolts (one on each side) require removing the headlight rings. They are at the top flange of the grille, just above the inner headlights. The following photos of a spare grille hanging in my basement highlight the approximate location. The bolts may go directly through the hole indicated, or may go through the headlight back pan (I don’t remember):





I believe a ½” wrench fits all of these fasteners.

Also, the wiring connects to the dimmer switch harness at a connector on the driver's side of the truck next to the radiator. That pulls apart and the grille should be free to remove unless someone has added ground wires.

In addition to wrenches, sockets and extensions, you might want to bring a can of PB Blaster or WD40. If using sockets, I'd suggest 6 point versions as they will provide more torque with less chance of slippage and rounding off the bolts in case they are badly rusted.

Good luck!

[BigDan3131]

Be sure to bring some PB Blaster to get those nuts and bolts loose.

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Thank you markeb01!!!

That's exactly what I was looking for. Looks like I might need to bring a jack of some kind to get to the first bolts and hopefully I can find something close by to safely use as jack stands. Truck has been sitting there for quite some time.

Whenever it's nice enough to go out there I'll try and get some more pics of the yard. I think under some of the over growth there were some more 60-66 trucks. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[jonzcustomshop]

the bolts take a 1/2 inch socket, get in there with a screw driver, and maybe a hammer, scrape all the undercoating off, any left on the head of the bolt will cause the socket to twist off and then you pretty much have no way to get the grille off. (if you strip the head of the bolt)
try to use a good 6 point socket, find a craftsman, or snap on, or other quality socket, if you use a cheapo, like durabuilt, it might break, or strip your bolt head.
sometimes if the bolt is stripped or rusted down I have been able to hammer a 12/13/14 metric socket on it to get it off.

[familyfast64]

Maybe a Phillips for the headlight rings?

[HumphreyMurdoch]

Thanks jonzcustomshop, sometimes that's a normal day at work for me!
I've had me fair dealing with cheap-o tools, sometimes they work like a charm but many times they don't.

I think I'll be prepared. When I'm determined to get something done, it don't give up easy. My wife was putting some pictures together for an album and came across one of me pulling a grille from a 40's Oldsmobile on the same day I proposed to her no less.



Thanks again all for the input!

[markeb01]

Great shot of a cool car. That appears to be a 46/47. I grew up in a 48. Basically the same car with a round emblem on the hood. My parents car was a fastback with the Chevrolet body. The bigger models used the Buick body. Always loved the grille, those peaked fenders, and the bumper guards that housed the parking lights. The rear fenders are sought after by Chevy guys because they bolt right on and are about 2" wider than the Chevy fenders, allowing fat tires with no body work.

What a very cool yard. The last time I saw one of that type was back in the 1970's. Have fun when you get to go back.