AMD chrome plated steel grille for 69-70

[hemi43]

When I restored my truck 3 years ago, the only aftermarket grille available was aluminum anodized, and is a POS. I hated it since the day I put it on. I noticed that AMD makes a steel chrome plated one and just wondering if anyone has purchased one? It's expensive, but I really have no other option because after 3 years, the one I have is toast.

http://www.autometaldirect.com/amd-g...n-p-19079.html

[CG]

Looks good in the pic (of course). That price is getting close to the NOS original range.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by CG

Looks good in the pic (of course). That price is getting close to the NOS original range.

If I could find one in Canada, I'd be all over an NOS one. Problem is the shipping and brokerage costs make it impossible to have one sent to me. I will need to find a dealer within driving distance. Sucks being a car guy and living north of the border.

[Tomq]

Hi Hemi43;
I just came thru the lines to-nite,and the kind lady in the booth informed us that as of July 1st all steel is subject to 25% tarrif.+duties+taxes applicable!With the exchange on Can-USA$ I am feeling not only a pinch,but might need some lube to justify the experience! Started my rebuild maybe too late? Tomq

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Tomq

Hi Hemi43;
I just came thru the lines to-nite,and the kind lady in the booth informed us that as of July 1st all steel is subject to 25% tarrif.+duties+taxes applicable!With the exchange on Can-USA$ I am feeling not only a pinch,but might need some lube to justify the experience! Started my rebuild maybe too late? Tomq

Just another reason why I should have left this country years ago !

[jaros44sr]

Hemi, what if you drrove down here and installed it, then drive back home. Would they know? We could do it at my house

[pound41]

12 years ago i was asking a very knowledgeable blazer person about my 70 grill. Its in good shape but has some sanding marks on the trim from the PO. He suggested back then that I pull it and send it out to be chromed. Stating that he had seen them and they looked good. Based on the work that I have seem people do on these shows fixing mangled trim and sending it out to be rechromed. You might be able to straighten and old one and get it chromed

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by pound41

12 years ago i was asking a very knowledgeable blazer person about my 70 grill. Its in good shape but has some sanding marks on the trim from the PO. He suggested back then that I pull it and send it out to be chromed. Stating that he had seen them and they looked good. Based on the work that I have seem people do on these shows fixing mangled trim and sending it out to be rechromed. You might be able to straighten and old one and get it chromed

Chroming aluminum is a compromise at best. Take a look at all the aluminum rims that have been chromed, most are peeling. Expansion rate between the dissimilar metals is too high and doesn't work. As far as trying to plate a grille, forget it, because the base metal is too thin and soft. You would crack the chrome probably while installing. Then there's cost. Even if I were to get the original grille plated, it would cost way more than just buying new.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Hemi, what if you drrove down here and installed it, then drive back home. Would they know? We could do it at my house

Ha, thanks for the offer, but one thing I've learned over the years is don't mess around at the border. I'd rather pay a bit for the piece of mind and not risking getting red flagged at the border.
I got hold of a couple businesses that can get AMD parts and will be attending the Syracuse show in 2 weeks. Hopefully one of them will be able to get one on time.

[hemi43]

Here's an example of the $hit us Canadians have to go through;

Checkout from LMC website.....

LMC grille- $699.95
shipping -$121.30
Duties and taxes-$160.91
total -$982.16
with exchange - $1437.66

Total BS !!

[chewychevy67]

Yeah it really hurts up here. You basically double the price to get it up here. That's why my gear vendor Overdrive is still a dream instead of on my truck.

[simicrintz]

Wow guys-and I thought California sucked! Why do they make it so hard on you (is it tariffs, socialism, greed: I'm sorry but I am too stupid to know the answer!)? I've been to parts of Canada and it is beautiful country, but this boggles my mind!!

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by simicrintz

Wow guys-and I thought California sucked! Why do they make it so hard on you (is it tariffs, socialism, greed: I'm sorry but I am too stupid to know the answer!)? I've been to parts of Canada and it is beautiful country, but this boggles my mind!!

We are (unfortunately) much like California. Any stupid environmental item that gets passed in California, we are sure to follow. This is why I can't Buy refrigerant for my cars, or paint (unless water borne).

[Ol Blue K20]

Kinda makes me glad that I didn't buy a cabin in Canada.

[Tomq]

Hi hemi43;
What is the show in Syracuse? Not too far away, if it's interesting! Tomq

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Tomq

Hi hemi43;
What is the show in Syracuse? Not too far away, if it's interesting! Tomq

Largest car show there is. 8500+cars and a beautiful spot for it.
https://syracusenationals.com/

[hemi43]

Well, I picked up my grille at Syracuse this past weekend and began to install it. It looked great until I started installation. The grille had a major stamping flaw which prevented the plastic grille insert from being installed. Unfortunately the damage is beyond repair, because any tweaking or bend on it will surely crack the chrome.
I contacted AMD this morning and will keep you posted as to how well they resolve this problem. This was an extremely expensive part, so I'm real pissed off right now !

[Ol Blue K20]

I'm very interested in how this works out. I guess I'm still looking for a grill shell.

[grillzy]

oh no!

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by grillzy

oh no!

Yeah, crappy situation ! I'll wait till I resolve this issue with AMD before posting pics. I hope this doesn't turn into a pissing war with them.

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by hemi43

Yeah, crappy situation ! I'll wait till I resolve this issue with AMD before posting pics. I hope this doesn't turn into a pissing war with them.

Hopefully they stand behind their product.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

Hopefully they stand behind their product.

If they don't, many will know about it !

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by hemi43

If they don't, many will know about it !

That's a lot of incentive!

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

That's a lot of incentive!

It is, given most guys restoring these trucks will visit here in one form or another.I belong to a few other automotive related sites and I also run my own forum up here in Canada with around 70 members.
Let's hope I don't have to play those cards with AMD, but I'm already locked and loaded.

[hemi43]

Here's the update on the grille I bought;

It took a few weeks, but I finally got thing resolved. AMD, and Ron's Classic car parts where I purchased the grille from were absolutely excellent people to deal with.
I was able to reform the damaged area of the grille and get it to fit with satisfactory results, so I'll be able to still drive my truck. I told AMD about the fitment problem, and they immediately checked all their stock only to find out the whole lot is damaged. This is a new part they started to carry, so most likely growing pains.
I told AMD that since I was able to get it to fit, a 50% refund would be acceptable In lieu of of the damage. I was shocked this week when I opened the mail to find a check for a 100% refund including shipping. Wow!! That's customer service.
BTW, the grille really is a nice piece, and hopefully AMD will get their stock fixed and have this part available soon. I'll post pics of it soon.