Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cedorris · 01-25-2010, 12:33 PM

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** · 01-25-2010, 01:19 PM

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 · 01-25-2010, 01:39 PM

Quote:

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** · 01-25-2010, 02:54 PM

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 · 01-25-2010, 03:31 PM

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** · 01-25-2010, 05:41 PM

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

cedorris · 01-25-2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Classic Heartbeat

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

That looks sharp! I'm going with the original grille insert, but I bet it would look just as sharp. Do you know if there are any major complications with the steel grille shell and the original style insert?

Dynomutt · 01-25-2010, 06:03 PM

Don't mean to hijack your thread but where do you get a chrome plated steel outer grille? I didn't even know there was such an animal. Thanks.

cedorris · 01-25-2010, 06:10 PM

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 · 01-25-2010, 11:20 PM

I'm sure Wes has them too

cedorris · 01-26-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

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** · 01-26-2010, 12:42 PM

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 · 01-26-2010, 01:14 PM

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 · 01-26-2010, 01:35 PM

Quote:

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.

**Classic Heartbeat** · 01-26-2010, 01:54 PM

PM sent. Here is a link to the grill: http://www.classicheartbeat.com/accessories_2.htm We have them located in "Custom & Accessories" section in 67-72 Parts. WES

01-25-2010, 12:33 PM	#1
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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! __________________ -Clayton 1972 Cheyenne Super LWB 350 - farm truck restore project - twitter @oldgreen

01-25-2010, 01:19 PM	#2
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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 __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

01-25-2010, 02:54 PM	#4
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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 __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys Last edited by Classic Heartbeat; 01-25-2010 at 02:56 PM.

01-25-2010, 03:31 PM	#5
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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? __________________ -Clayton 1972 Cheyenne Super LWB 350 - farm truck restore project - twitter @oldgreen

01-25-2010, 05:41 PM	#6
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell Here is one on the Garden truck with 4ml billet incert. WES Attached Images __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

01-25-2010, 06:03 PM	#8
Dynomutt Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Texas Posts: 440	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell Don't mean to hijack your thread but where do you get a chrome plated steel outer grille? I didn't even know there was such an animal. Thanks. __________________ MARQ Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=446194

01-25-2010, 06:10 PM	#9
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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. __________________ -Clayton 1972 Cheyenne Super LWB 350 - farm truck restore project - twitter @oldgreen

01-25-2010, 11:20 PM	#10
dfwright Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,374	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell I'm sure Wes has them too __________________ 1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017

01-26-2010, 12:42 PM	#12
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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 __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys

01-26-2010, 01:14 PM	#13
Dynomutt Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Texas Posts: 440	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell 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. __________________ MARQ Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=446194

01-26-2010, 01:54 PM	#15
Classic Heartbeat Project Junkie! Fishing Poor!! Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Olympia,Wa. 98512 Posts: 10,770	Re: Aluminum vs Steel Reproduction 71-72 Chrome Grille Shell PM sent. Here is a link to the grill: http://www.classicheartbeat.com/accessories_2.htm We have them located in "Custom & Accessories" section in 67-72 Parts. WES __________________ On-line catolog Classic Heartbeat Pickup Parts WEHEPP@comcast.net Call us Toll Free (888) 338-2502 Like Us on Facebook No appointment necessary. 72 BB Chevy Custom Deluxe / Custom Camper 67 I-6 (Soon to be 5.7 LS1) Panel 68 BB Chevy Short Bed 72 6.0 LQ9 Short Bed Chevy 4X4 Olympia's fastest growing truck parts supplier. Olympia's home for Wayward Chevys



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