Billet grill or stock? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

75Chevy90Kawi · 08-24-2006, 03:32 PM

here's an idea of what i'm looking to do with my truck...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post1789187

what do you guys think, stock grill (my truck) vs. a billet grill (ebay truck)? anybody have pics of trucks with billet grills? i'm going to leave all of my trim, and i think a new grill could really set the trim off...

Gary · 08-24-2006, 04:24 PM

With those tires/rims, billet, with a nice rally rim/old school rim... hell probably still go with the billet

wedgemon · 08-24-2006, 05:24 PM

You should go Billet. And send the junky old one to me.

AceX · 08-24-2006, 06:05 PM

I've long asked myself this same question.

I say stock, but it's all in how you want to present your truck.

I'm staying with the original on my truck because I see it as being more of a nostalgic piece than any of the billet grills out there.

cliffsta · 08-24-2006, 06:09 PM

I vote stock.

Factory grilles = the bomb diggity. Any joker can throw a billet grille in his beater, takes someone with reserved style to have a nice, clean factory grille. Even more so if its a factory chrome grille.

Still got that nasty old grey plastic grille in my room. I found that OE chrome grille on ebay for $40. The cops are still looking for me after that steal.

75Chevy90Kawi · 08-24-2006, 06:16 PM

are there any other grill choices?

75Chevy90Kawi · 08-24-2006, 06:17 PM

oooh... you posted before me! i've wondered if they ever did a factory chrome grill! that's exactly what i would want! where can you get those guys?

boatpuller · 08-24-2006, 07:15 PM

i just switched to a billet from a stock,i had to pull some brackets off the radiator support,it's just 4 bolts and some screws.i'm gonna go both,depending on my mood.only takes about 20 minutes to swap.although i thought i would like stock better,i like the billet.

6977chev · 08-24-2006, 09:54 PM

i would go with the stock, they look much better IMO.

75silverstep · 08-24-2006, 11:00 PM

Hows this stocker...sorry two of the same ..

Slonaker · 08-24-2006, 11:00 PM

I don't like billet stuff. You asked...

Slonaker

75silverstep · 08-24-2006, 11:10 PM

before install stock 75 painted black with the chrome strips.

boxrodz · 08-25-2006, 12:08 AM

The stock grille with chrome trims like cliffsta's and 75silverstep's looks good. From the pic, your stock grille looks like it's in good shape. What you could do is put on the billet grille when your truck is wearing the 20" billets. Then stick the stock grille on when you put on your stocker wheels.

75sierraclassic · 08-25-2006, 09:03 AM

I've been wanting to put a billet grill on my truck, but I have been wondering, how do you get the hood open? With my 75 the hood release is on the front behind the grill. Can you get your fingers throught the grill to unlatch it or do you have to go to a cable release on the newer trucks?

Jonboy · 08-25-2006, 09:25 AM

I made a rod and handle to reach the hood latch on my 73 with the billet grille, but had located the upper and latch hardware for inside hood release for my 77. It all bolts in place, but you have to drill a hole in the firewall for the release cable.

TexasJeff · 08-25-2006, 09:58 AM

I would go with the factory chrome myself. I think it would look best with your wheels and the chrome bumper and headlight bezels.

75sierraclassic · 08-25-2006, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I made a rod and handle to reach the hood latch on my 73 with the billet grille, but had located the upper and latch hardware for inside hood release for my 77. It all bolts in place, but you have to drill a hole in the firewall for the release cable.

So what year trucks did they put hood releases in the cab for the old style hoods (73-78)?

75sierraclassic · 08-25-2006, 01:26 PM

Boxrodz
I take it that the blue truck in the pictures you posted is yours. Looks really nice. What size and type of wheels are those?

Jonboy · 08-25-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75sierraclassic

So what year trucks did they put hood releases in the cab for the old style hoods (73-78)?

79-80 I believe. The upper part of the radiator support will unbolt, and just swap it in yours (or swap the whole thing). Make sure you grab the striker off of the hood, and the latch as well. There is also a brace that goes from the hood lock to the radiator support, and of course, the cable.

Bad Karma · 08-25-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75sierraclassic

I've been wanting to put a billet grill on my truck, but I have been wondering, how do you get the hood open? With my 75 the hood release is on the front behind the grill. Can you get your fingers throught the grill to unlatch it or do you have to go to a cable release on the newer trucks?

I slide my hand through the slats in the billet grille to open my hood, it's pretty easy.

72Levi · 08-25-2006, 03:10 PM

I vote STOCK! OEM is the best!

cliffsta · 08-25-2006, 03:51 PM

My 80 model, being a Custom Deluxe, has the outside hood release. I believe in 81 they ALL went to inside release.

boatpuller · 08-25-2006, 05:22 PM

billet....,here it is with current billet and all new trim.my avatar shows plastic..by the way my 79 inside hood pop.

75Chevy90Kawi · 08-25-2006, 05:44 PM

i'm starting to think that with either the smoothies or the rallyes, the oem will look best...

boxrodz · 08-26-2006, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 75sierraclassic

Boxrodz
I take it that the blue truck in the pictures you posted is yours. Looks really nice. What size and type of wheels are those?

Nah, it's not mine. But, it is really nice for a 'beater'.

I came across it in the parking lot when I was at Goodguys last year. I think I spend more time checking that truck out, then I did inside the gates (checking out the rods.)

I think I even had the parking lot security getting nervous...

It's got 245/45s in front and 275/50s in the rear on 17" Billet Specialties Vintecs (Dished) billets.

08-24-2006, 03:32 PM	#1
75Chevy90Kawi the green machine Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: marysville washington Posts: 333	Billet grill or stock? here's an idea of what i'm looking to do with my truck... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...87#post1789187 what do you guys think, stock grill (my truck) vs. a billet grill (ebay truck)? anybody have pics of trucks with billet grills? i'm going to leave all of my trim, and i think a new grill could really set the trim off... __________________ 1975 Silverado - 450 horse crate 383 stroker, 20" Centerlines, Flowmaster exhaust, Hooker headers, full MSD ignition & more... 2003 Suzuki TL1000R 1985 Kawasaki JS550 hull - project ski - WILL have - 650, footholds, custom paint, 4* bars, bilge setup, and more... My pictures

08-24-2006, 04:24 PM	#2
Gary Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Harvest, AL Posts: 545	Re: Billet grill or stock? With those tires/rims, billet, with a nice rally rim/old school rim... hell probably still go with the billet __________________ Gary Harris 85 Silverado - 87 Grand National 2007 Ardmore Car Show

08-24-2006, 05:24 PM	#3
wedgemon Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Spanish Springs, NV Posts: 1,171	Re: Billet grill or stock? You should go Billet. And send the junky old one to me. __________________ 2003 Silverado K1500 Z71 - Arrival Blue 1973 K5 Cheyenne Blazer 350/TH350/NP203 Kids Trucks:92 K1500 Blazer 5.7/700R4 4" lift. RETIRED: 1980 Scottsdale 4x4 Founding Member: "TILT WHEEL BELLY." Club

08-24-2006, 06:05 PM	#4
AceX >130dB Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,130	Re: Billet grill or stock? I've long asked myself this same question. I say stock, but it's all in how you want to present your truck. I'm staying with the original on my truck because I see it as being more of a nostalgic piece than any of the billet grills out there.

08-24-2006, 06:09 PM	#5
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Re: Billet grill or stock? I vote stock. Factory grilles = the bomb diggity. Any joker can throw a billet grille in his beater, takes someone with reserved style to have a nice, clean factory grille. Even more so if its a factory chrome grille. Still got that nasty old grey plastic grille in my room. I found that OE chrome grille on ebay for $40. The cops are still looking for me after that steal. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

08-24-2006, 06:16 PM	#6
75Chevy90Kawi the green machine Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: marysville washington Posts: 333	Re: Billet grill or stock? are there any other grill choices? __________________ 1975 Silverado - 450 horse crate 383 stroker, 20" Centerlines, Flowmaster exhaust, Hooker headers, full MSD ignition & more... 2003 Suzuki TL1000R 1985 Kawasaki JS550 hull - project ski - WILL have - 650, footholds, custom paint, 4* bars, bilge setup, and more... My pictures

08-24-2006, 06:17 PM	#7
75Chevy90Kawi the green machine Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: marysville washington Posts: 333	Re: Billet grill or stock? oooh... you posted before me! i've wondered if they ever did a factory chrome grill! that's exactly what i would want! where can you get those guys? __________________ 1975 Silverado - 450 horse crate 383 stroker, 20" Centerlines, Flowmaster exhaust, Hooker headers, full MSD ignition & more... 2003 Suzuki TL1000R 1985 Kawasaki JS550 hull - project ski - WILL have - 650, footholds, custom paint, 4* bars, bilge setup, and more... My pictures

08-24-2006, 07:15 PM	#8
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Billet grill or stock? i just switched to a billet from a stock,i had to pull some brackets off the radiator support,it's just 4 bolts and some screws.i'm gonna go both,depending on my mood.only takes about 20 minutes to swap.although i thought i would like stock better,i like the billet.

08-24-2006, 09:54 PM	#9
6977chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Oldenburg, Indiana Posts: 199	Re: Billet grill or stock? i would go with the stock, they look much better IMO.

08-24-2006, 11:00 PM	#10
75silverstep KEEP ON TRUCKIN. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: TULARE,CALIFORNIA Posts: 604	Re: Billet grill or stock? Hows this stocker...sorry two of the same .. Attached Images __________________ 1975 C-10 STEPSIDE (ALMOST DONE AGAIN)90 percent done wheres that other 10 haha .1994 GMC Z71 . Last edited by 75silverstep; 08-24-2006 at 11:01 PM.

08-24-2006, 11:00 PM	#11
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: Billet grill or stock? I don't like billet stuff. You asked... Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

08-24-2006, 11:10 PM	#12
75silverstep KEEP ON TRUCKIN. Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: TULARE,CALIFORNIA Posts: 604	Re: Billet grill or stock? before install stock 75 painted black with the chrome strips. Attached Images __________________ 1975 C-10 STEPSIDE (ALMOST DONE AGAIN)90 percent done wheres that other 10 haha .1994 GMC Z71 .

08-25-2006, 12:08 AM	#13
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	Re: Billet grill or stock? The stock grille with chrome trims like cliffsta's and 75silverstep's looks good. From the pic, your stock grille looks like it's in good shape. What you could do is put on the billet grille when your truck is wearing the 20" billets. Then stick the stock grille on when you put on your stocker wheels. Attached Images __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin... Last edited by boxrodz; 08-25-2006 at 12:12 AM.

08-25-2006, 09:03 AM	#14
75sierraclassic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 186	Re: Billet grill or stock? I've been wanting to put a billet grill on my truck, but I have been wondering, how do you get the hood open? With my 75 the hood release is on the front behind the grill. Can you get your fingers throught the grill to unlatch it or do you have to go to a cable release on the newer trucks?

08-25-2006, 09:25 AM	#15
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	Re: Billet grill or stock? I made a rod and handle to reach the hood latch on my 73 with the billet grille, but had located the upper and latch hardware for inside hood release for my 77. It all bolts in place, but you have to drill a hole in the firewall for the release cable. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-25-2006, 09:58 AM	#16
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: Billet grill or stock? I would go with the factory chrome myself. I think it would look best with your wheels and the chrome bumper and headlight bezels. __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually Last edited by TexasJeff; 08-25-2006 at 10:00 AM.

08-25-2006, 01:26 PM	#18
75sierraclassic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 186	Re: Billet grill or stock? Boxrodz I take it that the blue truck in the pictures you posted is yours. Looks really nice. What size and type of wheels are those?

08-25-2006, 03:10 PM	#21
72Levi Active Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: sa tx Posts: 851	Re: Billet grill or stock? I vote STOCK! OEM is the best! __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer ALL ORIGINAL paint & engine, A/C, Tilt, 4sp, AM/FM, Tow Hooks, Aux Battery Tray, Tach, Vacuum 2004 FORD FX4 SuperCrew 2005 CTS-V 12 sec family car 2008 Buick Enclave AWD, Nav, & DVD, Wife LOVES it!

08-25-2006, 03:51 PM	#22
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	Re: Billet grill or stock? My 80 model, being a Custom Deluxe, has the outside hood release. I believe in 81 they ALL went to inside release. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

08-25-2006, 05:22 PM	#23
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Billet grill or stock? billet....,here it is with current billet and all new trim.my avatar shows plastic..by the way my 79 inside hood pop. Attached Images Last edited by boatpuller; 08-25-2006 at 05:23 PM.

08-25-2006, 05:44 PM	#24
75Chevy90Kawi the green machine Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: marysville washington Posts: 333	Re: Billet grill or stock? i'm starting to think that with either the smoothies or the rallyes, the oem will look best... __________________ 1975 Silverado - 450 horse crate 383 stroker, 20" Centerlines, Flowmaster exhaust, Hooker headers, full MSD ignition & more... 2003 Suzuki TL1000R 1985 Kawasaki JS550 hull - project ski - WILL have - 650, footholds, custom paint, 4* bars, bilge setup, and more... My pictures

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.