Front grill
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,777
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
It's been 20 years since I did a set but from memory, you drill the original grill bars for the bolt diameter in the center of the bar.
Break off tabs equally top and bottom on the scored lines so your bolt location matches the hole you drilled vertically. Don't break off too much or they won't stay in the cover. Then slide the clips down the length of the stainless covers to match the holes horizontally.
Is that confusing enough?
Break off tabs equally top and bottom on the scored lines so your bolt location matches the hole you drilled vertically. Don't break off too much or they won't stay in the cover. Then slide the clips down the length of the stainless covers to match the holes horizontally.
Is that confusing enough?
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,777
Likes: 553
From: Kalispell, MT
I know - I put them on my 48 that had an almost perfect grill. Then realized the factory did the same thing with the 48's. Maybe smaller holes and different clips but the same general idea.
20 years later I still like the way it adds to the look!
20 years later I still like the way it adds to the look!
Knuckle Bandage Sales Rep
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,677
Likes: 1,248
From: Maine
Just like Mtflat says, don't break off too much of each clip. Test each clip and number them if you'd like. Drill the holes at appropriate spacing to pull the bars in tight. And don't worry about making too many holes with trial and error, they will never be seen once the bars are on. Use just the ones that you like. The bars will probably have a slightly different contour than the grill, but that is probably normal. As long as they are centered and consistent with the others on where they 'lay' against the grille they will look just fine.
I'm sure you'll be happy with the result, and we'd like to see it too when done.
Tom
I'm sure you'll be happy with the result, and we'd like to see it too when done.
Tom
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 16,887
Likes: 3,129
From: SE Wisc. (the Rust Belt)
The original '48 grills have oblong holes in them. The grill I have on my '49 is from a '48 with the original factory stainless. At the time I bought the parts truck there were no reproduction available. My stainless was dinged and rust pitted, yes, stainless, especially cheap stainless steel with corrode. I sanded the pit out with 36 grit sand paper and the worked down to, I think, 1000 grit and then buff the pieces to a shine. It was a lot of work but they look beautiful. I have reproduction sets for my other two truck but I don't think they are quite as nice as originals, but very nice.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,679
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
If you don't want to drill holes, 3M makes some very strong two sided tape that would hold those. You would be able to remove them if needed. For a more permanent mount you can use body panel adhesive. Guys on here like CharlieLed swear by it.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 172
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A little update I returned the grill bars and went to purchase the complete front grill set up BUT now they are currently out of stock. So if you all see some for around 700$ let me know I’m searching online again 
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2018
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I have purchase the full grill that comes with the holes for the head lights, I removed almost every bolt thinking I would free up the whole grill but it won’t budge!!! Has anyone else had this problem?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 509
From: clinton,tn
There are a few bolts and nuts where the fender bolts to the grill around the headlight. area. You should be able to remove them and get lucky and leave the fenders hanging but it will be tight. I had mine on and off so many times during mock up.
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