aftermarket grill shell
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aftermarket grill shell
I'm looking to purchse an aftermarket grill shell for my 77 and am wondering who has bought one and from where. Jeff's Bronco Graveyard? LMC? Dennis Carpenter? Other? I'm mainly wondering how well they fit and if i should expect any problems there. Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Louisville,Ky.
The Dennis Carpenter stuff, at least alot of it, is stamped from original Ford tooling and usually fits better than most. LMC stuff is made in Taiwan and doesn't fit the best from what I have read. I can not say on Jeff Bronco Graveyard, but I have heard no complaints about any of their stuff.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: San Antonio, TX
Look at the cost. If it looks to good to be true, it probably is. I believe Dennis C has the original tooling shell for $400 or so (from what I recall). If you pay $200 for a shell, it's probably overseas junk that won't fit right.
Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Boyne Mich
I thought, I read some where that the hardness of the Dennis Carpenter shells were harder as opposed to some of the overseas stuff was too soft. Some grades of Aluminum can be work hardened and tempered soft. Jesse James - Bike builder would anneal aluminum with a torch to work it easier. I guess my point is I've heard the overseas stuff is too soft. So it scratches, bends (dents) easier. I know the originals were pretty tough for a piece of aluminum. I tried to bend a few back into shape.
Just what I Though I heard. But let us know, I am looking at theCarpenter stuff too.
Just what I Though I heard. But let us know, I am looking at theCarpenter stuff too.
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I'm mainly concerned that it fits right...or close enough anyway. I'm not making a perfect exact show truck restoration, but I don't want to have a pile of crap that I cant get to fit. I know LMC has the overseas one that is like $200, while Dennis C and Jeff's is like $500.00. I really cant see dropping $500 on it...has anyone installed the one from LMC??
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Kasson, Minnesota
I have not, but I have read many threads about aftermarket grill shells not fitting correctly and not as "shiny" as original tooling. If your not building a show truck, than I would think they should fit "good enough". Yep...$500 is alot for a grill and that's not including the 80 or so for shipping, so $600 for a grill. Aftermarket ones around $200. Maybe call the company in which you think about buying from and see about their return policy and return shipping. If it don't fit, than you could send it back and have them send you a different one. But, It kinda goes back to "you get what you pay for" rule of thumb.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Gadsden Purchase
Originally Posted by bucks77ford
I have not, but I have read many threads about aftermarket grill shells not fitting correctly and not as "shiny" as original tooling.
Shape wise, it looks original as anything. :)
But -I- know it's soft crap and I want that sucker off there! :(
Either the gal with no brakes or Ford's timing was real bad. :)
Also got a soft fender that I want off there too.
And a bumper that's so thin i had to add braces to keep it from wagging. :/
My original bumper could be fixed no sweat if there was such a thing as a "chrome shop" anymore... got any ideas on where i might find one of those, post EPA?
Alvin in AZ
Last edited by Alvin in AZ; Apr 16, 2007 at 10:36 PM.
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Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
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From: Boyne Mich
Grab Hemmings Motor News, There are alot of Chrome shops looking for work with the restoration guys. I bet the cost to rechrome exceeds some of the after market complete bumpers. But like you say the originals are alot thicker.
I was looking through hemmings and most platers seem to be northeastern part of the states. - Pa, Oh, MA
There is a place in Houston Texas "Speed and Sport Chrome Plating" 713-921-0235.
I was looking through hemmings and most platers seem to be northeastern part of the states. - Pa, Oh, MA
There is a place in Houston Texas "Speed and Sport Chrome Plating" 713-921-0235.
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Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
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From: Boyne Mich
Yes I beleive aluminum can be chromed. However I don't think you could or would want to chrome a grill for one of these trucks as the aluminum is thin and Flexible - to an extent. I see adds to chrome pot metal, which is kinda like aluminum. I think the part needs to be rather solid like a machined or cast piece, Not sure about a stamping.
I be no means really know. But I bet one of the Chrome shops could say a little about it.
I be no means really know. But I bet one of the Chrome shops could say a little about it.