77 Grille Shell Help

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Aug 1, 2009 | 05:32 PM

#31

mikeo0o0o0

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From: Stanley, VA

I've heard that DC has found a supply of the correct aluminum and should have the grills back in stock in about four months. All you can do is wait and see.

Aug 1, 2009 | 06:26 PM

#32

bucks77ford

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From: Kasson, Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeo0o0o0

I've heard that DC has found a supply of the correct aluminum and should have the grills back in stock in about four months. All you can do is wait and see.

I've actually contemplated on getting another one once they are available again just to have an extra since these things are so hard to find in good shape. I think the old OEM one I have that has some scratches and pits I may just try to remove the adonized oating, sand it down some and then paint it just to see what it looks like.

Aug 1, 2009 | 10:24 PM

#33

berry1234

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bucks77ford

Whatever the secret to DC's grills being made, I'd sure like to know cuz made from original tooling or not, they fit and look great. Did I like paying $550 for a grill, NO, but it was a small amount compared to what I had already put into the truck. I tried to find a good cheap one and just couldn't find one worth putting on.

How close to original was it?

Aug 2, 2009 | 03:10 AM

#34

montana_highboy

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From: Big Sky Country

Maybe i'm just cheap but i wouldn't pay more than $50 bucks for a grille shell (73-77) there's 6 or 7 at my local pick-n-pull as we speak in various states of condition, are they Concours level grilles? of course not, but a few are pretty nice, on the other hand the 78/79 grille shells are ubiquitous, they can be had for $20 bucks, and in good condition too, i guess my point is don't overlook your local salvage yards, they're a great resource.

Aug 2, 2009 | 06:42 AM

#35

bucks77ford

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From: Kasson, Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by montana_highboy

Oh absolutely. Some areas just have better salvage yards. Up where I'm at, when the price of steel was up, almost all of these trucks were crushed. I've seen a few on ebay, but then would have had to pay about $80 or so shipping and not sure of the quality of grill. It's just too bad so many of these trucks get crushed with good parts.

Aug 2, 2009 | 11:12 AM

#36

Bullitt390

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What breaks my heart at my favorite salvage yard is all the bumpside and dentside beds loaded with scrap steel in the metal yard. Nearly 50 Ford beds and maybe 2 Chevys.

In regards to grille shells. I looked for nearly 10 years to find a "suitable" shell in the local yards and never found one worth it.

For a daily work or farm truck there are plenty, but for the local cruise or car show, no way. Somtimes you get lucky, I got my shell off of Ebay for $5! I was the only bidder for some reason. And not only did I get the shell, but the inserts, all screws, turn signal lenses and the seller threw in a dash bezel. All for $30 shipping as well. Grille was perfect except for minor scratch where the hood latch lever is.

Josh

Aug 2, 2009 | 11:53 AM

#37

Diesel_Brad

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Gilbert, PA

FYI some of Dennis carpenter stuff is made over sees. It says so right in his catalog. He says it is to be price competive, and that all the parts are double checked for quality