71 Repro/NOS Grilles

[Sheldon S.]

I was hoping someone can tell me what the quality and accurracy of the reproduction grilles is. I see them listed in Paragon and also Corvette Central as well as E-Bay where they are listed as OEM, NOS. They all seem to have the hole for fiber optics. Is this the route to go or is it better to spend the money and time to redo my old originals?
Thanks for any info/
Sheldon

[Rich G.]

Re: 71 Repro/NOS Grilles

I bought a pair on E bay from 2 different people. They said they were new NOS and they do have the GM casting numbers on the inside.( one even came in a Paragon box) They do look good but I'm not as critical ( sorry ) as some of the people here. My thing is to look real good even if it is a shade off. But anyway, I was told by my chrome guy that because mine were oxidized and a bit pitted he didn't feel they would come out perfect or start peeling again so I went for the new ones. I talked to a few different chromers and it amazing the big difference in price also. If yours aren't bad I would probably do them over, at least you know they are right.

[Les G.]

Re: 71 Repro/NOS Grilles

I Just Did My Grills, First I Stripped Them, Then I Wash Them Off Really Well. I Then Taped Them Off With Tape I Picked Up At A Body Shop Supply House. Painted Them With Cast Blast From Eastwood. Removed All The Tape. I Have About 4-5 Hours In Each Grill Side. The Chrome Is Not Perfect, But It Is Better Then Paying Over $500.00 Per Side For Repro's. I Also Sanded Them As Needed. Mine Were Not Pitted.