Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



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#227296 12/10/11 04:39 PM
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Billu38 Offline OP
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Does anyone know the Grade of Stainless Steel that the 38 Chevy grille is made from? 304? 316? other? Billu38

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304L is the cheapest grade of Stainless, I'd bet that is what it is for sure. 308 is next.I doubt GM or any aftermarket company would go 316, which is much better but more expensive. The ultimate grade is 347,which is rare. The L in 304L means low carbon.

Last edited by wawuzit; 12/10/11 05:41 PM.
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Most of the stainless grills I've seen are hot rod grills with only the general appearance of the original.


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The original production and replacement 1938 grilles were chrome plated steel. In the later years Chevrolet changed to stainless for the replacements. You had to look close to see if it was chrome or stainless. NO relation to the modern day aftermarket replacements.


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My 38 grill is chrome plated. Thank goodness it's in good shape, plating the grill could be costly.

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Originally Posted by wawuzit
.......plating the grill could be costly.
Yes!


[Linked Image from i47.photobucket.com]

[Linked Image from i47.photobucket.com]


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Nice grill. The grill is the high point of any car. Guys decribe cars by the grill and tail lights. The aftermarket grills are sharp but do not look like an orginal 38 grill at all.

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Billu38 Offline OP
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I just watched a "used" 38 chromed (original) grille go for $535.00 plus $35.00 shipping on e-bay! USED! I've got an NOS stainless grille and 1/2 of an NOS chromed grille...be damned if I can find the other 1/2 of a chromed original grille nowadays...without busting the bank! Restorations have just gotten out of sight, even for the guy doing it himself...a real shame... Billu38

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Originally Posted by Chev Nut
The original production and replacement 1938 grilles were chrome plated steel. In the later years Chevrolet changed to stainless for the replacements. You had to look close to see if it was chrome or stainless. NO relation to the modern day aftermarket replacements.

A while back I posted this picture of my '37. As some of you might remember, I told the story of how my grandpa damaged the grill in an accident back around WWII. Because of the war, neither stainless nor chrome grills were available so they just put a plain metal gill on and painted it black. When I restored the car I decided to keep it painted black to preserve the family history.

Dave

[Linked Image from farm7.staticflickr.com]
2011-09-05 15.36.52 by chev37, on Flickr

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Sure looks good to me Dave. ok


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Originally Posted by Tiny
Sure looks good to me Dave. ok

Thanks! Agrin

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In my opinion, I think that it looks much better painted black than having a shiny finish. It puts a certain accent to the front end. dance


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While your grandfathers modification may not be original it doesnt detract from a nice looking car.
With your permission I may copy that idea for my 38.
Tony


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Originally Posted by tonyw
While your grandfathers modification may not be original it doesnt detract from a nice looking car.
With your permission I may copy that idea for my 38.
Tony

Tony, by all means feel free! wink It no only looks good, it saved me a lot of money by not having to replace it. gsanta


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