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Oil Can Mechanic
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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.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
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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.
Gene Schneider
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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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.......plating the grill could be costly. Yes! ![[Linked Image from i47.photobucket.com]](http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f167/Tinys1938/IMG_1925.jpg)
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
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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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Oil Can Mechanic
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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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Joined: Sep 2010
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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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. 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 2011-09-05 15.36.52 by chev37, on Flickr
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Sure looks good to me Dave. 
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Sep 2010
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Sure looks good to me Dave.  Thanks! 
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Oil Can Mechanic
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Oil Can Mechanic
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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. 
Ken's 1940 Special Deluxe Sedan 1970 Cadillac Hearse
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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
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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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 Tony, by all means feel free!  It no only looks good, it saved me a lot of money by not having to replace it. 
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