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Technical Regarding buying a 32 Ford grill insert...

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by corndog, Jul 18, 2014.

  1. corndog
    Joined: Nov 27, 2007
    Posts: 4,700

    corndog
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Indiana

    I have a real nice original 32 Ford grill shell and have been trying (with no luck) to buy an original grill insert to go with it. So I am starting to consider buying a repro but see that the prices vary from $169 to $495 on repro grill inserts. Any help that other HAMBers have had with which ones fit an original shell and which ones dont would be greatly appreciated. Or any other helpful info on those that are good and those that are not for whatever reason. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Model A Gomez
    Joined: Aug 26, 2006
    Posts: 1,695

    Model A Gomez
    Member

    I'm in about the same place, I have a nice grill shell and a rough insert and have been thinking about buying a new insert. My insert is broken at the bottom and bent to the point it doesn't fit in the shell without a lot of force, that isn't going to work after it is painted. Will be watching your posts for help.
     
  3. Fenders
    Joined: Sep 8, 2007
    Posts: 3,921

    Fenders
    Member

    You could make your own and be different... this is what I cut from a sheet of perforated (1/4" holes) stainless I picked up at a swapmeet. (In one photo the license plate is behind the grille; I have since removed it.)
    grille-0714a.JPG grille-0714b.JPG aug2013d.JPG
    Just one idea.
     
  4. Dales Inserts are the best fit in a original shell. HRP
     

  5. I second that.

    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  6. Dales are not being made anymore.
     
  7. deucetruck
    Joined: Jan 8, 2010
    Posts: 727

    deucetruck
    Member
    from Missouri

    I've used a Dale's. Great quality and made in OKC, I believe. Didn't know they were not manufactured any more.
     
  8. Deuce Daddy Don had a Dales insert for sale a couple of years ago,don't know if he sold it or not,he wanted 400 bucks,,shoot him a PM. HRP
     
  9. ydopen
    Joined: Mar 14, 2010
    Posts: 230

    ydopen
    Member

    Brookville Roadster did sell Dales inserts. They might have one in stock.
    John
     
  10. Deuce Daddy Don
    Joined: Apr 27, 2008
    Posts: 5,544

    Deuce Daddy Don
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    NOPE!----SOLD!---Thanks anyway HRP
     
  11. What happened to Dales? 'Agree they were pretty darn good. Did somebody else pick up their manufacturing or are they totally GONE?
     
  12. Talked to them 2-3 months ago, wanted to buy 4 for stock.
    Told they weren't gonna make them any more and only had 2 left so I bought em both for future use. Drove up to the city the same day and got em. Wasn't takin the chance sum 1 else would.
     
  13. Now that sucks Dales is not making this item any more. It was with no question the best of the repops ever made. I have one in an orignal shell hanging on the wall and almost sold it a few weeks back. Sure glad I didn't. Now it is NOT FOR SALE.
     
  14. ratrod0
    Joined: Apr 15, 2005
    Posts: 1,150

    ratrod0
    Member

    nice car you have there
     
  15. Patina 32 5 winder 029.jpg
    Thanx, only the caretaker of it for now.
    A better shot, but you know what it really looks like.
     
  16. corndog
    Joined: Nov 27, 2007
    Posts: 4,700

    corndog
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Indiana

    Well so far I have found out that the best one is not being made anymore! Any other suggestions?
     
  17. Did you try calling Dales manufacturing? HRP
     
  18. All ready did that 3 months ago Danny, it's done, over, kaput.
    Not makin em anymore
     
  19. I remember Deuce Roadster was as annal as it gets when come to using original Henry body parts,his only concession was the Dales Inserts,I bout a couple of original inserts from him over the years. HRP
     
  20. pasadenahotrod
    Joined: Feb 13, 2007
    Posts: 11,775

    pasadenahotrod
    Member
    from Texas

    Can't imagine the best fitting 32 Ford grille being discontinued! Tooling has worn out or manufacturer won' do small production runs anymore. A great loss for the hobby, can't believe Dale would have allowed it to happen.
     
  21. I think Vintique grilles are the only game in town now, as far as reproing an original goes. And they were always second choice after Dales, for those who knew better. It's an unfortunate situation I must say.
     
  22. I bought a Dales insert many years after figuring out that the Vintique version was crap. Fits very well into the Brookville shell.
     
  23. big duece
    Joined: Jul 28, 2008
    Posts: 6,830

    big duece
    Member
    from kansas

    I guess the Dales that I purchased a couple years ago is now OEM status? Better hang it up with the originals, and use a vintique for long road trips. Maybe he is building up anxiety in the 32 guys, like when they killed the dog "Brian" on family guy.
     
  24. U-235
    Joined: Dec 18, 2010
    Posts: 452

    U-235
    Member

    Well Corndog, looks like you and I both got no useable information here, except that the one we want is not available....
     
  25. You can get them on eGay starting at $440 including postage. Good luck !


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  26. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,188

    clem
    Member

    Over here not all grille surrounds are the same. Something about fords being built in multiple factory's. I would check fit with what you have first, before buying.
     
  27. edwardlloyd
    Joined: Aug 2, 2003
    Posts: 2,072

    edwardlloyd
    Member
    from Germany

    Maybe someone could ask Dales if he'd do a run with 500 deposits. I'd surely be possible to find 500 people here and on Ford barn who'll be needing one within two years.
    Often it's the capital investment to do the minimum run which prevents these things being made.
    Ed
     
  28. I haven't used one but Bob Drake offers a stainless steel repop Deuce shell for 400 bucks. HRP
     
  29. thequietwon
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 600

    thequietwon
    Member

    I recently acquired 2 NOS original inserts, and was considering selling them since my Deuces will probably never be finished to a level that justifies their use. Maybe I should hold on to them..
    Sam
     
    King ford and kidcampbell71 like this.

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