Technical Who makes the best repop 32 grille shell and insert?

I hear they're not all created equal. Can't see myself shelling out $1500+ for an original anytime soon either. What are your experiences/recommendations?


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My Vintiques shell isn't 100% perfect but still pretty nice, the insert is a Dales mfg and it is perfect, problem is Dales is no longer making them to my knowledge.
If you find two suppliers with one priced higher pay it, you will be glad you did.
I have heard that with the questionable fit nowadays it would also pay to find a supplier who sells them as "fitted" pairs.

 

I'd recommend a Vintique shell and a United Pacific insert.

 

Have you used the UP insert? My Dad's got one in the box, but we haven't tried it in a shell yet.

 

I used both the Vintique shell and insert on my car. The line on the grill shell and the hood didn't match worth a crap on the right side. Rootlieb hood side was square so I sliced the shell and rewelded it to get a good line on it. Insert fit pretty well. D

 

I bought a fitted grill and shell from Brookville. That was several years ago. I do not know how quality is now. Mine was fine.

John

 

I picked mine up cheap at one of the rod run type vendors...If I recall correctly, it was less than $350 for the set, non fitted. They fit together like crap, but for the money, and with a little time with the cut off wheel, hammers, welder and grinder it looks pretty good. Pretty much like every other aftermarket piece that gets bought for a hotrod, count on some time and attention to make it work and fit.

 

Brookville makes a nice one, Vintique grill

 

Fellow Mainer just jot a grill and shell from the same company for $200 plus shipping,
I will ask about fit and PM you...

 

Brookville shell and Vintique insert. Very nice fit and very happy with quality. Price is higher but worth it.

Got 2 different ones from ebay sellers and returned them as soon as I opened the box. Gearheadworld's...hands down the worst....gaps that a freight train could go through.
Very cheap $$. I guess you get what you pay for.

 

Take Krylon's advice

 

What about a Vintique/United Pacific shell and an Alumicraft Pines Winterfront grille insert!!!!!!

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Mines a vintiques

 

If im correct if you want the radiator cap opening Vintique was your only choice. Havent seen the UP ones up close but they look pretty good. As mentioned Dales inserts are super nice, but hard to source. Ive had Vintique and Henry Grille shells and inserts. My Vintique shell and insert was pretty good, i replaced that insert with a Dales and have since replaced that with an original.

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Its hard to tell who’s repo grill shell you have with out the box unless you get one of the off shore Chinese ones. I got one shell from ebay for 100 bucks and look wrong and like they missed aa few hits on the die-set and 85% formed.. I like the brookville ones and had one and its nice and made in the USA. It is easy to tell a good repo insert from a cheap one because it has loose stainless teeth /bars . I have a nice repo but not sure who’s who like a Dales and this was made in the 1970s.

 

Jezus, they aren't giving those inserts away, are they?! Almost as much as I paid for the car!

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I don't have a dog in this hunt but Dan Fink made up some inserts that to my crackly ol' perception look good even if they are nowhere like those Henry laid in his shells. I don't agree with him but a friend of mine says they could have stopped making cars when the Thirty Twos came out. If that was the case I might even want one. But, alas, my heart is elsewhere.

 

I built mine out of .250 alum. Round rod lots of elbow grease