Projects 1933 Ford Reproduction Grill / Grille Options

Has anyone used a reproduction grille sold by CW Moss? I understand the grilles were actually made in Australia. Are they decent quality with good fitment against stock fenders and hood? Thanks.

 

If your referring to the 33 grille I would recommend the Nottingham 33 grille. a quote fhom there site

"Nottingham’s ’33 Ford Grilles set a new mark in quality; even Henry would take a second look. Die stamped from a single sheet of 20 ga. Steel, these grilles are constructed using original methods with precise manufacturing tolerances to ensure a superior fit never dreamed of with an original. As an exact replica of the original ’33 grille, the triple chrome plated finish adds the true show quality needed for any dream car. Why settle for less? Nottingham grilles are available from street rod suppliers everywhere and are built with pride in the U.S.A. For more information or dealer inquiries contact Nottingham Reproductions at 601-894-2830 or e-mail us at [email protected]."
I have ordered one for a friend from Pete and Jakes and he was Happy with it, they are high quality

 

Grill, you cook on. Grille goes on your car.

 

Nottingham is the only one making repro 33 grilles as far as I know.
They’re a nice piece, for sure. I looked at a lot of them when I had my coupe, but decided to keep my original.
If you can, try to see the one you’re buying, as there were some that had a slight wave in the stamping at the top left corner, apparently from a die shift. No big deal, though.
Dan’s Plating and Polishing, Adamsville, TN was doing all the chrome on them, and it was very nice, except for the all over shiny slats. Originals had just the slat face polished and the sides were matte, from what I was able to find.

 

I believe there is one for sale on the Ford Barn right now

 

Nottingham

 

They are pretty nice looking,im scared to ask how much they cost. Harvey

 

$2,350 at Pete & Jakes

 

I believe that the Ford originals had the grille teeth painted gray.
On another note is there an expert that straightens originals?


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No one has any in stock. Your options are to wait and see if Nottingham makes more (they do update the Facebook page), go fiberglass shell with a aluminum center, or patiently scour classifieds, CL, and ehey. Same story for 34.

I called Pete and Jake’s and a few others this very week. Grabbed one that’s very crusty but mostly there and straight from a local seller yesterday. I Expect to pay $2500-$3500 for rechrome at Advance Plating in Nashville.




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I read that they claim to make them from a “single sheet of 20 gage steel “. Ford welded on the area around the radiator cap.
So do these “reproductions” include that area?


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Yes they are included

 

I’d love to see pics.


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Had to "tune" the nose of the hood to fit the Nottingham grille on my friends car. The chrome on the grille seemed really decent. The shiny bars are a little different; but look good. The mod to make the hood fit the grille wasn't too big a deal; but was a little surprised that it was needed. I noted someone else on the FordBarn inquiring about same problems with the fit too; he decided he didn't want to cut his hood; later I learned my kid bought the grille from him.

 

I bought a chromed one from them. That piece is a work of art. The ones that ware chromed are had picked out by the owners wife to ensure that they do not have any blemishes. Just hope it fits as good as it looks.
Vic

 

There is a waiting list for Nottingham, and I am on it

 

You guys should also look at the fit of an original 33 grille. You might be surprised how poorly the hood fits on those as well. Then there's the search for a 33 hood next....

 

I'd love to show you pictures , but my friend lives in Colorado and I won't be seeing him for several months

 

Is that an original hood? If so I’m not impressed. How did it fit to the cowl?


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Original hood that fit the cowl as it should. The "V" shape of the top of the grill was less than hood; so when the very front of the hood was right the outside corners were well back from grille. The wedge cut with more at the inner side and none at the outer edge let the shell tip back and the outer corners and hood sides to come into place. Easy work; if you don't require exact originality, anyway, it's a hot rod not a restored car.

Maybe this grille was an aberration considering other responses on this thread; but even if it wasn't, I would not hesitate to buy a Nottingham grille if needed in the future. The little metal work we did was nothing in comparison to the cost of buying a good original and getting it plated. The chrome on this grill was very good.

I wonder what happened to the '33 and '35 grilles from Australia that CW Moss had; looked at them at the '50s one year, seemed pretty nice, and next thing they were gone.

 

Another picture of lower part of Nottingham Grille...The hood is Roodlieb and fits perfectly

 

Looking good and I like the change to '34 hood latches; always seemed to me to be a better arrangement than the '33 latches.

 

Possibly not economically viable. It would be an expensive part to tool for and manufacture, not to mention the polishing and plating. The result is an expensive part, especially if you want to make any money for your expense and effort.

Many people wish this or that part was reproduced, but when it comes to the crunch, are they happy to pay the price? In the end, it's a small limited market.

 

34 car so The hood handles was a no brainer, Rod at Rootlieb said Nottingham was a little different at top front ,so he made hood to fit the Nottingham grille ..I'm very pleased...

 

I really like your setup! Did you fabricate the “horn hooks” and spreader bar yourself? Looks great.


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I realize the grill/grille difference, but after shopping for one for months, it is clear that using the word "grill" when referring to a car part has become quite common. Thus, I used both in my topic line (but not in the body of my post).

 

Thanks for adding that information.

 

Even back in the 20’s thru 40’s Fosteria was knocking off aftermarket fenders and hoods and other parts, they came painters black and wrapped in paper. Knock off parts have been around a long time

 

When I rodded my '33 I spent many hours trying to better the fit on hood to grille. Only was able to get it acceptable, never perfect. I've seen a few that were though. When they're right, they're RIGHT.