Hot Rods Original 32 grill verses repop

One word- styling. The gray painted bars offered contrast to the stainless surround. Someone, maybe Edsel, had an eye for style and realized too much bling is not always a good thing.

 

Mr. Stimac your place was amazing when I was there for Havasu Deuce day in my coupe. I really hope to see your collection again soon. Thank you for opening it up to all of us.

 

Would it be more appropriate to just call it a spare parts supply………….

that’s how I justify it………




And for those of you wondering why your reproduction inserts don’t always fit, pleases note the different shape at the bottom of the two outside shells. (top is also different, but hard to see in this photo). One is also 3/4” inch taller….

 

I understand comments like this, and appreciate that a lot of people would like to see them back on cars.

But when I look at the photos above with 19 grilles on the wall, - all I see is wall art, in a museum type of setting, better than an original of the ‘MonaLisa’ or some other painting and no different to the guy who has 20 old petrol bowsers around the edge of his garage……..

if someone wants one, - a deuce shell or petrol bowser or original mona lisa - should they not just make an offer that can’t be refused……?

 

definitely- learned this when a 16 year old at school, in economics class……

Supply verses Demand……..

took me 30 years to understand it, - if only back then the teacher had related it back to ‘32 grilles………

 

I’m just an old fart that missed out when they were cheap. Passed on a set of pristine 5 window garnish moldings for $300 bucks in the 80’s……arrrg. But at least I kept the car which was my dads since the 50s (my avatar)

 

There is nothing wrong with "hoarding" things of value whether they be car parts, stocks, whatever. The part that concerns me is that conventional investments are typically accounted for when someone passes on. I have heard too many stories of people's honey pot of hot rod rareness ending up in dumpsters for scrap value. What we hold dear to us and pay good money for may not necessarily be considered as such if we leave it in the hands of those who don't know the value. I have one original "32 shell and insert that I genuflect as I pass by everyday.....but I kind of wish I had more

 

I have been on the look out for an original insert to actually go on a 32 , darn hard to prise away from the museums ,and wall art guys. Sure there the occasional that are complete original shells out there but most appear to have an insert that is just waaayy too nice to be called original 32 or the filler neck has been filled , eek. Any way its fun hunting.

 

Wow ,did not know some repro shells were so poor . We must have got lucky and unlucky with repro insert in out original shell . The first one fitted Ok but in 6 yrs was very rusty budget S/S. Second one we purchase from a vendor NZ and fitted well and in the last 5 yrs is still rust free.

 

Could not you just put a magnate on the insert and if slides off it is a repop?

 

The Hunt Brothers of Texas thought the same by buy all the silver that was for sale, then they waited for demand to increase and they owned the market, but it crashed later on them...
Hording '32 original grill shells on the wall when they were $50 (if they ever were) is one thing, but now going for thousands of dollars each, its hoarding of the worst kind.

 

Well, with inflation going the way it is, you might have sold them at about the same value as today's market.

 

yes, - we have paid $50 ( NZ dollars, equal to about - $30 US - for a shell in the ‘80s )

 

Here’s one I saved it’s real

 

Waaay too early in the morning for porn don't you think!

 

That's a good point Don. I never thought about it that way. And, back then I needed the $ more than I need it today. I guess I did good

 

So who makes the best quality and fit of the repops today. I would prefer stainless for the insert, but want both of them to fit together well even if they aren't perfect reproductions.

 

Bead blasted SS is grey...he was a cheapass.

 

The best of the best is/was a Dales insert, no longer in production though, may have to start networking to uncover one that was not put into service.

 

I collected a few over the years and now own all three versions of original Henry Ford grill inserts...

My favorite is the one with the stamped in character lines that go up the sides. Such a lovely design.

Style #1 (originally one piece stainless band with steel teeth, this one was fully chromed at some point in its life)


Style #2 (stainless lip over steel)


Style #3 (character line)

 

there is "NONE " now Since no longer Dale's ... Its a roll of dice for shell $300-$450 ish range up for fitment From
U-P & Brookville, the shell You see for $175 -$250 fitment Are so so ,
But do not fit correct with gaps .Under $150 are Seconds !! Horrible fitment .

Insert are So So fitment & craftsmanship under the $400 range for the ones on the Market for last few years to present .
There is reproduction Pines & show ones over $1,500 up

I have a original shell , but was butchered back in the 60s, Im looking for a Original top Half ( from a wreck or unusable bottom) approximately
4 inches down ward from Radiator cap /bullnose

 

l never knew that there were different versions. Possibly only had the one type exported to here. Although I will be looking more closely now.
Thanks for posting the different ones !