Can anyone determine for me if this is an original insert or aftermarket? If you need better specific pictures, let me know. I'd appreciate the help. Thankyou.
I was going to say, if it fits an original shell it is original, because most of the repo's don't fit. Looking at the pictures the back of the bars have surface rust. As far as I know most of the repo inserts were stainless and thus wouldn't rust.
We need nice close pics from the front where the stainless rolls over the steel backing. And from the back where the bars go into the rim. That being said, there were quite a few different variations of the the grille made in 32. And actually there were some repros made in the 70's that could now be confused for old originals.
Looks like my originals. I haven’t studied the reproduction ones, but I can’t imagine that they would be that detailed.
Alchemy has it right. I know of at least 3 versions of the 1932 Ford grill. If you have the grill that has the stainless strip installed over the steel rim, it is original.
Awesome, thankyou all! I really do appreciate all the expertise here. The grille belonged to a really good friend that got it in the 70/80s at a flea market with the original shell for $10. A local guys kid damaged his fathers 32 5w grille shell hitting a tree in the 80's and bought the shell and insert then and repaired the deuce. Long story short about 15 years ago, I did some trading with a different owner and got it in part of the trade. Super glad to hear it is original. Thanks again. Sorry Lothiandon, I don't know how to post my pictures full size. Not sure if it makes a difference that I'm doing it on my phone? I grew up in the beginning of the computer age, but I'm computer illiterate.
That looks to me like the version that has the stainless as the main surround, not the snap on trim. Nonetheless, I would say it is original.
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