1972 Grill question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Already Gone** · 09-05-2017, 05:04 PM

I picked this grill from someone who said he has had it in his shed for at least 15 years. First question is is there any way to tell if its an original or a repopped one?. Second are the rivets that hold the side brace special or just rivets?

ray_mcavoy · 09-05-2017, 06:19 PM

I'm not sure about identifying OE vs. reproduction but if you have another (old, known original) one to compare to, you might want to take a look at the metal thickness and how some of the details are stamped out.

The original rivets had a rounded "truss head" without a hole in the center (in other words, not common POP rivets). I think the OE style rivets are still available, but I prefer to use stainless machine screws with truss heads that mimic the original rivets. Like these:

http://www.althafastener.com/64-65-6...nut_p_168.html
They're much easier to install than rivets and look completely original (except in locations where you can easily see the back side).

*randy500* · 09-05-2017, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

I'm not sure about identifying OE vs. reproduction but if you have another (old, known original) one to compare to, you might want to take a look at the metal thickness and how some of the details are stamped out.

The original rivets had a rounded "truss head" without a hole in the center (in other words, not common POP rivets). I think the OE style rivets are still available, but I prefer to use stainless machine screws with truss heads that mimic the original rivets. Like these:

http://www.althafastener.com/64-65-6...nut_p_168.html
They're much easier to install than rivets and look completely original (except in locations where you can easily see the back side).

I bought those bolts off eBay, look very nice installed...

Original rivets were similar head, but a little flatter, back side was peered over.

**FirstOwner69** · 09-05-2017, 11:24 PM

Here's a picture of the rivet screws installed. They do look like the original rivets.

**Already Gone** · 09-06-2017, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

Here's a picture of the rivet screws installed. They do look like the original rivets.

Thanks for the pic. I actually like them better than the originals. They'd even work in the headlight area. A little black paint on the head and they'd just blend it.

**Already Gone** · 09-06-2017, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

I'm not sure about identifying OE vs. reproduction but if you have another (old, known original) one to compare to, you might want to take a look at the metal thickness and how some of the details are stamped out.

The original rivets had a rounded "truss head" without a hole in the center (in other words, not common POP rivets). I think the OE style rivets are still available, but I prefer to use stainless machine screws with truss heads that mimic the original rivets. Like these:

http://www.althafastener.com/64-65-6...nut_p_168.html
They're much easier to install than rivets and look completely original (except in locations where you can easily see the back side).

Thanks for the info and link..

**FirstOwner69** · 09-06-2017, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Thanks for the pic. I actually like them better than the originals. They'd even work in the headlight area. A little black paint on the head and they'd just blend it.

As suggested.

**Already Gone** · 11-03-2017, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

I'm not sure about identifying OE vs. reproduction but if you have another (old, known original) one to compare to, you might want to take a look at the metal thickness and how some of the details are stamped out.

The original rivets had a rounded "truss head" without a hole in the center (in other words, not common POP rivets). I think the OE style rivets are still available, but I prefer to use stainless machine screws with truss heads that mimic the original rivets. Like these:

http://www.althafastener.com/64-65-6...nut_p_168.html
They're much easier to install than rivets and look completely original (except in locations where you can easily see the back side).

Look what I got in the mail today.. Thanks for the tip Ray and FirstOwner69 for the installed pic.

In The Ten Ring · 11-03-2017, 10:34 PM

Please note: those rivet-mimic bolts can loosen. If I had it to do over, I'd use machine screws and a locking (nylon insert) nut.

In The Ten Ring · 11-03-2017, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

I picked this grill from someone who said he has had it in his shed for at least 15 years. First question is is there any way to tell if its an original or a repopped one?. Second are the rivets that hold the side brace special or just rivets?

The pics you have provided are not of original rivets....someone has had that grill off the grill brackets before. No idea if it is original or not.

**Already Gone** · 11-03-2017, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In The Ten Ring

The pics you have provided are not of original rivets....someone has had that grill off the grill brackets before. No idea if it is original or not.

They are not rivets they are screws with a nut on the bottom and that's why I wanted to change them. When I install these I'll put some Locktite on as well.

**atog** · 11-03-2017, 11:46 PM

Original grills will have a part number on bottom inside where it attaches to outer grill between tabs #3990700. I use stainless carriage bolts to attach Looks nicer. Just my preference

In The Ten Ring · 11-03-2017, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

They are not rivets they are screws with a nut on the bottom and that's why I wanted to change them. When I install these I'll put some Locktite on as well.

Um yeah.

Screws are not "original rivets."

Frankly, I'd keep the screws and nuts. They can be tightened and loosened at will: you may want to take that grill off for some unforeseen reason.

**jocko** · 11-04-2017, 10:10 AM

I think the screws are a good idea greg, I'd add a little dab of Loctite to em and call it a day.

**Already Gone** · 11-04-2017, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jocko

I think the screws are a good idea greg, I'd add a little dab of Loctite to em and call it a day.

That is exactly the plan..

**special-K** · 11-04-2017, 06:29 PM

I'm tied of reading this thread. Screw it

*randy500* · 11-04-2017, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

I'm tied of reading this thread. Screw it

It is kind of a screwy thread...don't blame you

El Dorado Jim · 11-05-2017, 06:11 PM

you guys are screwed up!!!ha ha

09-05-2017, 05:04 PM	#1
Already Gone 70+ ( Old Skool Club ) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada Posts: 9,073	1972 Grill question I picked this grill from someone who said he has had it in his shed for at least 15 years. First question is is there any way to tell if its an original or a repopped one?. Second are the rivets that hold the side brace special or just rivets? Attached Images __________________ 1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4 1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package 1992 K1500 GMC Suburban Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601 " Circumsatances Do Not Change Responsibility " " The Sky is not the Limit, Your Mind is." Marilyn Monroe .. RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021

09-05-2017, 06:19 PM	#2
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,354	Re: 1972 Grill question I'm not sure about identifying OE vs. reproduction but if you have another (old, known original) one to compare to, you might want to take a look at the metal thickness and how some of the details are stamped out. The original rivets had a rounded "truss head" without a hole in the center (in other words, not common POP rivets). I think the OE style rivets are still available, but I prefer to use stainless machine screws with truss heads that mimic the original rivets. Like these: http://www.althafastener.com/64-65-6...nut_p_168.html They're much easier to install than rivets and look completely original (except in locations where you can easily see the back side).

09-05-2017, 11:24 PM	#4
FirstOwner69 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Wisconsin & Arizona Posts: 4,839	Re: 1972 Grill question Here's a picture of the rivet screws installed. They do look like the original rivets. Attached Images

11-03-2017, 10:34 PM	#9
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,421	Re: 1972 Grill question Please note: those rivet-mimic bolts can loosen. If I had it to do over, I'd use machine screws and a locking (nylon insert) nut.

11-03-2017, 11:46 PM	#12
atog Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: burbank ohio Posts: 2,531	Re: 1972 Grill question Original grills will have a part number on bottom inside where it attaches to outer grill between tabs #3990700. I use stainless carriage bolts to attach Looks nicer. Just my preference

11-04-2017, 10:10 AM	#14
jocko Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Godley, TX Posts: 17,934	Re: 1972 Grill question I think the screws are a good idea greg, I'd add a little dab of Loctite to em and call it a day.

11-04-2017, 06:29 PM	#16
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: 1972 Grill question I'm tied of reading this thread. Screw it __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

11-05-2017, 06:11 PM	#18
El Dorado Jim Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: El Dorado Ca Posts: 3,374	Re: 1972 Grill question you guys are screwed up!!!ha ha



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