69/70 Grill Differences

[IronCanine]

This topic became a hijack on the Craigslist thread. It was suggested we move it out here. I thought that was a good idea...so I thought I'd kick it off with some pics. Also I'll talk about the reproduction version and how we made it work for a 69 and a 70.

These pics are all complete, some very low mileage 69s. Note the "egg crate" on the 69 inner grill is uniform in color and form. Also fwiw, note the paint on the center bar just past the parking lights.

[davischevy]

My son in laws 70 K10.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by davischevy

My son in laws 70 K10.

Thanks Larry.

[IronCanine]

Ok here are some 70s. The inner grille has horizontal "stripes" that are raised and arranged in columns and highlighted in silver against a black egg crate.

Again, notice the paint at the edge of the parking lights. Here you can see a variation. The first pic is the 80 mile barn find truck (known original) it has the two stripes painted to the end. The others show the black blocked off. My feeling is that this is just a manufacturer variability and either way may be considered correct. More detailed data gathered from know originals is needed to get to the bottom of that. Whether or not it was a variation among suppliers or if it was a model year change (ie before or after a certain serial number).

[davischevy]

A 69 C10 Big Block truck I have in the shed. Per the rivets the grill has been changed.

[davischevy]

A new grill I have on the shelf.

[davischevy]

The inner grill in post #4, although the correct color, has no raised areas at all. I need to look at the build date on that truck.

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by davischevy

The inner grill in post #4, although the correct color, has no raised areas at all. I need to look at the build date on that truck.

That should be absolutely correct for a 69.

The new insert in post #5 looks exactly like a repro. Which is what I would assume it was unless you knew otherwise.

[CG]

I've never been in to the 69 or 70 version of these trucks so when I see one I just say to the owner, nice classic Chevy. Lots of good info in this thread, maybe next time Ill be able to say ... Nice 69!

[FirstOwner69]

Here are a couple pictures of the grille on a '69 just posted on the Craigslist finds thread.

[70cst]

So what is the going rate for a nce 70 grille...

[70c10-08]

Originally Posted by 70cst

So what is the going rate for a nce 70 grille...

$35

I went to an inventory reduction auction at a local tire shop back in 2011. Among all the inventory of wheels and random car parts was a day 2 NOS 69-70 grill both inner and outer still sealed in the General Motors box with a date code of 1992. I knew I absolutely had to do what I could to get it as my build needed both. And the time came it sold with a pile of 88-98 tailgates for only $35 they both were in amazing shape I paid the auctioneer and I quickly ran out of there. But, I quickly learned that it was a Day 2 NOS and not assembly line NOS. But, I'm not gonna be that exactly picky and as stated by previous people in this thread I have to do some painting to make it look kosher for 70. It's never for sale but I would not buy another one for anything more than $35

[71CHEVYSHORTBED402]

Originally Posted by 70c10-08

$35

I went to an inventory reduction auction at a local tire shop back in 2011. Among all the inventory of wheels and random car parts was a day 2 NOS 69-70 grill both inner and outer still sealed in the General Motors box with a date code of 1992. I knew I absolutely had to do what I could to get it as my build needed both. And the time came it sold with a pile of 88-98 tailgates for only $35 they both were in amazing shape I paid the auctioneer and I quickly ran out of there. But, I quickly learned that it was a Day 2 NOS and not assembly line NOS. But, I'm not gonna be that exactly picky and as stated by previous people in this thread I have to do some painting to make it look kosher for 70. It's never for sale but I would not buy another one for anything more than $35

Well if that aint approaching 100x inflation, plus tailgates too deal.

What's day 2 NOS mean? I'd be guessing GM replacements. Perhaps on topic, I have an NOS 71-72 inner grille with IMO a factory flaw, one vertical comb isn't straight. Some day I'll pull it down, heat that up some, clamp it flat.

[70c10-08]

Originally Posted by 71CHEVYSHORTBED402

Well if that aint approaching 100x inflation, plus tailgates too deal.

What's day 2 NOS mean? I'd be guessing GM replacements. Perhaps on topic, I have an NOS 71-72 inner grille with IMO a factory flaw, one vertical comb isn't straight. Some day I'll pull it down, heat that up some, clamp it flat.

I actually left the tailgates there I didn't want them nor did I need them and you're exactly right on that one GM replacements but not what the truck would have left the factory with.

[70cst]

This is a good picture of the indentations the 70 grille has...

[DeadheadNM]

So is this NOS example on eBay correct for 1970? https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-GM-69-7...8AAOSwhRZeg6NL

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

So is this NOS example on eBay correct for 1970? https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-GM-69-7...8AAOSwhRZeg6NL

I would say "no". It's not right for a '69 either.

As I've mentioned previously, the GM outer put on my truck in 1972 is painted like the repro outer grilles. I suspect GM may have later made, for cost purposes, a compromise 69/70 inner which became their replacement for both years. However, the GM inner put on my truck in 1972 is clearly proper for a 1970. I therefore suspect that when the repro parts business started making these, they copied the most recent GM versions at that time.

I have the repair work order with the GM part numbers used on my truck in 1972. I should be able to access that work order in a couple weeks.

It would be great for this discussion if someone has part numbers for later GM produced inner grilles (late 1970s?), as well as the original outer grille design.

[IronCanine]

I agree Jim's assessment.

[DeadheadNM]

CL ad for a 69 C10 had a nice grill photo I thought I'd share

[70cst]

For future reference ... 70 Grill as it matches the picture well.

[combat72]

Grill on my 1970 CST

[too much stuff]

Grill on my old 70 4x4.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by too much stuff

Grill on my old 70 4x4.

A great example of a 1970 grill.

[cericd]

Hey Brad, what method did you use to make the notches in the reproduction inner grille?

[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by cericd

Hey Brad, what method did you use to make the notches in the reproduction inner grille?

All the notches are on the repro grille except for the next to last one in all four quadrants. I did not add the notch. I only masked and painted it as if they were there. Once painted, it is visually indistinguishable. The handful of guys that would know to look there and feel for it are on this board, or more likely in this thread.