DC Making new 68-69 Grilles!

[averagef250]

We have dies at work that cost over $250,000 and they don't make anything close to the size of a grille. I would not be at all surprised if DC spends at least $500,00 on tooling.

I know a little about forming dies, yet have no idea what something for a part as complex as an aluminum grill shell would cost. I wouldn't think the surround could be done in a one hit progressive punch/die, but if it was it would be a work of art to see it. All those louvers and folds, keeping the corners crisp and I'd think you'd have to coin the material to get good resolution of the fine details.

I'd like to see the press that can coin a sheet the size of a grill surround.

I've always thought it would be fun to machine a grill surround and inserts from solid for my '70. I think it would look incredible if machined properly, polished and clear anodized. The problem would likely be not in making it, but the grill would be too rigid and wouldn't conform to inconsistencies in the fenders on a 40 year old truck. It wouldn't flex much if it were solid.

[mrollings53]

I make parts for Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers. You could machine a grill out of a solid plate, but it would warp something terrible. Plus the cost of the material is going to be several thousand dollars per part. A 4x18x72 inch plate is about $4700 from ThyssenKrupp's consumer website. Compare that to a sheet of .050" 2024 for about $200 per part. Things just get more expensive from there before you even have a finished part ready for any finish process.

[chicof100]

I'm sure the grilles will be stamped in China. I do believe the 66 grille that is re-produced is made in China. If a part is made there it only has to have a sticker placed on it saying "Made in China" once here the sticker comes off.
At the F100 Western Nationals two or three years ago, Pat Ford was questioned by a couple of very knowledgeable Ford gurus as to the location of parts being made. Pat Ford admitted that parts such as the 66 grille and the 67-69 headlight bezels were being produced in China.
For those of you who remember the 66 Ford grilles that were reproduced by "Dennis Carpenter" had problems and still do. There first batches had issues with the thickness of Aluminum being used. This put production on hold until they could get that issue and the press ironed out. Next issue was proper fit, it seemed that a reproduced grille is not a perfect fit. Takes creativity to get them lined up right.

[68 Ford Stepside]

I really liked the grills on these two trucks I took photos of not too long ago. Wish the owners had been around so I could have found out where the grills came from. The truck with the chromed grill was located in Augusta, Georgia.

[guhfluh]

I'm more partial to the 67 grille anyway. I wonder how much it would be to chrome one...

Chroming the grille shell and headlight doors/bezels should run you about $500.00 to $700.00 for triple plate, copper, nickel and chrome. The beauty in chroming is the prep. The grille shell has to be perfect, no waves, no dents or dings, same as headlight bezels. when it's 100% straight then have it chromed. Chrome price varies from shop to shop and state to state. E. P. A. and competition dictates price.
When done the 67 grilles are "Absolutely gorgeous" (sorry the feminine side came out) no other way to describe the looks of a 67 chrome grille.

Thanks, I agree the 67 is my favorite. My 67's steel grille is perfect in the front, but does have one ding below the pass headlight bucket that can't really be seen unless you look for it. I would need a headlight bucket or two for it to be perfect which sure does start to add up the $$$ though.

That picture of the chromed 67 grill sure does look sweet, in my opinion.

[Craigerf100]

Only the show truck guys will be interested. If I bought one, installed it & fifteen minutes later a large bird creamed it while I was driving 70 mph, I would be one sick puppy. A truck with a grille that expensive is going to have to pay premium insurance rates to get it covered. The old supply & demand thing can get expensive real quick.

yep these grilles are for trailer show trucks for sure at that price.

[Craigerf100]

I'm more partial to the 67 grille anyway. I wonder how much it would be to chrome one...

me too

[chicof100]

Well let's look at it this way, NOS grilles when available have gone for as much as $1500.00 that's just for the shell. If you come across an NOS 67 68 or 69 grille, you could sell it for $1000.00 on up. Just because it is NOS. And NOS does not mean it is perfect, merely never put on a truck. The anodize can be flaky there could be scratches from shelf wear, even a ding here and there. Some people do not care as long as it's NOS. Sky's the limit for NOS.
Now I ask you, if you have $1500.00 to spend on a grille (YOU HAVE TO SPEND IT ON A GRILLE) which one would you buy?
a.) Reproduced made in china otherwise perfect.
b.) NOS grille Made in U.S.A. could be slightly damaged due to shelf life, remember it is 44 plus years old.
c.) A reconditioned Original complete grille all components for the grille (Just thought I'd throw the last one in)

[gregamorton]

I will never buy another aluminum grill for my bumps!! I am a Painted steel grill man! I have 3 in the shop and 4 aluminum ones in the overhead that will more than likely never get used.

[chicof100]

I will never buy another aluminum grill for my bumps!! I am a Painted steel grill man! I have 3 in the shop and 4 aluminum ones in the overhead that will more than likely never get used.

Stand by for P.M.

[68 Ford Stepside]

Did anyone here notice that the chromed grill I posted had the vertical bars the entire distance top to bottom.That makes me think that it is a reproduction grill. Look at the grill in the second photo for short vertical bars.

[chicof100]

Did anyone here notice that the chromed grill I posted had the vertical bars the entire distance top to bottom.That makes me think that it is a reproduction grill. Look at the grill in the second photo for short vertical bars.

None of these are reproduced. If you look close enough you'll notice the vertical bars at the very top and very bottom are just blacked out. But they're there.

[68 Ford Stepside]

Ok, I wonder if the chromed grill was a steel painted grill at one time.

[chicof100]

Ok, I wonder if the chromed grill was a steel painted grill at one time.

It was, none of the steel ones came chrome, at least I don't think they did.

[averagef250]

I make parts for Boeing and other aircraft manufacturers. You could machine a grill out of a solid plate, but it would warp something terrible. Plus the cost of the material is going to be several thousand dollars per part. A 4x18x72 inch plate is about $4700 from ThyssenKrupp's consumer website. Compare that to a sheet of .050" 2024 for about $200 per part. Things just get more expensive from there before you even have a finished part ready for any finish process.

A domestic 6061 extruded 4X18X72" bar would be $750-$1000 from any competitive supplier.

I wouldn't make it from 4" material.