Custom Grills

[Bluescrawler]

Has anybody fabricated a custom grill for their Duster (or any other A-body)? If so please post some pics.

I am considering using some aluminum round stock to fab a custom grill insert similar to the one I have pictured below, compared to the original, that I found on the net. I intend to hide the turn signal lamps behind the insert but not the head lamps.

I am interested in seeing pictures of your custom grill and any other custom trim/body changes you've done.

Joe

 

[pastortom1]

Here's a custom fabrication for a 78 Volare Wagon.........used the old plastic as a subframe after trimming all the junk out..........used a piece of extruded aluminum for the top tube that spans the entire hood opening.....the top tube goes UP with the hood..........a one-off job.

Really "meaned" it up and made it look worthy to be called a Mopar, in my book.
:read2:

The second pic is a 74 Dart Sport 360.........grille has been recoated in a lightly textured black metallic and clearcoat, then a small chrome trim is attached across the middle, meeting up with custom chrome surrounds at the turn signals........clean, simple and mean one-off. :read2:

 

[GTXperience]

I made some for my 69 Barracuda circa '81-'82 out of either 1/2" or 5/8" chrome round stock and it looked pretty mean. I went back to the original egg crate grille inserts in the '90s. If I can find a pic. i will post it.

 

[Bluescrawler]

Nice work Pastor... That Dart looks awesome.

I am looking to make subtle changes to my car, just like you did, that contribute the overall "coolness" factor and give it my own personal touch.

I was at the "Good Guy's" car show here in Colorado this past weekend and saw a Camaro with some custom door handles which I think I might do to my Duster. I like the way it cleans up the body line and makes it a bit more up to date.

I think he said they were from a Mazda. Hmmm.. I hope the Duster doesn't reject the transplant! Flame-on purists... 8)

Joe

 

[metalwa]

i seen that camaro this last winter at a local car show it was one nice restro moded car,

 

[spikekid999]

well ive been told i should get a billit grille for my sport that covers the headlights, anyone make these?

 

[Bluescrawler]

well ive been told i should get a billit grille for my sport that covers the headlights, anyone make these?

I don't know if anyone makes them. I am looking to make some of the mods on my own just for the satisfaction of completing them on my own and to get the fabrication experience. Also; my grill is in pretty sad shape, it looks good from a distance but it's got several broken pieces and the mount points are snapped off in a couple places.

I would definitely be interested in checking out what is available out there as well... just for ideas.

Joe

 

[spikekid999]

my grille is in good shape,but i have a spare thats not in such good shape that i wouldnt mind tryin something custom with

 

[Backtobasics]

If the billet look is your direction, consider a (GASP) Ford Super Duty grille. They make one piece units that cover the center and sides, and are HUGE.

It could easily be cut down to the height (and likely width) of an A body. This would likely only work on the pre "pointed nose" of ?75-76? Darts. The Super Duty face is pretty flat, with a slight taper back from a center.....

 

[spikekid999]

not sure bout the 70-72 darts but i know the 73-4 sports have a slight point to em in the middle

 

[challengergary]

What year/type is you car? I'd look for a billet grille for a 70's-80's pickup. They are cheap and available all over the place. You easily spend less than $100.00 Usually, something like a GMC or Chevy that had a wide front end. There are many different styles available so you can really use your imagination. Then, you can trim it down to fit your tastes. I've actually seen this done to create an "Eleanor" look on a '68 Mustang and was amazed at the results.