1936 Ford Grille Questions

[DirtyDan]

I have not had much luck finding an original grille for my 36 coupe, so I am considering an aftermarket one. I currently have a chrome aftermarket grille that is way off on proper dimensions. The front bull nose/emblem sticks out from the face of the grille over an inch, and the opening will not allow me to use the stock stainless trim.

My question is... since an original grille hasn't come along yet, who makes the best fitting aftermarket unit. I have seen some that are stamped one piece and others that have the grill bars welded in. I will also be using the stock stainless trim, so it is important that it have the holes for mounting.

Any help appreciated.

[36tbird]

Bought one of Drake's repops a few years back. Not a bad little grille but I had to make pie cuts on each side at the top to spread the thing out to fit. I had to drill that grille to mount the stainless trim, but that is not a big deal.

Have you checked the side panels fit with that grille? I'm wondering if you need to rework the top radiator mounting holes of that grille to move it forward (or radiator leaned back more) so that the bull nose fits. Are you up against your fan?

[Lawson Cox]

Just another example of reproduction crap we have to put up with.

[DirtyDan]

Everything is lined up the way it is supposed to be. The car has a hood and side panels and the alignment is fine. It seems as if the peak of the grille is not enough for the contour of the bullnose. The bullnose is flush against the grille and still sticks out too far. The center does not dip down to allow alignment of the stock side trim either.

Kinda hard to tell in this pic, but here is the same car w/ the hood and side panels on:

[BobM]

Dan, had the same problem with my '36 and I have the stock grill! I never was able to get a perfect fit where center stainless strip attaches to the hood ornament, still a slight gap. If you need any measurements let me know.

[Karl Wescott]

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"Just another example of reproduction crap we have to put up with."

Yep.

The repop 36 grille (and there is only one, unless one counts some aluminum hot rod types) is, and has been, made in Argentina since the 1960's. And yes it is depending on your attitude, a) a piece of crap. b) the best available. c) of hole filler quality (much better than a empty hole). Incidentally, I think these were originally made in the US as a cheap replacement for the body shop market in the 1930's to 1950's.

If you look at buying a project (and do not have expectations of bolt on quality), the repro grill becomes a reasonable starting point (considering the lack of alternatives). Plan on cutting it apart and shaping the fit to the hood, fenders, grille ornament, and grille trim. Reshape and weld things back together and you should have something that is presentable.

[Lyndon]

That is a great looking blue coupe there! Having just gone through this, all I can say is good luck. Even with a decent original, getting everything to line up and fit is a challenge. I have a repop grille that is currently decorating my garage wall, I also found that in order to use it I would need to pie cut it up all over the place. I found a bent up original, and was able to do some straightening on it but even it was hard to get to fit in properly. You also need to be very certain that your rad mounts are as they should be. If you had a recore done recently this could be a problem too. But I had the exact same results with the repop grille, the ornament stuck out way past the nose of the grille and looked terrible.

I realize that none of what I just posted is actual usefull information, but was meant to let you know that many of us have gone through this exact same thing.

-Lyndon

[1oldtimer]

depending on your price range i've seen factory ones for sale at the early ford store in san dimas.

[Scott/Mn]

Hi Dan, I have owned a '36 coupe for many years and also have had trouble lining up the hood ornament and trim (and the hood edges). The best thing I did was to throw my vintique ornament away and replace it with one from Bob Drake. Drake's still needed a little fitting- I ground off the back surface slightly, but now looks pretty good.


"I have seen some that are stamped one piece and others that have the grill bars welded in". Look for the one piece grille if you buy an original. I have tried both on mine; the grille with welded bars looked nice but seemed to be tougher to line up correctly. I was lucky enough to fine a nice one piece stamped grille and am very happy with it.

Scott

[Uncle Bob]

Dan, I would encourage you to stick to the search for a good original. The level of workmanship and finish you've lavished on your car so far "demands" you do so. They're out there, you just need to keep at it.

I'm having a little CRS on this and was hoping one of the more nimble minded '36ers on here would pipe up. There were at least two versions of the factory grill for '36. The "one piece" being the more desireable, the multi piece the later production (speculated to be a cost saver for ol' Henry). I recall the repops are easy to spot in the way the bottom area for formed and welded together, but there are probably other immediate flags that would help you to not acquire another repop in error. I just can't remember what they are right now. Let's face it, some of the sellers honestly wouldn't know a repop from a stocker if they just happened to come into possession of a grill.

The '36 is one of the tougher front ends to get lined up properly, a good genuine Ford grille makes it a tad easier.

[DirtyDan]

Thanks for the suggestions. I actually have an original 36 grill that is in excellent shape except the all of the grille bars are removed from the last 5" or so of the grille and was filled in. I removed the filled portion and just have a hole there now. It was on an old 60's custom car. I wonder how hard it would be to find the bottom grille bars and weld them all in? Probably just as hard as finding another grille

[B-O-B]

Genuine Steel Replacement era specific Grilles

714-854-7264


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[Scott/Mn]

Dan, one other suggestion (you probably already know this) is to look for a nice painted standard grille. This may have a potential to chromeplate better than a rusted deluxe grille. Scott

[DirtyDan]

I have found a bare steel grille that the seller claims to be NOS. It appears to be the one piece stamped variety. Any ideas on what would be a reasonable price to pay for such an animal?

[Django]

$400-600 seems to be the going rate at the swap meets. Are there any grilles here in the classifieds for sale? There were a couple a few months ago I thought.

[lawman1932]

[lawman1932]

Thats my buddys grill that i am trying to sell for him it is nos i seen the original ford tag on it He wants 700 firm and i think thats a fair price considering how rare they are

[DirtyDan]

I have called him and left a message. I'm very interested in buying it. Have him call me at 314-456-6540.

Thanks

[Tom Morookian]

There's one on ebay now (not mine), looks like the one pictured here already. Supposed to be NOS standard??? It's in Canada.
Starting price is $500

[deuce lover]

That grill on EBAY is the same one and is a 2 piece.I had a very good one I sold in the for sale section a few months back.No takers at $600.Sold it to a guy in Australia for $500 thru this site.I have one (1 piece)being plated now(costing me $400) and will sell the one off my 36 w/inner air baffle for $500 + shipping after I change it out.Its an original plated driver quality grille.NOS 36 grilles go for about $2000

The $500 grille of my 36 is spoken for by Dirty Dan

[TJ]

Out here on the left coast real nice 36 grilles are selling for around $1000. NOS ones are $1500-2000. If you can buy an NOS grille for $700 I would grab it.

[DirtyDan]

It's the same one... I've told him I wanted it. Even called the number posted on another ad and PM'd him, but no response. I guess I have to bid on the damn thing now?

[lawman1932]

Yes, I am interested in purchasing the grille. I would need to have it shipped to me. I am in St. Louis, MO, so picking it up is not an option. I will pay for the shipping charges.

Thanks,
Dan


INTERESTED IN PURCHASING IT ....IS NOT I WILL TAKE IT.
I DO NOT HAVE LONG DISTANCE ON MY PHONE I TOLD YOU THAT SO DONT PLAY POOR ME I CONTACTED YOU WITH A PM AND ASKED IF YOU WANTED IT AND YOU ARE JUST INTERESTED

[1oldtimer]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

That grill on EBAY is the same one and is a 2 piece.I had a very good one I sold in the for sale section a few months back.No takers at $600.Sold it to a guy in Australia for $500 thru this site.I have one (1 piece)being plated now(costing me $400) and will sell the one off my 36 w/inner air baffle for $500 + shipping after I change it out.Its an original plated driver quality grille.NOS 36 grilles go for about $2000

I sent you a pm.

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by lawman1932

Yes, I am interested in purchasing the grille. I would need to have it shipped to me. I am in St. Louis, MO, so picking it up is not an option. I will pay for the shipping charges.

Thanks,
Dan


INTERESTED IN PURCHASING IT ....IS NOT I WILL TAKE IT.
I DO NOT HAVE LONG DISTANCE ON MY PHONE I TOLD YOU THAT SO DONT PLAY POOR ME I CONTACTED YOU WITH A PM AND ASKED IF YOU WANTED IT AND YOU ARE JUST INTERESTED

Seems pretty clear to me that I wanted to purchase it. I said I would pay shipping charges. That would indicate that I want to buy it. Its fine... I hope you sell it on eBay... I wouldn't trust you enough to send $700 to anyways.

[lawman1932]

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Do you want to buy it
i am interested does not mean i will take it
the owner of the grill decided to put it on ebay

[GaryTx]

OMG......its a hobby step back and see if you two can help each other out....

[DirtyDan]

Originally Posted by lawman1932

Do you want to buy it
i am interested does not mean i will take it
the owner of the grill decided to put it on ebay

Sorry I have agreed to purchase the grille offered by "Duece Lover." Would have loved to have it and gladly paid the asking price. But it was not worth the hassle.

Originally Posted by GaryTx

OMG......its a hobby step back and see if you two can help each other out....

I AGREE!

[George G]

Hamb Drama

[lawman1932]

I dont care who buys it
it is not my grill

[uncle buck]

Originally Posted by deuce lover

I have one (1 piece)being plated now(costing me $400)
The $500 grille of my 36 is spoken for by Dirty Dan

Sheldon, Where are you getting it plated for that price? I am curious to know how it comes out. Thanks,Dave

[bb3910]

First post guys. I am new to this forum, but I am selling 5 of these identical grilles for my dad. Please let me know if you are interested. Thanks, Brandon

[1931 flamingo]

Brandon: Fill out your profile, please. Where are you located?? How much??
Post on the swap site if you're serious. JMO

Paul in CT

[sturgis 39]

My opinion is the originals did not fit that great. I have heard about 36 grills not fitting for years. It is like the 49 to 55 Chevy pickups. They were thrown together and had wide and narrow gaps all over the place. This is the way they were originally built.

Do not blame Bob, blame Ford. I doubt you could find two original grills that match a 100% out of two hundred. Then try the same thing with radiator, fenders and mounting brackets. You people are kidding yourselves. They did not have laser guided stamps, welders and gang drills in 1936.

[drfrankenklein]

Beautiful OEM 1936 Grill on Ebay now! [email protected] I got to have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RalphM]

I’ve seen 36 grilles all over in my search for a 35 Grille.

[Royal Ryser]

I just reassembled my 36 tudor front end. I believe my grille is original to the car. I have an original "bullnose" trim piece and a Drake repop. I could not get either one to properly fit, although I finally settled for "pretty good."

After my own experience and reading all of the above, it seems that getting everything to fit is a crap shoot. I do know that I worked for more than a week to get all of the sheet metal to come together, sort of. That included running boards (new), fenders, hood and grille pieces. I think with whatever pieces you have or buy, you will have a trying time. Good Luck.

[aandkt]

Now that about eight years have gone by, what were the results of the grill problem? I blame my exact problem on the Vintique emblem. One thing I did do was to cut the stainless center hing back and cut a piece off the side curtain hing. That made the ornament sit further back into the hood. Much better ? Yes but, the bottom of the ornament still sticks out about 3/4 inch. then I shimmed the back of the ornament up a bit, still NG. I blame most of the issues on the Vintique Ornament
Any opinions?

[cajunfirehawk]

FWIW, just bought an original one and in very good shape from a very nice member on the barn, $500 plus the ride.

[KiWinUS]

A one piece grille or a welded?

[cajunfirehawk]

Originally Posted by KiWinUS

A one piece grille or a welded?

Um, you tell me, looks just like my original best I can tell?...last pic is the original that I want to replace, excuse the white paint bomb someone did...

[deuce lover]

What you have pictured is a 1 piece stamping and yes original.

[Robert1936]

The one piece grilles are best for plating. The multi piece ones cannot be reliably plated as the chrome will not flow into the gaps between the parts.
When fitting up the front end be prepared to move the soldered on brackets on sides of radiator to get grille and hood ornament to fit properly.
Don't be too quick to blame repops.
These cars have been worked on by all types of "experts" over the years. They were just old bombs for many of those years and radiator repairs were done to suit old bent parts that were "near enough"
I've just put my 36 coupe back together with a chromed ($1400aus) one piece grille and Drake ornament. Turned out as good as or better than original.