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Is it safe to say that there isn't a part number on a 66 grill and if not so where would it be? How would someone identify. an original one? Thanks everyone
The 66-67 grill has never been reproduced, and was still available from GM up to about a year or so ago. The GM grill is what all of the Corvette vendors was selling. When it was discontinued the list price was somewhere around $1200, and in spite of the high price, the quality wasn't great. Between years of reusing the mold, and the general lack of care by the GM parts plant in finishing the grills, the final product was full of flaws, flashing, sharp edges, casting marks, etc.
The grill's original part number was 3875746, and it might be cast into the backside of the grill someplace, I don't recall. Most GM parts have a part number molded or cast into them somewhere. I have a couple original grills at the shop, and if I remember I'll take a look when I get in tomorrow to see if there is a number.
I was told that one of the Corvette vendors had been negotiating for the rights to the GM mold, so they could continue making the grill, but at the moment I think the project is stalled.
I got a chance to pull an old grill off the shelf, and the 66-67 grill does have a part number cast into it, along with the letters "CBC", which is likely who cast it for GM. The part number can be found on the bottom, to the left (driver's side) of the lower center mounting tab (note that the "6" at the end of the part number is cast backwards).
Originally Posted by 59BlueSilver
So if someone has a front end collision, how does the repair shop replace the grille?
The simple answer is they're screwed. Right now the only option is to find an NOS one, or a good used one, neither of which are real easy to do, or cheap. Most used grills often have one or both of the mounting tabs broken off (the lower ones missing from the grill I have and photoed). Since 66-67 grills get mounting brackets attached on each end, you may be able to getaway with using one missing one (or maybe even both???) of the center tabs.
Last edited by gbvette62; Apr 26, 2022 at 06:33 AM.
