1973 to 1979 Grill Differences
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
1973 to 1979 Grill Differences
What are the differences in the grills from 1973 to 1979? I don't need one, but I was just surfing eBay and found several that seem to list various years. Some list one year only, others seem to have a few, and finally, some list all from '73 to '79.
The prices seem to be all over, also.
I don't need one, just interested in the educational side of the differences. Photos would be nice, too.
The prices seem to be all over, also.
I don't need one, just interested in the educational side of the differences. Photos would be nice, too.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,687
Likes: 3,139
From: Shamong, NJ
Original 73's were die cast metal, painted black with the forward edges chrome plated. 74's are the same casting as 73's, but are completely black, without the chrome. Reproduction 73 & 74 grills are plastic.
75-79 all use the same black plastic grills.
The 73 & 74 grills, are not interchangeable with 75-79 grills. The 73 & 74 grills use different mounting brackets, so the position of the mounting tabs is different from those on 75-79 grills.
75-79 all use the same black plastic grills.
The 73 & 74 grills, are not interchangeable with 75-79 grills. The 73 & 74 grills use different mounting brackets, so the position of the mounting tabs is different from those on 75-79 grills.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
I didn't realize they won't interchange. I saw several that have an extra bolt tab, and assumed from the various ads they were '75 and up, but not sure if they were all '75 and up.
But the tabs looked like they were in the same spots, except for the one extra.
But the tabs looked like they were in the same spots, except for the one extra.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From: Belle River Ontario
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
I did my best at restoring the grills on my 73 but gave up all hope and bought the reproduction plastic ones. I wasn't all that happy about switching them out and going with plastic but I sure do love the results.
With the chrome on the original ones all but gone it was extremely difficult to redo these things to look good.
The aluminum was pitted beyond belief.
I really like the fit and finish of the reproduction ones, may not be " correct" but they look sweet as hell!
With the chrome on the original ones all but gone it was extremely difficult to redo these things to look good.
The aluminum was pitted beyond belief.
I really like the fit and finish of the reproduction ones, may not be " correct" but they look sweet as hell!
