Aussie79vette

The 73 I just bought did not have the middle grill (in process of replacing bumper) and would like to find one, does any
one have any recommendations with aftermarket grilles.

Is there another option to not having the grille ?

Andy

Eliredandblack

There are some plastic non metal grills for the center available from most Corvette vendors. I refreshed my original right and left grills, from a write up by a forum member. Next, I gave up looking for a OEM pot metal center grill on eBay (73 are different from other Corvette years) I then painted my center tag bracket, put a school insignia plate on it. The metal license plate bracket is available from most vendors..
Eli

Eliredandblack

I just found one eBay for $ 199, not sure how to check if it’s OEM.

HUSKEE73

the center grill is available in its original metal form with chrome edges for the 73,i got one from willcox corvette,forum sponsor,it is the same as original,nice quality.

Tooch1

If this is the one you found on eBay for $199. It's not correct for a 73. It's from a 74. 73's were die cast pot metal with a chrome plated leading edge. 74's were die cast aluminum with no chrome plating. They were just black. However it will fit your 73.
Hope this helps!
Tooch

OldCarBum

I purchased a new center grille from Corvette Central.
Nice piece, just like the original.

juggernautZ06

Is it metal or plastic? 73 were metal 74 were made of plastic.

OldCarBum

It’s metal just like the original.

juggernautZ06

That’s great.

CheezMoe

I have an original but the metal was split on several of the fins. When I did my paint restoration there were no metal centers on the after market. So I bought an aftermarket left and right and aplastic center which was all I could find .....looks great to me. The plastic repro piece was like $69 if I recall. I've restored the originals but going to keep them to go with the car if I ever sell it.

Tom73

Best to find an original one at a swap meet, maybe Bloomington Gold or Carlisle. They will cost you $100-200 depending upon condition. Last one I bought cost me $120.

There is a reproduction one out there but its fins are way too thick. Does not come close to matching the side grills.

The problem with finding a used one is that it is a one year only part. The basic grill was used in 73 & 74. The 73 was chrome with all but the leading edge blacked out. The 74 was not chrome and was all black.

Tom73

Edit
Just noticed that you are in Australia. So would assume that BG or Carlisle are out of the question. Your best bet may be a plastic repo available on eBay for around $80.

Good luck.

Tom

Tom73

Here is an original grill, with thin fins:


and here is a reproduction one with thick fins:


If the car is just a driver you may be better off going with a plastic reproduction grill and investing the balance elsewhere in the car

This is a plastic one from Corvette Central for $75.

Aussie79vette

I think there are a couple of options one is to get an reproduction or the other is to fill in the hole completely. I am getting a new Fibreglass nose
sent over to paint and fit. Sourced one from ITS FIBREGLASS on Ebay

As the number plate covers most of the grill anyway, why not just glass in the area and fit the number plate ????

Thoughts

Tom73

It is an either/or situation, if you use a front plate then you leave the grill off. No front plate then you use the grill.
So if you are required to run a front plate you do not need the grill.

juggernautZ06

If your not having your car judged by NCRS, then it really doesn’t matter. My car has the front plate because it’s from New York. The grill center should be in the back. My car is missing the center grill. So I am on the search for a good used center grill.

CA-Legal-Vette

They are out there, just be patient. As Tom mentioned, it’s a one year only part and only came with cars that didn’t require a front plate. Not sure if it came with front plate cars but you can bet most would be lost after 46 years.

There must be a couple of aftermarket versions because I found one that was pretty good. I later found a reasonably priced NOS one on eBay.

resdoggie

Is there a centre grill available somewhere for a '76? Or, can an earlier year grille be modified to fit a '76?

Tom73

Did the 76 have a center grill? Thought they just had a solid flat mounting for a license plate. Not that familiar with those years so may be wrong.

resdoggie

They never came with a centre grille. I have searched for an aftermarket grille without success. Hence, my question.

Paul Borowski

...1974 original grilles were metal, just didn't have the chrome leading edge like a '73 does. '75-'79 were plastic originally, but can be used on '73/'74 cars. They are the same other than being plastic.

NOS GM Plastic '75-'79 Front grilles