74FLCONV

I'm still attempting to eliminate the gap-toothed look of the front end of my '74. FLA is a no-front license plate state and I'm tired of looking at the ugly gap in the grille.

I have offered 74Roadster several million dollars (in Italian lire) for his custom grill to no avail, searched E-Stink for the '74 only grill-filler and even considered a custom license plate (Billy Heart Suzy...Fear This...Jesus Drives a Vette)...not.

Now, I'm considering mounting two round/flat driving lights (Hella?) to fill the hole (two 4 inchers should do it) ala the Shelby GT500



Opinions? Ideas? Pics of your gap?

Thanks in advance,

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

Smokehouse69

No license plate is a real bonus for cooling. I wouldn't put anything in it. If I could get away with it here in Texas I'd do it!

74FLCONV

I've driven the car on the hottest of FLA summer days with no cooling issues. There IS a black plate holder in the space now. I believe the driving lamps would allow more air through than the current configuration, no?

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

rainman69

Do you have a picture of the area you're talking about?

74FLCONV

Yes...offending gap displayed, marked and noted herein as exhibit "A":



D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

rainman69

Hm...that seems to show some solid peice, but I find nothing listed in Eckler's catalog. Perhaps a '68-'69 center grille can be modified to fit the gap?

:seeya

74FLCONV

Yes, Eckler's (or some other catalog) has a simulated grill that fits the center gap, but only for 75 & up...(73/74 is totally different).

It is my understanding that GM made a similar piece for '74, but apparently they are rarer than frog whiskers.

Hmm...that '74 rear facia in your ad is not what GM sold...

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA


[Modified by 74FLCONV, 12:01 AM 1/5/2003]

Smokehouse69

I'd try and fit a 69 center grill in there, it looks to be close to the same size, I can get you exact measurements of the 69 center grill if you want. It would certainly look better than a blank space or that ugly black license holder. I'd be afraid that the fogs or driving lights might look sort of ricey, but I could be wrong, they might look great.

a454corvette

There is a thread in C3 parts for a '73 center grille(same part, just paint it black)

74FLCONV

Found a WTB thread in C3 parts...someone quoted $300 ~ $375? I'll pass...got too many other issues with the car that need the funds.

As far as "ricey"...they don't look too ricey on the GT500. I'm not about to install cheesy "fake blue-glo" disco-pimp lights. I was considering vintage Hella's from an old rallye car, Porsche or something similar.

Would appreciate measurements from '68/'69 grille. Unfortunately, I'm afraid the angle/bend might not match.

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA




[Modified by 74FLCONV, 12:15 AM 1/5/2003]

rainman69

Resource: "How to restore and modify your Corvette 1968-82" by Richard Newton, page 117.

74FLCONV

AWESOME!!! That's just what the Dr. ordered...

:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA

Schmucker

I'd try welding something up that looks like the grill, but that's me. Here is a picture of a picture in How to Restroy & Modify Your Corvette of what you want to do:

It is a chrome bumper though. The caption reads: It may not be a factory lighting arrangement, but it sure looks intimidating. Considering how poorly the Corvette's lights work, I'm amazed we haven't seen a lot more Corvettes similiar to this.

Schmucker

Damn you rainman, you beat me too it. I'll leave mine up anyway because I messed with it enough.

74FLCONV

That's fine Schmuck...err...

You made a valid point. The lights in the pics are on a chromie. They blend right in. Might look out of place on my rubbies.

I think I'll get some and velcro in place. If I don't like the look, I can use them elsewhere...maybe for interior map lamps.

Best regards,

D. Ocean
Miami, FLA