1932 insert/shell differences

[rabidscott]

Does the early shell have the holes deeper for the early insert?

I have a pair of later original shells and two different inserts and the insert that has the two piece surround when mounted sits high enough that I can't get an original top trim to mount correctly like the late/late combo.

Deuce experts what say you?

 

[DavidG]

There were three different versions of the grill, two of which are likely the result of two different suppliers with somewhat different manufacturing capabilities. And there were two different versions of the radiator shell. However, in theory all of the grills should fit all of the radiator shells, but a stack up of manufacturing tolerances could result in a poor fit in isolated cases.

A related example of manufacturing tolerance stack up is the curvature of the radiator shell where the die cast trim is attached and the relationship between the three holes surrounding the opening for the radiator on the top and the hole for the Ford emblem on the front. There's enough variation from shell to shell to affect the fit of the trim with the result that NOS, Drake, and Vintique versions of the die cast trim will fit some radiator shells better than others. Sometimes, one of the two reproductions will fit better than a NOS version, another time the other reproduction fits best, and about half the time the NOS piece fits best. Complaints about the fit of the two reproductions may in some cases be the fault of the radiator shell and not of the die cast trim reproduction.

 

[Bubsyouruncle]

DavidG

May you live forever!