The one piece grilles are best for plating. The multi piece ones cannot be reliably plated as the chrome will not flow into the gaps between the parts.
When fitting up the front end be prepared to move the soldered on brackets on sides of radiator to get grille and hood ornament to fit properly.
Don't be too quick to blame repops.
These cars have been worked on by all types of "experts" over the years. They were just old bombs for many of those years and radiator repairs were done to suit old bent parts that were "near enough"
I've just put my 36 coupe back together with a chromed ($1400aus) one piece grille and Drake ornament. Turned out as good as or better than original.