1936 Pickup Grille Dimensions

[TLOHM]

I have a couple of 1936 Ford Pickup grille shells. One is a complete shell with grille, but it's got some metal damage on the lower portion of the shell. The other appears descent but someone had cut out the grille. I haven't sandblasted but it looks like its had some body work done. Between the pari of them I can end up with a good shell and grille, but I need information on original dimensions across the shell. Attached are measurements on the two shells. Right side is the shell without the grille; Left is the damaged shell with easy repairable grille.

Can anyone provide dimensions that will help me get the grille worked to its correct form? These measurement were taken across the shell at the various bolt attachment locations. Thanks

 

[Lawson Cox]

Looks like two different grills from the measurements you give. Photos would help, especially from the side or an angled shot showing the side and part of the "grill" as you are calling it. I believe the correct nomenclature would be "the bars".

 

[Model51]

The radiator attachment points should give you a couple reference points for dimensions of the rear edge. Also, 1935 and 1936 grille shells have the same rear edge dimensions. I have a copy of the grille shell drawing from the Ford archives but I recall it being very faint. Send me a PM and I'll share the drawings I have in case you can read the dimensional information.

 

[Model51]

If your grille still has the little hole around the front inner edge used to attach the stainless steel trim, then I can send you the dimensions between the holes.

 

[highbeams]

Gee, I thought '35 & '36 were identical grilles!(actually the entire '36 was identical to '35 w/the exception, the '35 had wire wheels.

Your correction(s) welcome. (I had the '36 dealer demo.)

 

[CA Victoria]

While measurements will help to build a jig I would suggest buying a woodworkers curve copy tool to help compare the curves side to side.
The lower section from where the 5/16 fender bolt comes thru from the fender down to the chin is complex. The front of mine was pressed in 1/2”. Using the copy tool I was able to measure the good side & make a wood buck on the Bridgeport to re shape the damaged side.
There has to be some serious metal movement to account for 1” deviation over that short of span.

 

[oldandtired]

The grill that goes on the 36 pickups has holes in the bottom of the chin for attaching a below grill pan that is not present in the 35-pickup grill since the 35 does not have that pan under the grill. If you have grill chin damage, it might help to know the distance between and the number of those holes when attempting to rebuild or reshape the chin.

 

[TLOHM]

Model 51 - Yes, I have the holes on the inner edge where the stainless trim would attached.

oldandtired - The grille pan attachment holes, on the bottom of the chin, are indicated on the drawing provided in my original post. These are center-to-center distance between the inner and outer sets of holes.

I have an aftermarket radiator and the side attachment measure-out to 22-1/4", which both shells measure at the top connection, so I assume that is the correct side-to-side measurement. I agree the lower three attachments to the fenders is where the action is. You will note that the shell with bars, (Thanks Lawson), struck something hard, but it has a good set of bars. The empty shell has had some body work, so I'm just not sure about the bend at the bottom of the chin, whether it's been compressed or not. Between the two of them I think I've got a good complete grille.

Attached are additional photos.

 

[CA Victoria]

IMO you are further ahead to save the complete grill. Since it is mainly that one side damaged, and albeit not the easiest section to work out, it is not unreasonable to repair. I had similar issues and wasn’t interested in a concourse outcome. I restored the shape, re shaped grill bars, and replaced some missing ones.

There are some good metal shapers in the audience yet to weigh in.

PM if you are interested in photos of the tools I used on mine.

 

[petehoovie]

Model 51 - Yes, I have the holes on the inner edge where the stainless trim would attached.

oldandtired - The grille pan attachment holes, on the bottom of the chin, are indicated on the drawing provided in my original post. These are center-to-center distance between the inner and outer sets of holes.

I have an aftermarket radiator and the side attachment measure-out to 22-1/4", which both shells measure at the top connection, so I assume that is the correct side-to-side measurement. I agree the lower three attachments to the fenders is where the action is. You will note that the shell with bars, (Thanks Lawson), struck something hard, but it has a good set of bars. The empty shell has had some body work, so I'm just not sure about the bend at the bottom of the chin, whether it's been compressed or not. Between the two of them I think I've got a good complete grille.

Attached are additional photos.

 

[deuce lover]

Gee, I thought '35 & '36 were identical grilles!(actually the entire '36 was identical to '35 w/the exception, the '35 had wire wheels.

Your correction(s) welcome. (I had the '36 dealer demo.)

Here you can see the many differences. Thicker grille sides-hence different ornament , different hood sides & V8 emblem location,"A" pillar where it meets the cowl,bumper fold over ends to name a few besides the wheels.

 

[mercman from oz]

1935 Ford Pickup

1936 Ford Pickup

1935 and 1936 Ford Grilles compared - thanks to deuce lover