47-48 grill ornament trim questions

Rustedjunk

Rustedjunk

Senior Member
I recently bought a NOS grille trim for my 47 Tudor. It's in great condition, however when trying to install it, I've noticed gaps with the fitting. I've had previous issues fitting this part on my grille, with other ornaments. Should I have a professional bent the pieces to fit or is there another solution?
 
It's a little difficult to bend diecast if you are talking about the diecast trim. If your grille has been damaged at one time that may be your problem. Also many times NOS parts are parts that didn't fit in the first place and were put back on the shelf of the dealer or supplier. Then along comes the people who buy up old stock from the dealer and sell it without knowing it was a defective part(s). NOS does not always translate into a part that fits like original.
 
If any of your trim came from Little Dearborn's stash, TJ is spot on. A fair amout of the 'new' stock seemed like it was set aside for a variety of reasons.
 
If the bright rim doesn't fit grill frame, it is likely the grille frame was bent at one time or another, Check the front gravel guard (the pan below the grille) for signs of damage to confirm that something happened. I replaced the upper die cast trim on my'47, as well as the badge on the front. They came from Drake and mounted without a problem. Much NOS items were tossed in the back room or attic of a dealer, and were replaced at one time or another. I have bought NOS in the original box only to find that out.
 
My grill itself came from a salvage yard. I had it repaired at a body shop. The grille however seemed like it was from a different manufacture. There were some differences from another I seen in the salvage yard.
 
Back in the 40's nearly all suppliers sold non authentic parts of all kinds. If the grille is different from others, that is likely why it doesn't fit.I once had a Model A coupe that had non-matching rear quarter panels! I don't know of any repro source for that part, but a better body shop may be able to help. Since the 46-48 salvage yards are mostly gone, perhaps someone knows of a source. I spent nearly ten years finding parts for my '47.
 
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