original 32 grill shell

Darunee said:
are there any original henry steel 32 grill shells out there , keen to use on my build
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Check-out these guys in San Dimas, Ca.....The Early Ford Store. Link to their web site below, with contact info. Check the pictures! DD

https://www.earlyfordstore.com/store_pictures.php


STEERING-WHEELS-GRILLES-PARTS.jpg
 
As David mentions they (originals) occasionally pop up on E-Bay. I would stay away from the reproduction shell's, as the fit on most stinks. Once you locate a really nice, mint, Deuce grill shell be prepared to pay a lot for it.
 
I frequently see them on eBay, on Instagram, etc.. A going price for an original 32 shell and associated insert is over $1500 (many times closer to $2000). If it has mint/correct bullnose and cap - add another $500 or so.
 
There are a surprising number of them "out there" and in good condition. They are all "wall art" hanging in olde guys garages, serving as trophies from days gone by. Probably picked up at swap meets 60+ years ago on the hope of someday building a hot rod. Kinda like kids buying model car kits. If you are building a true 32, then you want to find one as like all real parts, they fit and look right. Good luck and get a real one.
 
My humble opinion is what degree of nice are you building. I really like the original shells. But Brookville has a decent one. The inserts are hard to come by also. There again how original do you need it. I wouldn’t put a $2500 shell on a 20k car.
 
There are many collectors who have many OEM grill shells hanging on their garage walls.
Be ready to "step up" and empty your wallet.
 
The theme seems to be " step up, or step back" I go to a lot of swap meets / flea markets, and have not seen any decent original grill shells and inserts for sale for less than $ 1,000 in the last few years.
 
Back about 1950 an uncle of mine built a tractor. He used a Model A engine and and an AA 4 speed trans. and misc. junkyard parts. He dressed it up with a '32 grille shell. He is now in his 90's and still has the tractor and it still has the '32 grill.
 
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