Old style grille on a 1976 car?

[jon howell]

Hi all,

I want to change my plastic 1976 grill for the 1960s one like below? I can see through the grill that it
should be acheivable? Anyone done it before or knows where to buy one? Thanks

 

[chudson]

on ebay ? the are more common and cheaper than the later type. But I am not sure if it will fit later type bonnet. I think some welding and putty will be needed. And those crome covers for the lamps.
I am planning to do such an operation next year. I have the parts just need to do the bonnet

 

[JonathanT]

Hmmm having studied the bonnets at length (good job I don't have a wife at the mo!) you will notice the shape of the pressing either side of the number plate area is different with two swept converging lines
. The later bonnets are squarer here. I'm going to fit the alloy grill that encloses the headlamps (one in between the 60's little one and the more modern plastic ones) That appears to fit ok without much modification. Although I will leave the side lights as the rectangular type

 

[chudson]

Yes the numberplate place is different. The later type alloy grill is harder to find and more expensive as lots of people had the same idea as you. Welding indicator holes for round ones isn'd difficult but reqires painting.

 

[JonathanT]

It wasn't my intention but I have realised I wll have an alloy grille spare which I would be prepared to sell. It does have some dings that can be tapped out pm me if you want to enquire

 

[jon howell]

Hi Jonathan and all,
I'm not going to chop the bonnet up to cater for the series 1 grill. So I'm now looking for the alloy one between 1968 and 1973. The version with incorporated lights?

Any ideas?

Jon