1968 Rally Sport grille research

[Steve68]

Thanks Paul.  That car is to early in the year to be of any use to us.  From the ad:

The vehicle from the cowl tag shows it was built in the 5th week of September, in Norwood, Ohio.

  What we are focusing on at this time are vehicles from no earlier than 04A to the end of production.  But thanks anyway!

Steve

[1968RSZ28]

You're right Steve.  I guess I should read the text too, instead of just looking at the pictures.  

Paul

[Steve68]

That's OK Paul and quite understandable that you would focus on the pictures especially since the car is a 68!    It's hard to force yourself to read when looking at near perfection!!  

Steve

[1968RallySport]

Here's some information for your database. I'll answer the polling questions from early in the thread.

1. A                                       Build Date: 12B        Partial VIN: 124378L316XXX

2. B

3. A

4. H

Daryl

[Steve68]

Thanks Daryl.  It's appreciated!!  Any other new folks with cars built in the 04D to end of production range that would care to provide data?  Here is the post with the questions to answer  http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=1087.msg8277#msg8277.

Steve

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Guys:

Haven't checked in here in awhile been at Teams Camaro and Chevelle.  Just some additional informationfrom some of the posts.  I am reasonably sure that the "chrome" is probably a silver foil hot stamp.  That would explain why GM went to the raised rib in 68 as it is easier to get the hot stamp only on the high spot of the ribs. It's a fairly simple and inexpensive process and is frequently done right at the molding machine when the part is still warm.  If this is true there wouldn't really be too much of a financial reason why GM would stop the process unless they were really having problems with it.

Mark

[Steve68]

Mark

I have been off-line for awhile and just saw your latest post.  Could you expand on why you believe it was a hot stamp process used on the grille? 

I am reasonably sure that the "chrome" is probably a silver foil hot stamp.

We definitely see metallizing used on other parts of the car.

Steve

[Mark's 68 L78 RS SS]

Steve:

Sorry to have been away for so long.  The vacuum metallizing proceses that I am familiar with have a much higher shine/chrome look than is on any of the grills I have seen.  In addition the vacuum metallizing would require some serious masking.  The hot stamp process is another process to get the silver foil look and parts that I have made and hot stamped with a silver foil look like the grills I have seen.  The hot stamp process wil also not require any special masking as they will just hot stamp on the raised surface.

Of course this is speculation and only a process control plan or specification from the factory will tell for sure.

Hope everyone has been well.  I seriously need to get over here more often.  I have been invloved with this Chevelle project and it is taking all my time.

Mark

[Steve68]

Just wanted to take a minute and update everyone interested in this subject and who has contributed data to the research.  We are currently waiting on an individual who has access to some resources to provide some info.  I expect the info to result in a final opinion on this so stay tuned.

Steve

[z-villejw]

What about the repo chrome grills? I bought one for my car & was't that happy with the quality of it. Is there more than one maker? It was made overseas. The HL covers were way better Quality and made in the USA. Whats everybody doing for replacements? I have never seen a new NOS chrome. Thanks JW

[vtfb68]

Hi Guy's
  My Two Cents, I have a 05C RS/SS the original grill was replaced in 1980. (Drunk chick backed into it) it still had the fadded silver paint on the grill, the replacement came from cormier chevrolet, but only in black. I tried to find a painted grill but could not. At the time the only other source was CLASSIC CAMARO (in Palm Springs back then) they only had GM-OEM  parts, but did not Know what i was talking about.  Some things never change.
                                                                                                    Victor

[Steve68]

The research brought out that GM still does manufacture the grille but only in black.  They have NOT licenced anyone to reproduce it.  It is still a profitable item for them.  That does not mean that someone else is not out there making copies of it and selling it to us.  The GM black grille is being covered with a "chrome" substance to provide a chrome grille.  Many do not think it is equivalent to the original look.

Steve

[z-villejw]

I was looking in Rick's catalog & they show 3 differant ones, a chromed import, a US made one, & a Gm chromed one. I'am going to give them a call. The one I bought from another place was the import from Taiwan. Seems to be to narrow on one end & don't line up with HL covers. The one I was replacing was a black Gm I bought in 2000.   

[Steve68]

Victor, the research shows that your vehicle is in the week of manufacture that was likely one of the last to receive the chrome grille. 

z-villejw, let us know what they say.


Steve

[z-villejw]

Just getting over eye surgery. I ordered the chrome GM grill from Rick's & it came yesterday. It came in a GM box, it had been chromed on the edge by somebody & wrapped in newspaper. Grill looks alot better & is not as flimsey as the import. Currant price is $144.00. I will be installing in the next couple of weeks. Anybody know how is making this part for Rick?

Once I install I will post on the fit.