Spent a some time this weekend making a new grill insert. I think it looked cooler before I dimple died it. Looks kind of like tread plate. I don't hate it but I don't love it .
Yeah it does kinda have a tread plate feel but I still like it!! Maybe some pin stipping around the holes, or down the area between the rows to set them off, or a different color, maybe tutone? Still a damn fine looking grill regardless...nice work!!
I went back and looked at your pics some more and I change my suggestions...leave it as is...I like that it ties all the holes in your backing plates and front axle together!!
Maybe I was just bitter because my arms were sore from drilling. I thought it looked like I something I could get from the local hardware store.
Nice grille. I'd leave it that color, or body color if you go another color. Chrome might look good, too!.
I'm all for doing something to draw things together like the holes in the backing plates and axle beam. Might not have been something old and traditional that you can find in any pics, but you'd have done it the same way if you'd thought about it 40 years ago and that's what I go on........... Good job!
Paint the insert to match the axle and be sure to paint the radiator core flat black to match the shell. Some detail where the original emblem and cap will help tie it all together.