1934 Drake Grill

I have been looking for a few months for a good 34 grill for my 5 window and am about ready to just buy a Drake. Anyone on here a vendor for them or know of a place you can get one cheaper than buying through Drake? A friend bought one off of ebay about 9 months ago brand new and paid about $350 less than buying it from Drake from a vendor but can find the guy. I would appreciate any help. Thanks guys.

 

I don't think I would try to save $350 on a $2500 grille by buying through a possibly unauthorized "vendor". Could you send it back if there was a scratch? Could you live with scratches just to save a little over 10%?

 

I agree with alchemy. Buy from Bob and know that you are getting a Drake grille. Otherwise, you might end up with a Vintique grille being represented as a Drake by an "unauthorized vendor". I've had my Drake grille for a few years and am very pleased with the quality, fit and finish.

Jim

 

HRG that is a VERY nice '34! I also like that Mail Pouch Tobacco sign behind it-treat yourself to the best. Those used to be all over the place, mostly faded, back in the day when I lived in Ritchie County.

 

The Drake grill is a nice piece! The price is actually reasonable as to have an original re-chromed to a top-notch show piece is about the same amount of $$$ . . . ask me how I know!

 

Hey 5window,

Thanks for the kind remarks! The sign was actually painted and signed by Harley Warrick, who was the last of the Mail Pouch sign painters. Sadly, Mr. Warrick passed away a few years ago. We had a Harley Warrick Mail Pouch painted barn on the farm where I grew up, so that is what fueled my interest in the logo. Last year I located another Mail Pouch sign without the "Treat Yourself To the Best" logo and added it to my collection.

BTW, thanks again for the awesome calendar! It is proudly displayed in the garage. There's a root beer float waiting for you at the garage soda fountain.

Jim

 

Is the Drake grille really a Drake-made grille or is he marketing the Australian made grilles?

 

The Drake grille is actually manufactured by Bob Drake. It was a project that took Bob several years perfecting the die and technique. He displayed the prototypes and projected production schedules at the NSRA Nats a couple of years before the grille was finally available for purchase. He also documented the ongoing grille project progress in his catalogs and sales fliers.

His latest project is sheet metal parts for a '40 Ford coupe. His ultimate goal is to produce the entire body. Check his website for all of the details.

FWIW, I have no connection with Bob Drake other than being a satisfied '34 grille customer!

Jim

 

Bob used my grandfather's OEM grill as a reference while designing his 34 grill.

 

will they ever go back into production again?

 

Bob doesn't seem to be making any big ticket items at this time.

 

Bob Drake sold the 40 coupe project to Dennis Carpenter I was told and I don't think he is making 34 grilles anymore...I wonder if he is getting close to retiring and getting rid of the business....He use to make a great 40 deluxe grille to...

 

Try Sullivans Garage.