I have a 36 Ford truck and was looking at going open wheel and installing an earlier model Ford car grill. I leaning towards the 33 Ford grills because of price and was hoping someone can give me some comments on the swap and possibly feedback on the quality of products out there. Originally, I was looking at buying an Hagan Grill shell and having Alumnicraft install a grill insert into the shell. Today I came across Nottingham Reporductions and his website says that his grills are die stamped from 20ga steel as has the same fit and style as the original 33 Grill. Sounds like the original ford grills are die stamped steel. I am trying to get some feedback so I can make a good decision on a purchase.
Are you saying that 33 car grilles are cheaper to buy than 36 PU grilles? If so, I think you've either been passing up way cheap 33 grilles or looking at way overpriced 36's.
Actually I was originally looking at using a 34 Ford car grill and grill shell and they seemed a little pricy.
Last time I checked a '36 PU grille is way cheaper than a '33 car grille.. As far as swaping a '33-4 Grille on to your truck your probably going to need a different rad, and you'll probably need to build some new mounts.. What I'm wondering though is how that '36 Frame looks with out metal hanging over it.. My guess is probably not to pretty.. I figure on a hot rod I want everything to be as nice as possible.. I don't want to have to deal with cheap shit later on, if you don't have $$ for what you really want just wait and save up some cash. Don't skimp on something you'll regret later on. On another note... Why not just keep the fenders and find a nice '36 grille and build a cool little parts hauler/shop truck...
Nothing wrong with the Nottingham grille, I've sold quite a few of them. They are also available unplated. You might contact him and see if he has a second? Lee is a nice man who likes to jaw. Contact him at 601-894-2292 or email at lee@33grille.com
If you do it open wheeled your probably gonna want to shorten the bed. The only good looking open wheeled 36s I have ever seen are billy gibons' and fellow hamber langan http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=386993
I came across the billy gibbons truck photos and really liked the look. A fellow hamber already came by and took the fenders and running boards off my hands.
I am not looking at building a parts hauler shop truck. I did get throught to lee and his stamped grills are running 1,800 bones. I still have not made my final decision between 33 and 34 and which manufacturer. Anymore ideas or advice out there is appreciated.
Lee Nottingham builds a very nice 33 grille, and if your looking for an original reproduction, there are none better. Drakes 34 is equally as nice. If your looking for a grille insert, to mount into a shell... we offer stainless 33 and 34 Ford grille inserts... we have shipped worldwide and can help if thats the style your looking for. The primered one is an original shell that I reconditioned and mounted one of my inserts in for a customer in Peru. Steel shells are available.
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