I recently purchased a 71 GS club made in France grill which seams pretty nice however it is black plastic which will require first findind a correct looking gray to start as a base. Then finding and masking for gray, silver and black. This is unbelievably time consuming. Just curious are the Parts Place Grilles the same or are they different manufacturer? I see they are a little cheaper and already come painted with studs. Anyone know about the quality? Maybe I should have bought one of these? Also any tips for colors and paints would be appreciated. I was thinking of Eastwoods wheel lacquer paints as they sell argent grays and silvers.
The GSCA 71 grilles and TPP's 71 grilles are not from the same mfgr. From what I've read posted by those who have bought the Parts Place grille, it is a fine piece, ready to bolt on as-is. I don't recall what the reviews have been on the GSCA 71 piece. Were you aware the GSCA grille would require painting? I'm sure it was advertised as such.
Yeh I was aware it had to be painted I just did'nt know there was another option. Any other 71 buyers opinions of grilles would be of help. also painting suggestions. I like to do most of my own painting just looking for colors and brands.
I bought one of the TPP 71 GS grilles as a backup. Its a very nice part although I have not mounted it on the car yet but everything looks decent by comparing to my original. The center stud bosses are longer than original but the supplied studs are shorter so its all good. I supposed I should bolt it up and double check. Lots of threads here on these grilles, do some searching and you should get your answer. Also, I have a pic on my website... http://members.shaw.ca/timcr/71grille.html later Tim
Just curious...has anyone mounted a GS grille on a Skylark? Im sure it can be done, but knowing my luck, it would be a "model specific" piece.
Grilles will bolt in no problem between the gs and skylark. Only thing is to make sure you have the correct supporting parts for the year. IE the 71 gs grille will be fine in the 71 skylark with no mods (if car was a 72 you would need different bezels and hood molding, etc) and of course 70 is completely different. later Tim
Thanks Tim R just wondering if your new grille has the shelves in the small squares. If you look at an original grille inside each of the hundreds of little squares about halfway through each square on the bottom there is a drop-off or shelf that my repro dosn't have. I know this may seam picky however if your grille has it I have have to get one.
Yes its a parting line for the mold I believe. My orig has it, and so does TPP grille. I just dug it out and took this pic for you (man was it buried deep!! ou: ). TPP ones vary a bit, so do the originals, but of course some time with a nail file and could even up the larger ones if you enjoy that kinda thing. Be careful with getting too picky, its the line between having fun with your car or going over the edge. Ask me about it. later Tim
Thanks for the work and the photos Tim. You are right obsessive compulsive is a bad thing and enjoyment is gained from not worrying so much.
Tim, Nice work on your web site by the way. great research on the body mounts! I have had the same problems as I replaced almost all on my 71 Stage-1 because of rot. Car will come off the frame soon. Funny how even Buick vendors like Cars in NJ don't seam to know that Buick used 4 mounts under the firewall?? Cars does however sell a nice mount for the radiator core support. I don't Know why they don't package them and sell as a kit for the other locations as the regular kit I got from them was same generic stuff. The also sell individually lower insulators that are close to original whith attached washer. I don't know why they are not in kit. No consistancy here. Also I have used Factory Fit Engine harness and found it to be nice. One way of dealing with the brown goop on the junction is to use a can of black plasticote and brush it on the backside of the box covering the goop. It makes a nice rubberized coating like the original one had. Apply several coats.
Thanks, I try to put useful info on my site, and always open to constructive criticism. The black rubber coating is a great idea, I'll try that. I guess most venders just re-sell what looks ok, they don't put any research into it. Only the really uptight bunch worry about stuff like that!!!! :laugh: You should post some pics of your car, always enjoy that stuff....and have you registered your stage 1 with Marcos registry (do it before he comes after you with a broom!!)?? later Tim
I just registered it a few weeks ago it is the 71 with paint code 67F with the 03E build date. I have owned for ten years. It needs cosmetic resto but is pretty solid except for trunk floor. So now I think I am broom safe.
