64 dodge superstock grille

[5.7 hemi]

Well late today I got started on making another superstock grille. The passenger side is cut out and was able to get the additional piece mocked up. It still needs some fine tuning, but the fit is almost perfect. Hopefully tomorrow I can get some time to do the drivers side and snap a few pics to "show the progress". I will not be sending it out to be bright dipped like the factory did, instead it will be a full polish and the painted black area's re-done like the factory.

 

[2059]

Yup, Pictures would be good. would like to see it.

 

[Montclaire]

x2

 

[5.7 hemi]

Making a superstock grille

I got some time today to work on the grille. Just so everyone is aware, it takes 2 grilles to make 1 superstock and hopefully if done right, ya got something worth having on your car, if not, ya just screwed up 2 grilles.

So let the show start..... last pic is of my grille that was done a few years ago

 

[6t4polara]

Looks good.

 

[wedgie]

I like the "factory" look of the '64 SS grille compared to the somewhat "cobbled" look of the '65 SS grille.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Yeah, doing a 65 grille to the ss style leaves it looking alittle "hooky", but that's the way they were done back then.

Thank god for "easy off oven cleaner", it takes the factory bright dipping off, but ya have to do it a few times, so to the dollar store I went, got 3 cans, and may need to get a couple more.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Had to get another can of "easy off" and still the bright dip is fighting me tooth n nail. I've got about 80% off, so hopefully only a few more hours and then I get to polishing.

 

[furyus]

What was wrong with the grill that's on the car?

 

[5.7 hemi]

Nothing. I'm doing this one to help fund my 5.7 hemi stroker build. So with any luck, somebody may need/want/desire a ss grille for a reasonable price.

 

[Furyous64]

a bit off topic but Ive read alot of posts on this website and I must admit 5.7 hemi, you are one of the most talented person Ive came across, always look forward to reading/seeing what your up to.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Thanks for the compliment, but I'm no different/better than anyone on this forum....but there is a bunch of talent floating around here and I'm lust glad to be apart of it.

 

[Polara Pat]

I did mine a little bit different than the factory SS grills by extending one or two teeth on each outside addition. This gives a slight over lap on the light housing but makes it look less "knock-kneed" by making all of the bar blocks even. If that makes any sense. Just my personal touch, might not be for everyone.

 

[5.7 hemi]

That grille does look nice.....especially on a wagon!!!!!!!

 

[5.7 hemi]

Got the grille tig welded today. Now the fun part starts.....fileing and sanding, repeat......

 

[Montclaire]

How much are you asking for the finished product?

 

[5.7 hemi]

Honestly, I'm not sure. There are still alot of variables (insert potential F*** Ups) so I cant say for sure. When I get closer to being finished, which should be by late next week, I'll have a better idea and will post it in the "for sale" section.

I spent 4 hours today grinding down the welds, and 2 more to go. My compressor, dremel, files, and fingers were begging for mercy towards the end of today, but hey, it'll be worth it. The factory rivets on the lower outer most part have to come out to get the finish perfect, so I'll replace them with new rivets that will look factory.

I'll post pics of the progress and the lower rivets in the morning so everyone can see how's it coming along.

 

[SUPERSTOCKRACER]

always liked the look of the 64 ss grille, if i had my old 64 dodge i would have done that to mine. nice work.
i guess they never used rivets like the 65 dodge

 

[5.7 hemi]

The outer most part of the grille has 2 rivets holding a metal mounting tab, but to do the sanding and polishing, they gotta come out. I will replace them with something similar as not to take away from the overall look of the grille, (more pleasing to the eye).

I got all the welds taken down and now ready for some 220 wetsanding then go up in grits til I hit 2000 then buff the holy crap outta it.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Did dome wet sanding today after working on my dads challenger (fast efi, so I was bending fuel lines and making look factory), but after I got to 600 grit, I wasn't happy with the results so I'm going back to 220. I found a slew of spots that weren't looking good and after buffing, it would look like crap so that's the reason to start over. My fingers are sore, lol!!