81 Malibu Grille Restoration

[Rapidride2]

Has anyone rechromed their grilles?

I lost out on a NOS one that was sold and inventory wasn't updated.

I really want to use factory parts, however what are the differences between steel factory grille and plastic aftermarket?

It seems the aftermarket grille has slightly a thicker border? Maybe I'm wrong.

Has anyone done a side by side comparison?

 

[pagrunt]

All grills were plastic, never offered in any metal. I haven't had/seen my '81 Malibu wagon in over 20 years to remember grill details but some of the repop grills offered for a G could be using the original GM molds so there's a chance there won't be a worry but thickness of the modern chrome may make it appear thicker. The copies (reverse engineered) will be slightly off based on quality put into making the molds. NOS is nice but shopping around for a good used one can yeild a very nice one with some luck & some good pictures from the seller. It's nice to have a repop option as Dealing with Monte Carlos (my '81 & the boy's '79) there's a limited source (only '83-'86 base model) I need to look at the used vs. NOS. Got lucky with the boy's car which came with two extra grills with one needing a good cleaning & polishing of the chrome along with a refresh of the painted details. Mine has been a crap shoot but I have an OK one that'll hold unti I find the right one. As for the rechroming, cost might pass NOS prices for a good quality finish.