Bugeye Grilles

[John Moore]

How can one tell an original from a repro? I just picked up one off evilbay, the said it was an original, but I have no idea.

 

[d_valentino]

I believe the original ones have a lip that runs around the upper edge of the grill.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

I concur.

A better question is... how do you determine if one is too far gone to rechrome?

 

[d_valentino]

True. I lost a little bit of the lip on one side when I had mine chromed.

 

[John Moore]

I believe the original ones have a lip that runs around the upper edge of the grill.

Do you mean that pressed down part that runs across the top of the moustache?

 

[Jim_Gruber]

The other question might be what other grille alternatives are there than spending $400+ for a repro from the usual sources. Here's a pretty tasty alternative that a local shop did on a 71 with BE Front end. I think the grill came from some sort of kit Pep Boys was selling at the time. The grille I picked up for Bugsy needs rechroming and a few dings removed. I haven't priced rechroming but I know it isn't cheap.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Some other pics while I was at it. Love the wheel treatment.

 

[d_valentino]

Yes John, The whole part above the grill opening, the mustache, has a lip on it.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

My question is did the BE Grilles come with and without the mustache. The grille that was on the BE Bonnet that I picked up did not have a moustache. Does not look like it was trimmed or cut off although the bonnet has the holes cut for the moustache i.e. center locating pin. I've seen pics of other BE's weithout the mustache. Possibly a thing back in the early 60's to remove it?

 

[d_valentino]

They came with the mustache. Yours may have been produced for a different bonnet by another Mfg.

 

[jlaird]

Bugeye grilles did not come with out the mustache, however it was something we did in the day as that part tended to rust first.

I do have two grilles hanging on my wall waiting for a good home, cheep. One is orginal and the other an aftermarket. Both are rechromeable in fact neither are badly pitted and could be painted even.

 

[bugimike]

While I was waiting to find a good grill for mine, I made one out of a piece of hardware cloth (kind of like chicken wire but with a square grid) painted it with a "Chrome" puff can and trimmed the edge with chrome door-guard strips. It looked pretty good, like the yellow Sprite above!
PS I agree with the above, original grills had that little stamping ridge around the mustache, anything else is not original!

 

[Jim_Gruber]

Jack,

Are you talking Chrome in a can stuff? Grill on Bugsy now needs cleanup. Little bit of rust at very bottom. Curious if anyone has priced rechroming lately.

 

[jlaird]

It runs about 250 or so on your grill and that includes knocking out any dents. Try https://home.comcast.net/~knoxcustomchrome/

 

[John Moore]

I've not used them, but I've heard good things about Knox Custom Chrome.

 

[jlaird]

I have used them along with Tony and we both think their work is great. Not fast but reasonable and great.