Wanted Narrow Grill Molding

[franklinair]

I'm in a quandary trying to get a decent pair of the narrow grill moldings. I ordered & received a set from CJ Pony. They were misshaped and didn't fit. The mfr's name was unfamiliar, so I researched Scott Drake for the same parts as Drake has a decent reputation for quality. I ordered their product from Summit, and they came with the same mfr name as the previous pair and they were even worse. I called Scott Drake's customer service and they told me there is only one repro supplier for this part. And that they've sold 'thousands' of these with no complaints.
C7ZZ-8242-AR, C7ZZ-8243-AR Scott Drake P/N's.
Hmmm. Two for two faulty pairs, from different retailers makes this hard to believe. Here's a photo of the right trim piece. It obviously doesn't match the contour of the body. If I try to bend it to fit it will kink in the bend radius.
The old pieces are very dull & dented.
Any ideas or suggestions?

Neil

 

[stangfan]

I think I would be looking for decent originals to clean up.

 

[Ruppstang]

In my mind the reproduction narrow grill moldings are one of the worst reproduction parts made. It is a difficult part to make, even the latter Ford one were not good.

I have had some luck clamping them with a soft wood block to my bench then carefully bending it. You really have nothing to loose in trying to re form them. I'll look and see if I have any good ones.

 

[franklinair]

I got it installed OK. Gingerly fitting & clamping did the trick. REALLY poor repo quality. And apparently only one company supplies all vendors (even Scott Drake).
Sorry both photos rotated 90 degrees. :-(

Neil

 

[stangfan]

Looks really good Neil!

 

[Ruppstang]

I knew you could do it Neil!

 

[mbsf1970]

Well Sir, you certainly look like you're having fun with your hobby! Any sneak peeks of engine bay?
Stephen

 

[68gulfstream]

Well Sir, you certainly look like you're having fun with your hobby! Any sneak peeks of engine bay?
Stephen

Is that your car? It looks like a Gulfstream Blue.

 

[franklinair]

Stephen has graciously allowed me to go over his Gulfstream Aqua CS while I'm waiting to get my own car to restore (idle hands were driving me crazy).:wink:

Neil