68 Grille

[rdaniel911]

Ok, here is probably a strange question, but since we do not have any pictures of the trucks front end when my wifes dad bought it in 1970, I need some advice. The old 68 has its original aluminum Grille, or the one that was in it when he bought it, but its not a 68 Grille, its a 69, the truck was built in June of 68 so i'm guessing they were using 69 parts then too, i've seen that on some other Fords. The grille has the depression on the center bar for the 69 Red Ranger stripe, the other 68s i've seen do not. I can't find any hint of paint on the vertical bars like a 68 would have. So my question is, should I paint the verticals black, or leave it plain, either look fine to me, I just want it too look they way it was originally.

[hazelnut]

If you want it to look like a 68 grille than paint the bars in it, Very few people would know the differances between a 68 and 69. As long as you like it thats all that matters.

[rdaniel911]

Can you tell me the correct width of the black verticals, I can see a few in pictures but it's hard to get a basic idea of the width.

[theletup]

Not 100% sure these haven't been repainted at one point in her life but my '68 measures 1 1/8"-1 3/16". I snapped a few close up pics for you. The vertical paint on each end tapers wider a bit on the bottom and pretty much stays straight up the top. All the others seem to be in a nice straight line while skipping the top center and bottom horizontal pieces... Sorry they're not the greatest quality, I only have a ***** camera phone.

[rdaniel911]

Those are perfect, very helpful, it even looks like a more satin or flat black paint too. I actually like the blacked out look with the verticals, gives a little more definition to the grille. Thanks a lot for posting those.

[theletup]

For sure. Yeah one of my next project is going to be pulling the grill and smoothing out all the little dents in it and getting it chromed but I think I'm going to keep the black verticals. I agree with you.