Found a 40 plymouth grill shell.. Iin rough shape .. Is this worth buying ?

[Noonan]

I have been hunting for the proper grill shell for my 40 plymouth.  The grill shell on my car is not the correct grill shell.

 

I've attached photos, what do you guys think ?  Should I buy this and spend the time to repair it ?  Do these grill shells come up often  ?

Thanks !

[Andydodge]

Well.......it is a 1940 Plymouth grille shell but for me unless its VERY CHEAP I'd hold off buying it as the amount of work required to repair that one especially the drivers side thru the grille stampings.......also does it come with any of the stainless/chrome moldings and badges that attach to this sheet metal...........andyd.

[Noonan]

It's a pretty rough shell isn't it 

 

No stainless trim.  

 

I had all the stainless trim lined up with Mr. Lindsay so and so.  Altt after I told him I was in Canada he backed out on me. 

[Plymouthy Adams]

not many want to deal with the postal into Canada....I know I look for other sources if coming from Canada....just who I am...

[Plymouthy Adams]

that shell will require a lot of work to get it back into condition...you will need some grille bars be they from another banged up unit or hand made...you money your need....only you can truly make the call

[Noonan]

I did find trim in Mexico.  But incomplete. 

[Marcel Backs]

I have seen these in NOS on ebay and the sort. Look for a good part out car since your car like mine had some pretty high production numbers and good parts show up with regular searches. The grille panel pictured will be an expensive proposition to restore into something that will not show previous damages. M

[knuckleharley]

1 hour ago, Marcel Backs said:

I have seen these in NOS on ebay and the sort. Look for a good part out car since your car like mine had some pretty high production numbers and good parts show up with regular searches. The grille panel pictured will be an expensive proposition to restore into something that will not show previous damages. M

I agree. It could be  good deal IF the prices is right and you have a Tig/Mig welder,English wheel,a nice selection of dollies,and the skill to use it all.

 

If that ain't you,stay away from it unless you can get it REALLY cheap and then preserve it and store it in case you have an accident and need body parts.

[Noonan]

Cool thanks for all the input!!!

 

Yes I build out of an established machine shop.  Along with a partner with years of expertise Tig welding aircraft components and running lathes milling machines etc..  shaping metal is not the trouble.  The trouble is time in labour vs.  are there better grill shells floating around.  

[knuckleharley]

25 minutes ago, Noonan said:

Cool thanks for all the input!!!

 

Yes I build out of an established machine shop.  Along with a partner with years of expertise Tig welding aircraft components and running lathes milling machines etc..  shaping metal is not the trouble.  The trouble is time in labour vs.  are there better grill shells floating around.  

Then you have a decision to make.

 

Ain't NOTHING free in life but grief,and most of us paid for that in advance.

 

Not ME,of course!

[Noonan]

Hahaha right on man ! 

[40plyrod]

That's pretty rough, I've seen better ones come up but anything is fixable with time and determination. Where are you in Canada? My '40 was missing most of the grill bars and I won an eBay auction for what was advertised as a complete set with extras. Turned out to be for a '41 when it showed up (got hosed when seller asked for extra money to ship and then parcel showed up COD but that's another story) but I was able to modify them to fit (had to wife was unhappy with the cost to start I couldn't tell her they wouldn't work).I think I have some pictures of the ordeal on my build thread. 

[desoto1939]

if is free or around $25 then take it but there is better units out there inthe world. You have a high production car. not like my 39 Desoto, but I have two nose pieces one in black and in great shaper and another with the crankhole and also crank-hole cover still in primer. Purcahse the one in primer about 10 years ago for $15. So there were some great prices to find items.

 

Rich Hartung

Desoto1939@aol.com

[Plymouthy Adams]

while not produced in mass quantity like their sisters....the 39 DeSoto compared to many other makes and model cars are numbered like leaves from a tree and in truth still falling to the earth.....62K cars if more than a drop in the bucket...

[Alexr1905]

Not mine but saw it on facebook the other day