Body / Glass: 1957 grill

[Tommy Craig]

I have a 57 1/2 ton pickup with the fiberglass grill that keeps cracking. Would it be possible to replace this grill with a metal one from a different year? If so what year would fit with the least modification? Thanks

[PackardV8]

While I've not done the retrofit, the '54-56 would be the most likely to fit with the fewest modifications. Make sure to get the headlight bezels and parking light lenses, as they're unobtainum.

jack vines

[StudeRich]

I would find out WHY the cracking is happening, I have had my 1 Ton Dually Transtar since 1989, and had no cracking with a much harder riding Truck then a 1/2 Ton with no problems.

If the Radiator Support and Cab Mounts are incorrect, Frame outriggers rusted out, Frame cracked etc. that would be why.

Unless you regularly follow too close behind Rock Trucks, I don't know what else would cause that!

[Skip Lackie]

While I've not done the retrofit, the '54-56 would be the most likely to fit with the fewest modifications. Make sure to get the headlight bezels and parking light lenses, as they're unobtainum.

jack vines

What Jack said. However, the 2R-series 49-53 grilles are much easier to find and will be relatively inexpensive -- BUT they only cover the area between the front fenders and would leave the mounting holes on the front of the fenders exposed.

Here are a couple:
https://tinyurl.com/ycz69cek

[Tommy Craig]

Excellent suggestion. I'll look into that, thanks

[studegary]

I have a 57 1/2 ton pickup with the fiberglass grill that keeps cracking. Would it be possible to replace this grill with a metal one from a different year? If so what year would fit with the least modification? Thanks

You don't have to change to a different year. A 1959 Scotsman pickup uses a steel grille. However, IMO, the fiberglass grille looks much better. I have owned three of these pickups with fiberglass grilles and haven't noticed cracking with use.

[52-fan]

When you say, it keeps cracking, what do you mean? Do the cracks keep getting bigger or repairs don't hold? The grilles can be repaired to be very strong. My brother had to do some repairs on his 57 Transtar grille and that was about 40 years ago.

[sweetolbob]

I have a 57 1/2 ton pickup with the fiberglass grill that keeps cracking. Would it be possible to replace this grill with a metal one from a different year? If so what year would fit with the least modification? Thanks

Just a quick question about repairing it. Are you trying to glue it back together or grinding and reglassing it? A good repair should leave it stronger than new. Might just save a lot of work if it could be repaired.

Bob