foundvettelifeisgood

I bought the 72 from a guy in NY. I live in PA. In PA, no front license plate requirement. :yesnod:

I just got around to removing the front plate brackets to reveal the center eggcrate grill. :cool:

This center grill is set way back. Is it supposed to be more forward when you don't have a front license plate? It looks like it should be set 3" forward to line up with the front tip of the lower valance panel.

:flag

Rolling Thunder

Mine was the same way. I never did locate OEM brackets, so I just made two out of steel plate.

Dave

lbell101

I had the same problem too.
I used long bolts and some chrome supply tubes cut to length as spacers.
Worked great.

Allan71

Yeah, as far as know the center grille is set back even on cars that do not have the front bracket. You can go to a hardware store and buy four 3 1/2 inch carriage bolts. You will also need 12 flat washers and 12 nuts. You can now install the carriage bolts through the center grill from the front and using a washer and nut secure it from behind. Do this with all four grill holes and then run the nuts and washers about an inch up the bolt on the other end. Insert this end in your existing bracket and then washer and nut it from behind. You can move the nuts in and out to get the correct alignment, and tighten securely. A little flat black paint and you now have flush front grilles and it looks almost OEM.

Rolling Thunder

Good ideas on the mounting. Sounds much lighter than what I made. When I get ready to reinstall mine I'll give your way a try. Thanks.

Dave

foundvettelifeisgood

The creative fixes are good. I'm still wondering whether Chevy did two different mounts. One for states with a front plate and one for states w/o a front plate. Anyone know? Anyone with an AIM know if this is addressed in this manual?

Thanks.

Rolling Thunder

The only thing shown in my 71 AIM (pg L243) id the short bracket.

Dave

Rowdy Rat

The license plate bracket for 1968-72 Corvettes was standard equipment and was installed on all cars regardless of which state it was being delivered to. The center grill is recessed as a result of the license plate bracket installation. As such, there aren't any factory "alternate" mounting brackets.

The license plate bracket installation is addressed in the 1970 AIM (page 280) and I would gather it is referenced in the other AIMs between 1968-72 as well.

Regards,

foundvettelifeisgood

Thanks to all for the info. To hell with NCRS, I'm pushing it out. :smash:

:flag

CDaniel525

does anyone have a picture of the finished product??

Thanks
Chris

lbell101

It's not the best pic but...

Jughead

It's an old pic but is this what you're talking about?

LAvetteman

I have a front pic on my home page.

Wrencher

On my '69 the lower valance and center grille are both set back in the center. It actually didn't look right when I spaced it out, so I moved it back to the stock location. It's pretty much in the eye of the beholder...

Hans

71coupe

Like this?


I was thinking about the same thing.

CDaniel525

I dont presume a 74 is like this??

Jughead

71 coupe---I like that....I think I may move my center grille out also.

trw

74vette

Both 73 and 74 had center grills also. They are spendy. Should be able to find one on ebay for $150-250.

Terry

yellow 72

I have to cast the opposing vote here..In my opinion it looks better resessed :smash: :cheers:

Jughead

Well I converted mine from an "iny" to an "outy"! :lol: I used 4 inch SS carriage bolts. I like it better out! It's not a real good pic day here today.