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stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

March 25, 2013, 05:09:53 pm

As I've learned FT sourced different exterior lighting and other parts from o.e.m. sources (like the Ford lights) , I was also wondering if anyone knows about the two front grilles on the last Unihomes ('94-96). Did they just use an existing one from another vehicle?

Reason I ask -- is I've had to do some fiberglass repair around the LF headlight opening where it turns the corner to go down the Coach side -- and the large decal that goes around the opening and down the side -- will have to be replaced on that side.

Encore has one, but wants a whopping $210.00 for the one decal.

I'm thinking of going a different route, and possibly changing the main metal front grilles to a stainless steel tubular type.

All the best,

Michael

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #1 – March 25, 2013, 07:27:47 pm

Mike, You might call FOT and ask parts where they got that grille.  I am GUESSING that was a made in house part.  If it was me....I would fabricate a new grille out of something, maybe one of the aftermarket truck grilles ( flames Etc ) or use aluminum tubing or square stock.  Its a fairly simple grill and would probably entail only some pop rivets or stainless screws.
Good luck, let us know how you work it out.
Gary B

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #2 – March 25, 2013, 09:10:23 pm

Yes, Gary -- I'm guessing it was an in-house produced part. As part of my effort to update the look of the Coach's exterior, I want to replace the aluminum vanes that are pitted -- and a pain to polish. I have a pal that knows every fab shop in the L.A. area as part of his muscle car & hot-rodding hobby.

So -- I think I'll just take one of them off and start visiting these places to see if I can get a pair with 5/8"-1" dia. polished s.s. round tubes adapted to the existing bracketry.

As far as that black&silver wrap-around decal that is supposed to simulate a "grille" look -- I thinking more and more they both just gotta go. It would have been cool if FT would have designed the front cap f-glass mold with a ribbed/sculpted wrap around feature there.

IMO -- when I look at some of your slope-nose Coaches with different graphics, or even none in that area -- it looks a lot nicer.

Michael

 

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #3 – March 27, 2013, 10:02:00 am

Our '89 GV has the black/silver "wrap-around" painted on--no decals anywhere on coach except Foretravel name, Grand Villa, and fuel door. Painting the bars might be better for long term.

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #4 – March 27, 2013, 12:02:44 pm

Just like nitehawk, no decals. Side grill decals were painted on in Mexico, both sides for $150.

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #5 – March 27, 2013, 04:57:57 pm

Thanks for the comments about the wrap-around "grille". Nice looking Coaches you have there. I assumed all FT's of the era had the decals. I've decided to remove them with the "eraser wheel"-- as the driver's side one has to go anyway -- to properly fix the small stress cracks in the corner of the headlight opening.

If I want the look back, I'll go the painting-on route in the future.

I also talked to my hot-rod buddy and he saw the original aluminum vane front grilles I mentioned earlier. He said the best look for the money is to take them as a complete assembly to a polishing shop he routinely uses for his projects -- near here in Oxnard, CA. They can polish them to a mirror finish, and then apply a clear ceramic coating and subsequently bake them in a oven. He said you'll never have to touch them again.

He also said my idea of going with a full-round stainless steel tube style grille would be very expensive as they would have to hand form and tig weld all the tubes, most likely the set would be near a grand. So -- scrap that idea. 

Cheers,

Michael

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #6 – March 27, 2013, 05:37:12 pm

Michael, what is the cost range for the ceramic coating?

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Re: stock front aluminum grille's on a '95 U300

Reply #7 – March 27, 2013, 08:39:31 pm

I don't know the exact cost yet, but my buddy said it was quite reasonable and the whole polishing and coating of both grilles should not be over $150. He based that on all of the trim pieces he has had the guy do for him over many vehicles.

I'll let you all know when I have a firm quote.

Cheers!

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