1953-60 Corvette Grille Assembly

Please read the entire instruction sheet before attempting assembly, as we will not accept returns or warrant bars scratched by improper assembly techniques.

First, unwrap all parts and inspect them.

Check to make sure you have all the parts listed.

If you run into a problem please call product assistance (800-345-4122).

Parts list:

1 center bar.

1953-57 bars have 13 holes and are 37 ¾”  long.

1958-60 bars have 9 holes and are 27 ½” long.

9 or 13  Teeth:

1953-57 has 13 teeth

• 1   “C”
• 6    #1
• 2  #4
• 2   #5
• 2   # 6

1958-60 has 9 teeth

• 1   “C”
• 2   #1
• 4   #4
• 2   #5

18 or 26  Studs:

26  studs for 1953-57

18  studs for 1958-60

18 or 26  Nuts:

26  nuts for 1953-57

18  nuts for 1958-60

18 or 26  Lock washers:

26  lock washers for 1953-57

18  lock washers for 1958-60

9 or 13  Plates:

13  plates for 1953-57

9  plates for 1958-60

Tools needed:

7″ or larger locking pliers.

7/16″ open end wrench

Masking tape

Loctite (optional)

Notes:

Every tooth has a number cast inside.  The center tooth has a “C”

Teeth used are: C, 1, 4, 5, 6.  Teeth 2 and 3 were not produced.

The bar is made so that the teeth will be tight when in place.  To properly install the teeth, you will need to squeeze the bar slightly.

The back of the bar has notches for the alignment plates that slip onto the tooth studs.

Install the studs into the teeth.  You should be able to do this with your fingers. Use Loctite if you choose. “Double nut” and finish tightening them.

Wrap the jaws of the pliers with several layers of masking tape to protect the chrome on the bar.  It wouldn’t hurt to put tape on the bar as well.

Adjust the jaws of the pliers so that when they are locked, the edges of the bar will be squeezed together about 1/8 inch.

Begin in the center.  Find the “C” tooth. For this tooth it does not matter which way is up.

Squeeze the bar about ¼” to the side of the center notch and slide the tooth into place.

Drop a plate onto the studs followed by lock washers and nuts.

Finger tighten before releasing the pliers.  Use the wrench to finish tightening.

The next teeth are the #1 teeth.  It matters which way is up on all the remaining teeth.  Look at the arch-shaped opening on each side of the tooth.  Notice that one side extends farther forward.  The reason is because the bar is curved and the teeth need to face straight forward.

If you look closely, you will also notice that the outer teeth are a bit shorter.

Clamp the bar again and install the #1 tooth.  It should slip straight on.  If it doesn’t, flip it over and try again.

Continue installing teeth with the numbers increasing as you move to the end of the bar, until all the teeth are installed.

Story and photos courtesy Gus Gustafson, Corvette Central Product Assistance