Reproduction 71 Cuda Grilles

[CudamanTom]

I'm just curious...
How long does it take to "test fit" a grille?
I mean how long does it take to slap one in and get the answer?
Maybe there is more to it than I realize.

Tom

[mopardave]

 i didnt give a definitive time line as to when this would be done, if i had a front end put together that i could set the grille in then that would be something different. couldnt get a good test fit off my donor car as the front frame/aprons are out of square. from what i hear there is some issues with the angle of the tabs. the flats in the openings are visible as JS mentioned, the cheese graters are melted in which is a big no, unless that was just for the sample grilles. Original outer trim fits pretty good. have a call into metro about that and to see what else they have found out, compairing this to an nos grille soon,

[CudamanTom]

Thanks Dave,
Out of square or not, I would think NOS grilles would have the same effect but maybe not.
Either way, I'm curious as to the outcome. I'm needing a grille and hope not to have to pay 3k or more but have a little quality. I plan to paint it and match the color of the cuda so paint isn't an issue with me.
Thanks again,
Tom

[mopardave]

we all want a good product to sell and or to use, i really dont think the project will be srcubbed as the investment in tooling is already there.
there is 6 or 8 other people/companies that have these as well.

[DocMel]

This thing die?

[CudamanTom]

This thing die?

Doc,
I'm beginning to think so. I mean how long does it take for a group of guys to "test fit" (slap in and drive) a grille?

 
Good grief, give me one to test fit and I'll have an answer that same day. 
 
Tom

[71F7BH23]

This thing die?

dont see metro coming here to try to do anything or the others? that have a grille.  maybe it was sent back so they can deal with it.?

[johns cuda shop]

My Guess is they might be having some issues with them. I rather if they take their time and get it right than put a poor quality piece on the market.We have waited decades for this to be a reality ,whats a little more time ,right ?

[71F7BH23]

My Guess is they might be having some issues with them. I rather if they take their time and get it right than put a poor quality piece on the market.We have waited decades for this to be a reality ,whats a little more time ,right ?

that would be my guess, atleast it closer then ever before. at metros rate of production we probably wont see this until next year. but they could suprise us and get them corrected and produced.

[CudamanTom]

My Guess is they might be having some issues with them. I rather if they take their time and get it right than put a poor quality piece on the market.We have waited decades for this to be a reality ,whats a little more time ,right ?

Maybe so. But some kind of indicator would be nice?
Are there any test-fitters who are members here? I would think so.
MAYBE they could chime in and...... well give us a heads up. Issues or not?

Tom

[DocMel]

If there is an issue with fit or production, I can fully understand that.  It will take time.  But silence from the vendor doesnt do anyting for potential customer confidence. 

At first, they were very responsive, posting pics, even taking requests.   Then they there was a test fit to be performed.  No update on that.  Grills were seen  at the Mopar Nats.  Not a totally positive view as seen by some, but again, I can understand:  It will take time to get it right

But the recent silence cant do anything but make potential buyers wonder

[mopardave]

If there is an issue with fit or production, I can fully understand that.  It will take time.  But silence from the vendor doesnt do anyting for potential customer confidence. 

At first, they were very responsive, posting pics, even taking requests.   Then they there was a test fit to be performed.  No update on that.  Grills were seen  at the Mopar Nats.  Not a totally positive view as seen by some, but again, I can understand:  It will take time to get it right

But the recent silence cant do anything but make potential buyers wonder

everyone is in a hurry, impatient. hurry up and wait. for those nay sayers of my prior posts with displeasure. I dont have to explain my position other then what i already have on the problem with my test fit,  Where are the other suppliers that recieved grilles, dont see them here anywhere doing anything. I have the grille on the store wall for display if your in the area stop but and take a look.

 I  called Joel the Owner to get there feed back of fitment.  what i do know now is that.
original outer trim fitment-  good
C trim inner fitment - 5 out of 6 is good
Cheese graters -  in sample grille fixed, in production separate to install with clips.
Headlamp bezel fitment - some fit some dont? working on the rings to verify problem.
intake area of the cheese grater has mill marks or flats -  will be taken care of by production.
some of the other people that have the grille say the grille seats and mounts fine. 

Cody and I noticed while he was here that 2 of the upper mounting tab angle where different then the original we compared to and i explained this to Metro and they will look at there grilles.   They are working on said issues now and expect corrected grilles to be here august september ish, He did not say how many on first run that will be available for sale.   when more info comes across, i'll pass it along.

[CudamanTom]

Thanks Dave,
Just the type of info I was looking for.
And since I have no grille at all.... I too will just hurry up and wait 

Tom

[mopardave]

i truley hope these do come to market in the next 60 to 90 days, and are of good quality, the frame it self does look pretty nice.  the canadian guy has had them in his book for about a year now and no grille, their center stainless doent fit properly either. 

[ragtopdodge]

What about the color of the backside of the grille shell?  Seems in the pics they are black, but OEM is more pale gray.