I have a 72 Cutlass that needs new grilles. I'm fond of the 71 442 grilles. Fusick has different part numbers for 71 and 72 eyebrows. What is the difference? Does anyone have pictures of both.

 

The 71 has a raised peak in the center of the trim. The 72 has more of a flat piece except for the outer edge lip is raised. Physically they will fit either year, but they look stupid if you mix and match. Hopefully you can make out the detail of the 72 example below.

1971:




1972:

 

So my next question is, when you buy grilles, do they come with the lower piece installed on the grille, so I only need to get the matching upper, or do I need to buy the lower pieces too, separately? So my 72 supreme appears to have 72 uppers on the hood, with what I think is a 72 cutlass S grille, with no lower trim pieces. I think I either want a set of 71 442 grilles, with silver surround and black grille, or a set of blacked out 72 Hurst grilles. My car is not a 442, and has lots of restomods on it, so I want to have it look the way I want, and am not as concerned about originality.

 

Some do (most do), but some don't. check with the vendor.
R&R of the U shaped trim is a real PITA. The nubbins break really easily. I usually just snip them off then use the thinnest double sided tape I can find to attach the trim.

 

i will say the difference is minor and very likely only you and 69HO43 will likely ever notice. if its not a judged car dont sweat it

 

I disagree. I've had both in my hands and the difference was pretty glaring. Hard to tell in those particular pictures, but more obvious in person.

But, OP can always buy the grilles they want, mount them, then decide whether or not to change the hood trim.