I recently picked up a set of new 72 Cutlass Supreme grills. These grills have never been on a car but a blacked out Oldsmobile script has been applied. I was not given the boxes they came in. My question is, is there any obvious differences that I might look for to determine if they are reproduction or OEM. I'm assuming they are reproductions but I just don't know that for a fact. They do have the part number moulded into the plastic.
Thanks in advance for any guidance.

 

Alan, I did look up the part number on the drivers side one the other night and that is the GM part number, so I'd assume they're OEM. I don't think the reproductions had that, but I could be proven wrong.
Terry

 

Nos by the number on them

 

I hope you're right Terry, for both of us. You're going to have first dibs on them anyway if you want them. And I'm in no hurry to get rid of them, so you can use your funds to acquire the new car first.

 

Thanks Jeff. I'm surprised more didn't chime in with their experience also.

 

I dont know for sure but ive seen a couple NOS grills and more OE 72 CS grills. I dont recall ever seeing a fastener (like a speed nut) as shown to hold on the outside trim piece. Usually its just a bent tab

I do know the repros have the number molded in them.

check alans thread for some OE grills and note the crispness and uniformity of the molded number and the bent tabs to hold on the trim

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ly-nos-137594/

 

Based on the reproduction 442 grills, these also are repops. Sure they have a GM number on them, but the fasteners that hold the bright work on the front are not GM style. They reek of aftermarket. This is what the trim fasteners should look like:

 

Here is what a reproduction '442' grill looks like on the back side showing the fastening system. (they really aren't user friendly, especially the inboard one by the line up tab - it needs to be removed). Also note: The real OEM service parts have a 'period' abbreviating LH and RH (L.H. R.H.) The Repops don't. Close but no cigar.

 

Thanks RetroRanger and thank you Allan for confirming that I was correct with my assumption. I appreciate the input and photos.