Checked the CSM and the Fisher body manual but couldn't find any info...what's involved with replacing the grille on a '72 Supreme?

 

Here are the assembly points from the 1972 Factory Assembly Manual. HTH

 

Thanks for the reply Norm...so am I wrong, or does the stone shield have to be removed?

 

Dave - I've done this "once". And, I probably didn't even need to remove the RH-grille. I removed the grille to get to the AC drier. I was pretty wet-behind-the-ears at the time and I convinced myself I needed to remove both grilles to see where the bumper alignment brackets, stone shield and grilles aligned. To be honest, I really can't recall if I had to remove the stone shield to get to the grilles. As I recall, I don't believe I needed to remove the stone shield; but, don't take my word for it.

 

Can anyone else share their advice?
How does the stone shield attach to the car?

 

I believe the stone shield is attached to THE GRILLS.....not the car.

 

Yes what he said ^^^^

 

Ok, so if I read the drawing correctly, here's the procedure:

1. Lower front bumper
2. Remove the two side screws that attach the grille to the headlight support.
3. Remove the two center screws.
4. Remove the four top screws that attach the grille to the core support.

Is that right?

 

You should be able to get the supreme grilles out without taking out the stone shield, the stone shield is slotted on the ends mated to the headlight plastic surround, the 442 grilles attach in the second set of holes on the rad support top, not sure about the side metal attaching bracket, if its the same for Supreme and 442 or not, Tim

 

Dave,
The grills you have are OEM,yes? If so it will be a huge advantage getting the them installed. YES, you should take out the stone shield to do this properly. It's held loosely by the bolt in the center of the top of the stone shield to rad support. Check my thread on 442 grill installation. It will walk you through the steps you need. I installed repro, but since yours are OEM it will be easier. You WILL NEED to replace the side metal mounting tabs. They are only used for the 72 (all models except 442) forward fastened grills. You will need to source and install grill supports from ANY 1971 Olds A Body line up, or from a 1972 442 only. Otherwise the grills will not fasten to the side of the rad support (2 c clips and bolts for each grill fastener. Hope this helps. Ask any questions, I've been through this and it was a pain. BTW, yes, Drop the front bumper, it's a PITA working with it on the car.

 

Hey Allan long time no see 😀

Thanks for the reply. I have sourced all the hardware from Nick (442crzy), so I'm good to go with that. I plan on doing this tomorrow morning, so could you post a link tonight to your thread?

Also, I sent you a PM.

Thanks,
Dave

 

Dave - You perform an Advanced Search, search by username, then keyword (e.g. grille, 442, whatever). Anyways....

Installing Repop 442 grills (71/72)

 

Dave, if you have the different brackets for the sides of the grills from Nick, that's basically all the changes you'll need. The stone shield is a simple piece of plastic and with the exception of the bolt in the top middle it's a friction fit to the headlight fillers. As far as what emblems to put on the grills? Your call. Seeing as they are OEM, I'd be inclined to leave the original emblems on. Everyone knows it's not the right body style for a 72 442 but no matter, the look of the grills is far superior to the original egg crate ones that came with the 72 Supreme, IMO. Two other big changes from 71 to 72 is the 72 grills were pot metal and the 72 ones are plastic, and the bright work on 72 has a raised edge at the outside edge, whereas 71 has the raise in the center of the brightwork (on hood and grills). You'll do just fine with the install. I had my bumper removed to make the work easier.
BTW, make sure that you check to see if the original grills had any shims under the rad top plate. You might need them to make sure your fan clutch doesn't hit the shroud after you do this work. Best way to ensure the fan moves freely is keep the front of the car on the ground, or on blocks when you do the work. Do not support it on jack stands - reason: the front horns of the frame may dip a little when there's no weight on the suspension, and that could cause the fan to hit the shroud either at the top or bottom. Look forward to seeing what you get done.

IF you decide to mount an Oldsmobile emblem on the grills? You will have to desecrate the OEM plastic by drilling holes.for the pins. That's a job that can easily be done after the grills are installed though. Just requires the air dam to be removed to do it (after the fact)