Correct Front Grills for 1972 Right and left

[John S.]

I know that the 1972 front grills are one year only because there was no fiber optics thus the grills have no hole in the casting for the fiber optics grommet. I have the 72 AIM but the part # given doesn't look right to me (#911755-6) I think the correct # for the left side is #3966793 and # 3966794 for the right side . Do the ones for 1970 and 1971 with the fiber optics hole bare the same part numbers ??? My 72 is a January 5th 72 born date and It has one of each. Could it have gotten left over 71 grills? What I have is one with and one without the hole and bare the p/n's above. I have read the 70-72 Technical information Manual and remain confused.
Could I have a service replacement on one side? Do Service replacements bare the original casting numbers?
Thanks in advance for your help
Regards John

[Terry M.]

Re: Correct Front Grills for 1972 Right and left

I know that the 1972 front grills are one year only because there was no fiber optics thus the grills have no hole in the casting for the fiber optics grommet. I have the 72 AIM but the part # given doesn't look right to me (#911755-6) I think the correct # for the left side is #3966793 and # 3966794 for the right side . Do the ones for 1970 and 1971 with the fiber optics hole bare the same part numbers ??? My 72 is a January 5th 72 born date and It has one of each. Could it have gotten left over 71 grills? What I have is one with and one without the hole and bare the p/n's above. I have read the 70-72 Technical information Manual and remain confused.
Could I have a service replacement on one side? Do Service replacements bare the original casting numbers?
Thanks in advance for your help
Regards John

None of the three styles of grilles for 1970-1972 have a part number on them. They do, however, have a ccasting number on them. I can almost guarantee you that the part numbers shown in the AIM and the casting numbers on the grilles are different. I am in Bowling Green for a couple of days, but can look up the part numbers for 1971 when i return home -- if no one posts them sooner. I could look up casting numbers on spare 1970 grilles I have (none for sale), but I don't believe I have access to grilles for any other year.

BTW: If you are concerned about having the proper grilles for judging, a little creative hole filling for 1971 style grilles will yield 1972 style grilles. The judges can not see the top of the parking light housing, and judge the hole by braile. On the other hand it would be very interesting to know if early 1972s used 1971 style grilles, and if that is found to behte case I would encourage you to retain the mixed set you have.