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MG MGA - NOS grill slats found


Hello everyone, a newbe here. I have recently been directed to your site by a another that said it is the best, I look forward to sharing and being of help. I have recently found a set of grill slats that are for sale but don't know the difference between NOS/early parts 1960-80's & what is being offered today, can anyone give a hand. My project car, a 58 has no grill or slats to compare anything. The slats I've found are stainless steel and riveted and still have the plastic covers on the SS. It also have six mounting points and nuts brazed to the tabs. There is also an MG dealer tag that indictes they were put in stock in the late 60,s. Are these originals or aftermarket and how can a NOVICE tell. Thanks in advance. Tom

Oh yeh, if they really are originals what should I expect to pay for them ?
Tom P

Is there a part number on the dealer tag/sticker?

I'm not sure if protective plastic coatings had been invented back then.

And welcome to the board.

TTFN
Derek Nicholson

What color/condition is the plastic protection on the slats you bought. By this point in time, it should be dulling, cloudy and perhaps a bit bunged up. It is equally possible that those made during the orignal production runs had no plasic protection, but rather paper or none at all. Check with Barney Gaylord as he may know the answer or knows someone who does.
Bob Muenchausen


Thanks fella's. There is no part # on the slats, just the dealers name and a date that looks like 4/66 or 4/68. The white 'plastic' coating was on during the forming ass'y process as it is kept in place by the top & bottom rail rivets, not pop-rivets. The plastic is curled up and way off color from age but has been in a heavy cardboard box, no names or #'s on the box either. I have also found out that the 'dealer' closed up in late 1970 early 71 and most of the inventory was bought by the Detroit dealer. That is about all I know at this time and this info is second or possibly third hand. tom

PS- does anyone have an email address for Mr. Gaylord ? TIA
tom p

Chuckle. He is new here. Just but "Barney Gaylord" into a search engine and hang onto your seat.
Barney Gaylord

When you look at the slats profile they are more J shaped on the originals and more L shaped on the reproductions. You should be able to see and feel the difference.

j
JohnB


John B. Many thanks for your input. After your suggestion and closer inspection, it appears the slats ARE more 'L' shape than 'J' and the edges seem to be much sharper, literally. My guess is then, this would be an early repro not factory. Does anyone know if this is still current production methods or are the new repros better quality, etc ? Anyone have a fair market price for this in case I want to make him an offer ? TIA tom

tom p

Tom, the current repro slats are very easy to tell. Just run your finger along the edge but with great care. They are wickedly sharp. Originals are nice and smoothly rounded over and if you can find them in good condition hang on to them - they are getting harder and harder to find. DG
David Grahame

This thread was discussed between 09/10/2006 and 10/10/2006

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.