Topic: NOS 1965-66 grill mouldings

[Hipo giddyup]

I Recently purchased a large box of 65-66  NOS Mustang parts. In this assorted box of parts were two grill moldings that look to be NOS. I realize these moldings never had Ford stampings on them but is there any way to distinguish NOS front grill mouldings with reproductions? Thanks for your input.
Bill

[stangerdude]

The easiest way to tell originals from reproductions is to try to LIGHTLY twist the moulding. If you feel resistance and it springs back to position it is an original. If you do the same to a reproduction, it will stay twisted. Reproductions are very soft aluminum and almost dent if you look at them too close!! It takes three reproductions to equal the weight of one original. The original is also brighter anodized. There is now a decent reproduction available through Scott Drake but they won't give the information on the manufacturer. Hope this helps.

[CharlesTurner]

The step up from argent to the brightwork is not as crisp as original either.  The bend test is the best way.  Usually just breathing on the repro makes them bend, they are terrible... hard not to install without getting small dents around the attachment clip areas.

[Hipo giddyup]

Thanks guys. I will do the bend test when I get home. I also noted how "off" the argent paint was on one of the mouldings., typical sloppiness of Ford replacement parts. The paint line was straight but it was about 1/8" away from the edge of the brightwork on one end. That was leading me to believe they were Ford. The repros I have dealt with have been pretty presice when it comes to the painting but thin metal as Charles stated.