Getting started on a grille for the 500

Tacked together in the flat. After welding, I'll form the curve. Still have to machine the mounting stud and lower pins.

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Also have to figure out the screen. I have found there were two different screen types used. It seems that early tractors had a finer mesh screen with finer wire than the screens on later tractors which was quite a bit more coarse with heavier wire too. The sample grille has the fine screen. I'm thinking the coarse screen would allow better airflow.
 
Sharp! Can't help you with the screen,mine was missing. I just used metal window screen and stuck it in with 3M weather strip adhesive after painting it green.




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Can't help you as to what type of screen but you might want to look at Mcmaster Carr on line and due a search for screen or wire cloth as they have several hundred
choices with excellent descriptions to use as ideas for what you want.
 
Can't help you as to what type of screen but you might want to look at Mcmaster Carr on line and due a search for screen or wire cloth as they have several hundred choices with excellent descriptions to use as ideas for what you want.

I was planning on McMaster or McNichols for the screen. Just need to decide which type is best. I like the better airflow of the coarse screen, but I also think the finer screen keeps more junk out of the radiator. Don't know which would be best. I still use my 500 to mow and do lots of odd jobs so want something that functions well
 
Unfortunately, no.

I do work with a sheetmetal shop on other projects so I gave them the design and they punched and bent the pieces. I'll do the welding and then the forming after welding with my hydraulic press and a set of aluminum dies I'll cut for the job.
 
As long as you have the dies to do it,it should be OK. Mine was smashed flat and I had quite a time with it just using body tools. The grill on my 77 was caved in some when I got that. I made a couple of dies out of oak and got that one presentable.
 
I have material to make 10 of these grilles so probably will mill a punch and die from aluminum just so it lasts through all of them. Have plenty of aluminum plate on hand and it makes less of a mess in the machine than cutting wood.
 
if you have the screen frame replace the screen. Mine went bad and instead
of using a wire screen I used a stamped screen. Many to choose from with
different finishes and patterns. You can find them where screen doors are
sold, they come in sheets.

Walked past mine the other day and caught it in the right light, sharp
looking.

seems you could also make the frame...nice work on the grill.
 
The screen on the 500s is spot-welded to the grille proper. I'm a bit undecided on that. I'm thinking about installing PEM studs or weld studs on the grille so the screen would held in by washers and nuts. Better for painting and any future repairs.

Since these are intended to be "reproduction" grilles, I think I'll go with the wire screen. Just need to decide whether to copy the early build spec of fine mesh, versus the later build spec with coarse mesh.

Ultimately, since the screens will be removable whoever gets these would be able to install whatever screen they like or even leave it out.
 
Another step forward.....


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They did not want this to be easy. There is more curve at the bottom edge than the top. Same radius, but 3 degrees less bend.
 
A couple more steps. Screen figured out and installed. Mounting tabs and ball stud made and installed.
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Getting started on the bodywork end of the prototype too.
 

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