Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

I was wondering what the difference is between a '33 and '34 truck grille. I have this one listed in the swap meet as a '33 for the reason that it came off a '33. I have gotten a pm letting me know that it's a '34. How do I tell?

Thank you.

Red

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

Not positive but I believe the differences are near the bottom, along the sides.

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

33's for one don't have the stainless trim

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

Your grille is for a 1934. It has the embossed protrusion on the top for the chrome bezel that extends to the radiator cap. The 1933 grille does not use a bezel and on the 1933 the Ford insignia fits into a simple embossed surround oval.
On a 1933 grille the center reinforcement that supports the teeth is pressed from the teeth themselves. On the 1934 grille the support is a separate thinner piece that is crimped to the teeth. See the pictures. !933 left, 1934 right.

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

Thank you guys! That is very informational. I will change the ad to reflect the correct year.

Red

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1623621108
1934 Ford Truck Grille - notice the Stainless Trim around the Grille Bars.
The 1933 Ford Truck Grilles didn't have this Stainless Trim.

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1623615261
1933 Ford Grille, as posted by deuce lover.
Notice that it doesn't have the Stainless Trim around the Grille Bars that was added for 1934.

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

That is helpful information guys. Can you please post the differences between a '32 commercial and '33 also?

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

The '32 is similar to the '33 regarding the stamped raised areas surrounding the Ford oval and opening for the radiator neck, but not as deep given that it is mounted completely vertical rather than sloped. The oval opening for the hand crank extension is smaller and it only has one hole for the hand crank extension through the lower back panel unlike the '33-'34s which have two holes. That last characteristic makes it easy to distinguish them unless the back panel has rusted away or been otherwise removed.

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

Thanks David. That crank hole detail is easy to remember

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

You're welcome.

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

Well, I see I was wrong again. Often wrong, but never in doubt. (LOL).

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

So,

What year is this? Obviously the bottom is gone, so I can't go by the crank hole(s). I think it may be a '33?

Thank you.

Red

Re: Difference between '33 and '34 truck grilles
 

yes that's a '33 shell.