Without a doubt one of the fastest rising trucks in popularity within the custom classic scene is the '73-87 Chevrolet C-10 and GMC. Inside the last few years we have witnessed a spike in the number of readily available high-quality customizing parts available for General Motors' longest production run of one design series.
Among these new parts is perhaps one of the highest quality examples we've seen to date. It's LMC Truck's All-Chrome Special Edition grille and it is absolutely flawless in both construction and design. In development for over two years, the beautifully chromed grille is a melding of OEM styling, combined with a custom touch that lends uniqueness with a factory feel.
When it came to installing LMC's new Special Edition grille we'd rate it about a "2" on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being the hardest). That is, if the installer pays close attention to some of the assembly tips we learned while we installed ours.
For trucks that did not come...
For trucks that did not come with the factory-optional inside remote hood release (located near the parking brake release) the LMC kit includes a specially designed outside hood-release kit. The grille we installed fits '75 to early-'80 trucks with round headlights.
There are six self-tapping...
There are six self-tapping Phillips screws that retain the stock GM plastic grille. We were careful not to scratch the stainless steel grille molding with the rotating shaft of the Phillips screwdriver as they were removed.
With the six screws removed,...
With the six screws removed, the next step was to push the stock grille downwards at the top with both hands and then pull it away from the grille opening.
Since the LMC Special Edition...
Since the LMC Special Edition grille comes complete with all necessary hardware, we did not have to reuse the stock GM clips (which often as not will need to be replaced because they usually break).
LMC recommends using either...
LMC recommends using either grease or silicone sealer to retain the six isolators that they provide to locate in between the new black LMC clips and the LMC Special Edition grille.
Using the grease method proved...
Using the grease method proved to be futile, as installing the new LMC grille (or a stock GM grille) requires a little bit of jockeying that knocked the isolators off as soon they came in contact with the grille.
We applied Super Glue brand...
We applied Super Glue brand silicone to attach the black circular isolators to the four black and two white push-in LMC clips and then let them cure overnight.
With the silicone completely...
With the silicone completely dried, we reinstalled all six clips into place. To install the four black clips where they would line up properly with the grille, they were slid completely sideways.
LMC offers three different...
LMC offers three different emblems as an option: a red GMC emblem and two Chevrolet Bow Ties.
We chose the polished billet...
We chose the polished billet Bow Tie in preference to the stock OEM-type, gold-colored Bow Tie.
To install the LMC Special...
To install the LMC Special Edition grille, we tilted it forward, dropped it down into the grille cavity, and then pulled it upwards to align with the six screw holes.
The last step was to screw...
The last step was to screw in the six mounting screws. Using a flashlight along with a scratch awl proved to work best for aligning the holes. All that was left to do was stand back and admire it.