Stainless steel grille mesh replacements are available for the slatted grille fitted to 1967 to 1969 chrome-bumper Midgets. The original grille used individual chrome-plated vertical slats clipped to a surround frame, these slats corrode beneath the chrome plating over time, with the chrome peeling and the underlying steel rusting.
Note that the 1970 facelift introduced a recessed black plastic grille of a different design, and the 1500 used another grille variant again, the slatted-mesh replacement applies to the 1967 to 1969 grille only.
Stainless Mesh Durability
The stainless mesh replacement provides a permanent solution, the mesh is fabricated from stainless steel that will not corrode or require re-plating. It is pre-formed to fit within the existing grille surround frame, replacing the individual slats with a continuous mesh panel that provides the same visual density and airflow characteristics.
Stainless Grille Mesh Fitting
Fitting involves removing the old slats from the frame (they are held by spring clips that can be released with a flat-blade screwdriver), cleaning the frame, and securing the new mesh panel in place. The surround frame itself is typically in better condition than the slats, as it is protected from direct water impingement by the bonnet lip above.