Speaker and Rear A/C Grilles

Hi, all-

The recent posting on visor clips made me think about the possibility of creating replacement interior grilles for my '83 400i. The ones I have are all warped to some degree, particularly the ones on the rear parcel shelf, and I think the cost to have new ones machined out of aluminum may be less expensive than finding originals in good condition.

Since the speaker grilles are worse than the A/C grilles, I started this evening by drawing up a quick design that nearly replicates the originals. Checking with a rapid prototyping shop I've used in the past, it appears the cost per speaker grille will be somewhere around $30-50 each, depending on the number that are made and the intricacy I add to the design/finish.

In truth, I have not removed the rear shelf grilles to see if they are the same as the door-mounted ones, but I'll be doing this tomorrow, along with dialing in the design.

If anyone else is in need of these and would like to have a set made of aluminum, please write back and I'll add details here as I work through the project over the next few days. Thanks for the inspiration, Dave!

Bret

 

Would be in for a pair.
Rick

 

I made about 50 aluminium door speaker grills for C4s. Are they the same? I made them with a black matt powder coating that made them look indentical to the original plastic ones. Metal is better for the doors because you kick them when you get out of the car. I can make them again if you guys are interested. They would be metal so would never warp again even in the Arizona sun !! If you want to know what they were like, the C4 owners can tell you.
John

 

Hi John-

Thanks for the offer. Unfortunately the Corvette C4 grille is larger than the original 400i door grille by about an inch. The rear parcel shelf grilles may be even smaller, but I was unable to take one out today to confirm. Here's a rough look at the drawing I did of the existing grille.

Glad you mentioned powder coating... that's a good idea!

Bret
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Bret
I was not talking about a Corvette. I was referring to a Ferrari 365GTC/4 which Ferrari guys just call a C4 for brevity. The speaker grill photo you posted looks the same. The C4 has studs at the back but the 400 has the screw holes. I made some with both studs and holes but can make them just with the screw holes no problem. These screw holes are up in the corners. If people want I can supply these as I have made 50 before. The surface finish was identical to the dull matt black finish of the original plastic ones. As I said just ask the Ferrari 365GTC/4 people who got them from me.
John

 

Hi John-

Ahhh... that makes a lot more sense...

I may take you up on that. The tinkerer in me might win out this weekend, though.

Thanks for letting me know,

Bret

 

When referring to C4s on this website I have had people thinking I was talking about Ford C4 automatic gearboxes, Citroen C4s etc BUT this is FERRARIchat so C4s here mean 1971/72 Ferrari 365GTC/4s !! Anyway if you make these things there are powder coat finishes that are EXACTLY the same as the original plastic parts surface finish. I have already all the CNC algrothims etc to make these easily and the correct powder coat finishes. But tinkering is fun.
Cheers
John

 

John..I would be interested in an entire set(4/6) so that the all match..also the console side grills? That way everything would match as my leather interior is brand new. Thanks..Jacques.

 

Jacques
I do not know too much about 400s. I am a C4 guy. I am not interested in making stuff except when I have made a batch before for the C4 owners where I already have the CNC program or rapid prototyping information. If enough people want the black or cream sun visor clips I will make them but not a few special things. Anyway next time I see a 400 I will have a good look at them to understand what you are referring to. Please post pictures of these console side grills, AC vents etc to see what you are referring to.
John

 

I would be interested in a pair; how much would they be?

Bud Byrnes

 

Bud - this post is over 5 years old! I would be very surprised if there were still any around and available. My restorer, Michel, made custom ones for both my 400i and Quattroporte III, which almost border on jewelry. Take a look at my thread titled "My Story" so you can see how they were created and how you can reach out to Michel.

Good luck either way!

 

Hello John
How are you? I would also be interested in a full set, doors rear quarter, parcel tray, centre console if possible. I would really appreciate it.
I could PM you if you would like. I would also get a pair of sun visor clips as well.
Kindest regards,
Jim

 

And I would like a pair of spare wheels, two front doors, a pair of Colt 45, two shirts size 36 and a pretty woman who looks like Monica Bellucci but with blue eyes. For the price of it please PM.
Ah yes, McDonalds Double cheese, thank you ...

 

<laughing>