Should I assume these grill end tabs are not supposed to be bent this way?

[bull]

I would think they're supposed to be perpendicular to the frame except that out of the 8 I have access to only one looks straight. Cant remember what they bolt to either.

[JB400]

Those are suppose to sit flush up against the inner support of the fenders.  The studs run through the fender support itself.  They look alright to me.  Have you tried bolting it up?

[bull]

No, I'm still restoring the grill. I'm just not understanding why they're in about 8 different positions, but they're very easy to tweak and both grills have been banging around for years. Guess I'll figure it all out when it's time to install it.

[Daytona R/T SE]

I would think they're supposed to be perpendicular to the frame except that out of the 8 I have access to only one looks straight. Cant remember what they bolt to either.

They get twisted out of shape when we try to take the rusted nuts off and put the torque to them.

They'll need to be straightened.

At least you didn't twist them all the way off

[bull]

That's what I figured. I already straightened the four on the frame I'm restoring.

[Daytona R/T SE]

That's what I figured. I already straightened the four on the frame I'm restoring.

[Brian in GA]

I know from experience, they get twisted by the torque of removing a rusty nut on disassembly.  They're fairly thin metal.  I actually ripped off two on one side removing mine--had to fab up a couple during the resto. 

The good news is, since the metal tabs are fairly thin, it's not much effort to correct the problem when you get ready to mount it up.   

[bull]

I know from experience, they get twisted by the torque of removing a rusty nut on disassembly.  They're fairly thin metal.  I actually ripped off two on one side removing mine--had to fab up a couple during the resto. 

The good news is, since the metal tabs are fairly thin, it's not much effort to correct the problem when you get ready to mount it up.   

Yeah, I was able to straighten them pretty easily by hand with a rag on the sharp corners.

[c00nhunterjoe]

I reinforced mine and welded new stainless steel studs in so it won't happen again....