NK Front End Questions

[duggi]

I've been doing a lot of reading on the NK's since getting my '67 2000.  I have a few questions based on some comments I've read and photos I've seen and am having trouble finding direct answers.  Any knowledge-sharing would be much appreciated:

 

- I keep seeing things about the "10 slat grille" - what were the specifics there?  What was the alternative...8 slats?  Was it early cars only, and if so, up to what year?  My '67 seems to have 10 slats in it's kidneys...

 

- Aluminum grilles and black plastic grilles - what's up with that?  Is there a rhyme or reason to it?  Did light colored cars get black and dark cars get aluminum, or is it an early/late thing?  Are they interchangeable?  If they are, does changing from black to aluminum harm the value in any meaningful way?

 

- I've heard that post'68 front subframes are better - are the 2002/NK subframes directly interchangeable?  Is modification necessary?

 

Thanks in advance for any insight =)

-derrick

[MOJOJOY]

Your car right? 

I think your grills are just painted! The center grill on my old euro 69 was different that yours. 

[duggi]

That is my car!!! Did you look at it while it was in LA?  If so, could I PM you for more info on that situation?

 

Thanks for the note on them being painted..I'm going up to see the car this weekend and will check that situation out =)

[rey949]

All four door NK cars ( 1600, 1500, 1800, 1800TI, 2000, 2000TI, 2000Tilux) had all bright grills until August of 68. the ten slat grill went away and the NK went to an 8 slat grill albeit different than the 02 center grill. See early photo of early ten slat grill and later 8 slat grill both bright grills). The 2000tii was introduced for the 1969 model year and was designed with an 8 slat grill that had black slats as well as the side grills with the black slats . The 1800 had all bright grills until the end, but the 1800ti had the bright center grill and black slat side grills.  The carbureted 2000 NK cars had all bright grill work until the end of the model run in 1972. 

August of 1968 the NK converted to the 02 style front subframe with special motor mount brackets to accommodate the correct motor location. 

I include some pictures of period brochures and a magazine article showing these styling differences over time. 

Good luck

Rey

 

[ericbmw2000]

I owned a 2000 TII, the black slats were actually rubber pieces that were put over the original 2000 grills. The center grill was painted.

 

The 1800 had all bright grills until the end, but the 1800ti had the bright center grill and black slat side grills

 

This is actually the other way around. The 1800 TI was only in series 1 and had all bright grills till end of production, the 2000 TI as well. Come August '68 when type 2 was introduced the 1800 got the treatment as the red car on the poster, the 2000 stayed bright grills but got the 8 slat center grill. Then even later the 1800 became a 2000 with a 1.8 liter engine.

[phugley]

Here is my original tilux sales brochure, showing 10 slat grill, with all grills being bright anodized.  I wouldn't have sent this in, except for the fact that the photo is the same, but the licence plate is different!

 

Alex

[HBChris]

My US spec 1969 2000 was modified to euro lights and Tii style grilles by prior owners.  I have the 8 slat wide kidney that Rey gave me although it should be black but I like the look which the e9 has with bright kidney and black headlight grilles.  I believe this kidney is very rare.

[phugley]

I like the look, particularly in combination with the blue  (What color is it?).  My car, when purchased, had the 8 slat grill, which when I stripped it, had most of the slats coated with a black, plastic type coating and other "improvements" by the P.O. as you can see.  My intention is for a stock appearance with anodized 10 slat center and side grills, euro headlights and side markers, and 2000ti grill emblem, which should work well with Granada  . The only departure will be new style belt line trim, as I cannot find any of the old style.-Alex

 

[HBChris]

What year is your 2000?  As Rey said, later NKs had the 8 slat grille.  The headlight grilles have plastic covers that slip over the polished slats, like the late roundie 02s.  Perhaps yours were sprayed with Plastidip.  Here is a pic with the skinny 8 slat grille that used to be on my NK before Rey gave me the correct wider kidney grille.  Color is Atlantik.

Edited October 14, 2016 by HBChris

[phugley]

    1967, build date October 27, 1966, definitely series 1 with the flat dash, weird heater, old style door latches, etc  I'm sure that the PO just switched the center grill, maybe due to damage or whatever.  In any event, after cleaning it up, I learned that it wasn't correct and luckily found a 10 slat grill. The side grills have cleaned up nicely with paint stripper.

[jmon0261]

Best to do the 02 subframe up date because a few of the bushings and or Motor mounts from the series 1 sub frame are NLA. 

Sub frame bolts right in. 

 

My 67 Ti Lux was delivered on 10-31-1966  our VIN numbers should be pretty close

Edited October 16, 2016 by jmon0261

[phugley]

Hi Joseph,

Our VIN numbers are close. Mine is 1451234.  With the 02 subframe swap, can I still use my steering box, idler arm and steering linkage?   Thanks.

 

Alex

[jmon0261]

Cool- My TiLux is 82 cars older- In the factory at the same time ! Probably shipped over togethor .   Awesome.  will have to re-unite them one of these days

 

[phugley]

That would be cool indeed!  I am in Ontario, Canada. Perhaps we can meet half way  .

[jmon0261]

Mid America Fest in Arkansas- Drove my 02 there a year ago spring.

 

Plan to drive across Canada within the next few summers. But most likely in a camper van this time