'70-72 front grille restoration

[jim34671]

I'm getting a set of these pot metal grilles restored/rechromed.
Anyone out there ever tried to paint them after rechroming?
Any good tricks...besides buying new one?
Mine's a '70 with the rear studs..not so easy to find.
Jim

[John S.]

Re: '70-72 front grille restoration

Jim; I just pull a NOS out of the box, and it look's like alot of fine line tapeing to me. I had to touch one up not to long ago and I mixed some chroma base Dupont, to blend in a scratch on one. They make a sanding pencil if you need to scratch up the new chrome to paint, I guess I would then put a light coat of self-etching primer on the chrome. If I can help you with the color mail me. john

[Roberto L.]

Re: '70-72 front grille restoration

Hello, in the outer side of the front vertical bumperettes there is a painted section which uses the same very dark gray, rough textured paint used in the grille surroundings. If it is still there as is in my car you have a sample to duplicate that paint. I remember a comment about some wheel paint which resembles that paint too, but my memory is fading... what was the subject?

Black paint around the clear lens is more easy. Besides, there is an issue about the way to paint the grille (from the back?). Side grilles and bumperettes should ideally match each other without gaps. I found that gaps are present when the lower bolt of the vertical bumperettes has broken a little the fiberglass in that point precluding the correct positioning.

Well, others may correct this info, I'm trying to help. Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC

[Bill C.]

Re: '70-72 front grille restoration

Guys:
OEM paints (www.oempaints.com) makes some very VERY good products one of which is a Rally Wheel Coating #11010. This paint will give you almost a correct color and rough (textured) finish. I have done the painting from the backside to some success and cleanup is minimized. They make some other paints that are also a good match for other applications Good Luck, Bill

[Bill C.]

Re: '70-72 front grille restoration

Guys:
OEM paints (www.oempaints.com) makes some very VERY good products one of which is a Rally Wheel Coating #11010. This paint will give you almost a correct color and rough (textured) finish. I have done the painting from the backside to some success and cleanup is minimized. They make some other paints that are also a good match for other applications Good Luck, Bill