71 Rear Deck Vent Grills

[Seth G.]

Hi- I read in the 1970-1972 Technical Manual (pg.45) that a blackout operation left the flat mounting surface of the vent grills behind rear window painted black, but not the sides of the grill recess. I have a 71 Coupe with Air Conditioning and understand the grills are non functional as such. Has anyone ever seen an original paint car with the mounting surface for the vent grills painted body color? If not, what type of paint would I use to restore this area to the correct black finish? Thank you!

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 Rear Deck Vent Grills

You will need the guys who pay more attention to the shiny side to tell you about the chances of a black-out delete vent grille car, but should you chose to add the black-out the paint is the same as is used for ALL the other black-out operations on the car. The under hood, inner fenders, windshield wiper stowage area, up the A-pillars, the upper door hinge cover (except 1968), the rear storage compartments and the rear vents all got the black-out with the same paint.

[Seth G.]

Re: 71 Rear Deck Vent Grills

Thanks Terry. Would you happen to know the name of the paint and/or paint code to use?

[Edward J.]

Re: 71 Rear Deck Vent Grills

Seth, I use Sem products they make a satin black that will match pretty close. Most auto body paint supply stores carry this product.

[Jack H.]

Re: 71 Rear Deck Vent Grills

For consistency, why not simply use the same black out paint you laid down in the front cowl area beneath the wiper door?

[Don L.]

Re: 71 Rear Deck Vent Grills

FWIW, I agree with Ed, 100%. I've said it before here and continue to rave about SEM Trim Black. It goes on like velvet and looks just the same as original black outs I've seen on these cars.