1970-72 side grilles

[Mike E.]

I'm stripping the paint off of 71 #4215, a red/red LT-1 convertible that is pretty original, yet had 13 owners between 1973 and 1979, and 2 since. In doing the side grilles, I noticed that the right is a 71-72 type, while the left is a 70-only type. This is later than the changeover per the JG, which indicates the change should be done by #3600. Having been involved in 6 judging manual updates during the years, I know that sometimes change numbers are best guesses.
Has anyone discovered a 70 grille this late in 71? I just love it when I do further homework after I ask! I found an old post by Ron Goduti; he has the same thing, and his car is 220 later than mine. Got the answer to that!
By the way, in stripping them, there was no indication either had ever been anything but red. There was no body damage anywhere in that area that would indicate a reason for a change.
Also, the 70 grille seems to be made of a different material, or at least have a different finish on it than the 71. The 71 is shiny when stripped, while the 70 has a more dull-cast appearance. Has that been noted?
and a last one: the grilles are supposed to have a bit of a "textured" finish in the painted area. How does one accomplish this?
Any/all input appreciated.
Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970-72 side grilles

and a last one: the grilles are supposed to have a bit of a "textured" finish in the painted area. How does one accomplish this?

Thanks

I can't say as I have ever noticed this. The only texturing I know of is the front grilles.

IIRC the side grilles were painted at an outside source, and arrived at St. Louis already done. So, the application is different but I don't think the material is. Paint it like a contract worker at a parts plant and you'll do just fine.

[Mike E.]

Re: 1970-72 side grilles

Patrick,
How did they make sure that there was no paint on the chrome edges when painted body color? Do we have any idea?
I took some pictures:
Here are the differences on the back: (all these pics have the 70 first):
P2240006.jpgP2240004.jpg

Pictures of the front openings:
P2240015.jpgP2240016.jpg

Of the finish on the front:
P2240013.jpgP2240014.jpg

Of dates on the back: (These flip-flopped when I loaded them: the one on the left is an extra 72 I have, photoed just for information. The 70 grille is on the right).
P2240008.jpgP2240009.jpgP2240010.jpg

Some blackout from the factory on the back; (the 70-71 from the same car have been painted red over red once, so just notice that the blackout is charcoal colored. The one on the right is the 72, and is a much lighter gray.)

P2240006.jpgP2240005.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970-72 side grilles

I can't say as I have ever noticed this. The only texturing I know of is the front grilles.

IIRC the side grilles were painted at an outside source, and arrived at St. Louis already done. So, the application is different but I don't think the material is. Paint it like a contract worker at a parts plant and you'll do just fine.

Patrick and Mike-----


Yes, as far as I know, all of the 1970-72 side grilles were zinc diecast material. For unknown reasons, they might appear different but I believe the material was always zinc diecast.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970-72 side grilles

Mike,

I've always assUmed that they used a mask of some type, just like for the front grilles.
Of course, I've heard those were painted from behind and the mask was on the front, so...

Patrick

[Terry M.]

Re: 1970-72 side grilles

Patrick,
How did they make sure that there was no paint on the chrome edges when painted body color? Do we have any idea?

Sure we have an idea.
I once saw someone remove a side grill from a GM box (prima facie evidance it was an over the counter part). It was painted a semi-gloss black (like the sheet metal parts used to come) and it had thin masking tape on the edges that were to have the chrome showing. I am thinking it was Carl Strohm who opened the box, but I could be wrong about that.