1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

[Roger D.]

... continuing the body off restoration of my 1972 coupe, the body is now in the paint shop and I received a call today with questions from the painter on the side grilles, which I totally forgot to go over with him. They've been wrapped up in paper and in a box since restore began... which has been a couple years. Turns out that there are a few areas where the chrome is flaking off in places (the thin chrome strips on the edges of the fins - not sure what to call those). Anyway where the chrome has flaked off, Bryar Blue paint can be seen underneath them in places.

Can anyone share the correct method of restoring those side grilles including how to reapply the thin chrome strips on the edges of the fins? Given the blue paint apparently underneath the chrome in spots, were the chrome strips applied somehow after the grille was painted? I'd appreciate some tips on how to proceed with restoration of the side grilles.. especially since the painter is waiting for me to advise what to do with them.

Thanks so much in advance !!!!

Roger

[Bill C.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

roger

the pot metal grills where flashed chromed.
then the vertical and horizontal ridges (on very late 71 and all 72) where covered and it was etched and the body color painted.
the chrome was not just on the top surface, I think on the horizontal ridges it also went slightly down the sides till it hit a cast line.

the painted surfaces were not buffed (or cleared), they were as painted.
if you are going to do base/clear, then use a semi gloss clear so it is not crazy shinny.
I am fairly sure they were painted off the car.

I think they judging manual gives some very good pictures and descriptions.

bill

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

Our most recent research concludes the side grilles were painted on the car. The upper screws are painted body color.

[Bill C.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

terry -

this pic is of my 72. it was 45K, 1 owner, never repainted all factory lacquer.
i was the first person to take anything apart.



there is body color is lost of places that would be covered up if the grill was installed at the time of painting.
the other side of the car was the same....

maybe the later cars that had the chromed edges were done off the car because of the masking.
it makes sense on 70 any any year there was no chromed edges, it could be painted on the car.

Bill

[Alan S.]

[Joe R.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

Alan,

Nice job on the side grilles. And what a job using an old antique suction cup Develbiss gun. I love my MBC and just can't let it go! I'm sure a new HVLP would improve my painting skills but it's hard to teach an old dog!

JR

[Alan S.]

[Gary B.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

I think what Terry meant to say was.... On 1970 model year, the screws are painted body color. We have seen numerous examples of original paint cars with painted screws, 1970. On 1971 and 1972, the screws are predominately either black or chrome. Why are the screws on 1970's painted body color? Where the grilles painted on the car, or did somebody go behind and touch them up? By the end of the week, I am going to pull some grilles off original paint 70's and see what the story tells....
Gary
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[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

Hi Alan,
Reading this thread has brought back some fond memories of my high school years in the early seventies helping my dad in his body shop. I know this is moving away from the initial theme of this post, but as soon as I saw the picture of that older spray gun it brought it all back. Both of our guns were "Binks" brand. One for primer and one for color. My aunt had a 63 stingray convertible that we painted for her. Of course back then it was Lacquer. I loved that car and to this day wish we still had it in the family, ( I believe I've located the car for sale in Ohio), STILL CANT. AFFORD IT, but this could be a story for another time. Your car looks so nice. That's what I hope my 73 will look like after I get everything finished to where I want it to be. I'm saving the paint for last.

[Roger D.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

Thanks folks for the info! It sure helps to know the process they used to finish the grilles originally ! Another thought occurred to me. The car was painted at some point by a previous owner. Perhaps what the chrome strips were painted over and they tried to remove the paint from the chrome but didn't get it all off. I'll see if the painter can take some fine steel wool and see if lightly rubbing it will take it off and expose the chrome underneath. Maybe that is what he is really seeing.

Roger

[Bill L.]

Re: 1972 Corvette Side Grille Restoration

I think what Terry meant to say was.... On 1970 model year, the screws are painted body color. We have seen numerous examples of original paint cars with painted screws, 1970. On 1971 and 1972, the screws are predominately either black or chrome. Why are the screws on 1970's painted body color? Where the grilles painted on the car, or did somebody go behind and touch them up? By the end of the week, I am going to pull some grilles off original paint 70's and see what the story tells....
Gary
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Really curious to see what you find Gary. Just one more thing on my 70 potentially.

Bill