1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

[Jack O.]

See lots of info on the silver paint but not on how glossy the black should be on 68/early 69 front grilles? Mine look very glossy on the portions of the grille hidden from the Sun so wondering if they should be gloss back?

Thanks.

Jack

[William H.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

I don't think they painted the black. It's natural.

[Jack O.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

Hi William,

Yeah, that's a possibility. Years of fading from the Sun leaves them with no gloss so my questions becomes what would best replicate the original sheen? I hit them with high gloss but it seems like too much so I'm thinking I should have went with semi-gloss.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

Hi William,

Yeah, that's a possibility. Years of fading from the Sun leaves them with no gloss so my questions becomes what would best replicate the original sheen? I hit them with high gloss but it seems like too much so I'm thinking I should have went with semi-gloss.

Jack------


The original grilles were, indeed, natural, black plastic. I don't think you can duplicate the exact sheen and appearance with any sort of paint. I'm sure that semi-gloss black would be a lot closer than gloss black which I am not surprised is way too glossy. But, I don't think the semi gloss is going to restore anything like the original appearance. Using a semi-gloss clear might be better.

[Jack O.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

Thanks Joe. I should've checked here first before applying paint but I was on a roll with my newly constructed portable paint booth .

[Joseph A.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

I have a Jan 69 car and the grilles are a natural plastic color with a slight sheen and the forward ends are silver

[Richard P.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

I might try a wax like Bumper Black. Its probably going to make it to shiny but wait a couple of weeks and it might be pretty close.

[Joseph A.]

Re: 1968, Early 69 Grille, Correct Black

NOS grilles are available on ebay you would just have to spray the end 3/4" of the slats with argent silver