70-72 front grills

[Randy C.]

I'm in the process of helping an owner restore his '70 big block coupe. His front grills were all messed up and I was able to get a replacement set for him (big bucks, by the way, for the "unique to '70" grills). What color are the insides of the egg crates supposed to be? I've read where they are supposed to be a "flat textured paint in dark pewter" - a dark grey flat color with some texture to it. Is that correct? Also, I'm restoring a set of front grills for a '71. Is the color the same for '71 as it was for '70? I've read where '72 grills are supposed to be a flat black? Is that true or are they also supposed to be the dark grey color as are the '70 grills? I just want to make sure I have the correct color(s) for these grills before I paint them! Thank you! Randy C.

[Terry M.]

Re: 70-72 front grills

All three years used the same paint. In the distant past I posted the wording from the print containing the DuPont paint numbers, but the last two people on this board who tried to use those numbers were unsuccessful in obtaining the product and resorted to reasonable facsimiles They did post their product and results, so it is in the archives if you have the stamina to search for it and the good fortune to find it.

Perhaps someone with experience will offer up the currently available product.

BTW: The grooved recess around the parking light is black.

[Kurt G.]

Re: 70-72 front grills

For the grills I used PPG Deltron 2000 DBC, GM color code W0E3406, brand code 32939. It's called silver gray. For application I used 3 dry coats, followed by one very dry coat, resembling overspray to add the texture to the paint. Compared to my untouched center grill the color is a perfect match and the texture is only slightly smoother than the original. It is almost indistinguishable. The basecoat material supplies the correct flat finish and is not clear coated.

Mask over the front of the grill, spray from behind and unmask when done. Then I used a small brush to paint the groove Terry mentioned black.

[Pete B.]

Re: 70-72 front grills

Here is what I used... dead on..... http://www.seymourpaint.com/cast_blast.html

[Bill C.]

Re: 70-72 front grills

my original 72 grills were much darker than the color of the NOS replacement ones available.

I was told the color/texture of the NOS ones is correct for 1970 and all 1971.
then they were a darker shade of gray in 1972. It was close to black, but was more a dark gray color.

I took my originals into the paint shop and we mixed a color to match it.
I never kept the formula - did not think it be needed any longer...

bill