1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

[Keith M.]

Are these edges painted or left as chrome? Please note these are the thin edges between the arrows. Thanks.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

Hi Keith,
If your arrows are pointing at the 2 thin surfaces, I can report that they weren't painted on my 71 grills.
The grill was turned to reflect the light off those 2 surfaces. The other chromed surfaces of the grills that were also exposed that seem to have paint on them in this picture are reflecting the paint from the other painted surfaces on the grill.
The photo is the step and forward most ledge on the under-side of the crate. (If the grill were as installed, you'd laying on the ground to see this view.)
Regards,
Alan

Member Bill Lennox turned me on to looking at my grills in closer detail and led to this picture.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

Hi Keith,
It appears to me that your arrows are pointing to the inner step ledge edge. If this is correct, that is the beginning of the argent silver colored area. Due to road debris over 43 years that inner step area edge on my '71's has received nicks that expose what appears to be chrome underneath.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

Hi Keith and Warren,
I interpreted Keith's picture to be the under of the egg crate.
From my observations I believe the upper-side forward most surfaces of the ledge and the step were painted as you indicate Warren, but the lower-side of the crate's forward most ledge and step were un-painted.
I'll add a note to my first picture indicating it shows the lower surfaces.
Regards.
Alan

This picture is the upper side (the grill viewed from above) and shows original paint.
The 'flare' on the edges of the step is the camera's flash.

[Keith M.]

Re: 1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

Grill2.jpg

Thanks for the great pics and the explanation. I was afraid it wasn't going to be an easy solution and the painted surfaces would vary based on orientation. Was this (blue arrow) ledge/side/edge painted as well?

I understand they used some sort of custom mask/form to paint these and i would imagine would lead to some variation based on the painter, placement, etc. Any one ever come across a pic of that grill mask?

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

Hi Keith,
?
The vertical 'ribs' on my 71 grills have 3 surfaces of chrome plating exposed, front edge and both sides back to the step. That doesn't seem logical based on the condition of the horizontal surfaces, but it's what I'm seeing.
The bottom row of crates (from the last horizontal bar downward) are completely painted.
Also, the 'racetrack' around the parking lens is semi-gloss black, not gray.
I'd like to see the 'mask' too. I agree that it's likely there was variation in the amount of chrome showing on many grills.
Regards,
Alan

[Keith M.]

Re: 1970 Front Grill Paint vs Chrome question.

Hi Alan,

Thanks again. Very helpful. I just had my grills re-chromed and will be painting them soon.