68/69 silver painted grilles

[John C.]

On my 68 the front grilles have silver paint on all 6 of the horizontal bars, while on my early 69 the paint it is just on the lower 5 bars. I've seen other cars done both ways and wonder which is correct? Did it change over the course of production?

John

[Erik S.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

not an answer to your question John but can you please post a picture of your 68 grille. Or maybe another member with an original grille. Working on the 68 myself and need some input on how the silver was applied. I am almost sure that my grille has been done in the past as the job is too sloppy.



My other car (March 69) has the black grille. "Late" is I believe from Jan 69 onwards (#14XXX). TIM says that 'intermediate' cars have been spotted with unpainted top bar. I think Dobbins also mentions the 6 vs 5 bars change.

[Terry B.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

I have attached pictures of a '68 and '69 grill. Notice the difference in the horizontal edges. The '68 horizontal grill cantalevers over the vertical edge. The '68 grill was prone to deforming and breaking so the '69 grill eliminated the cantalever and the vertical portion was made thicker. Reproduction grills for the '68/69 Corvette are made based on the '69 style.

Erik - the painting on your grill is not factory. It was smooth with definite line breaks.

The TJM is not much help with the question posted. I have my originals off the car and will look at them later today and post what I find.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

I checked my early '69 (#5854 October '68) and the top bar is not silver edged but the others are. These are the original grilles.
Jeff

[Jerry G.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

Erik: I restored the silver on my 68 with a Metallic Silver paint pen that I bought at a local hobby shop like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. The chiseled tip worked great. I didn't even have to tape anything off. It's very easy to use.

[John C.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

Thanks guys, it looks like I'm OK with what I have.

Erik, unfortunately I don't have a camera handy or I would post you a picture. Your photo shows the later 69 style grille with the larger end ribs so it probably a replacement. Both my cars have the grilles painted slightly different from your photo. The silver paint covers the front edge but also the sides of the horizontal ribs up to the center where there is a small step and the rib gets slightly wider. Also there is no paint on the vertical ribs at the end. This makes the 69 grille with end ribs look the same as the 68 grille with out them when painted and viewed from a distance.

John

[Erik S.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

Terry it's again proven - a picture says more than 1000 words - many thanks for posting these pictures.

John - sorry for hijacking your thread. If you have the time and you are in the position then posting your picture would be highly appreciated as well.

Erik

[John C.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

Erik

I found some excellent pictures of the front grilles of a 69 on a dealers website last night. They are attached. It is not my car but the grilles are painted the exact same way.

John

[Tony Z.]

Re: 68/69 silver painted grilles

Erik: I restored the silver on my 68 with a Metallic Silver paint pen that I bought at a local hobby shop like Michaels or Hobby Lobby. The chiseled tip worked great. I didn't even have to tape anything off. It's very easy to use.

This is what I did for my '68 Grille. Came out looking good. No fuss, no muss.