1968 Roadrunner grill color

[91r/t]

Hey all, just curious what decided if the center grill slots on the 68 runner got painted dark grey argent or stayed polished aluminum like the rest of the grill. I have seen them both ways and was unsure if it was linked to a build code or the hood paint treatment or year/assembly plant thing? Any info is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jerry Hall]

Even though the Satellite, RR, and GTX used the same grill they were painted differently. I remember getting textured dark argent for my 68 RR grill and hours were spent with fine line tape, but just can't remember the exact pattern.

 

[Jerry Hall]

https://images.app.goo.gl/9kr5GDxD89Vu4ksb7

 

[91r/t]

Yea I have seen them that way and then I have seen them as all polished and wasn't sure what was correct? Couple hemi cars that had them all polished and wasn't sure if they decided to leave the repop that way or they actually came new that way.

 

[beanhead]

Roadrunner's grille finish was based on the trim package. Most--maybe not all?--with the bright grille also had the brushed aluminum tail panel. I thought that option started mid-year when they started offering RRs in the hardtop body?

 

[91r/t]

Mine has the bright grill and the finish panel with the decor package. Not sure what is correct as mine might have been swapped or what determined the color on grill.

 

[beanhead]

If you had the decor package, you got the bright grille.
Maybe we can get confirmation from some of the experts, if they don't mind-
@69bfan
@69Coronetrt

 

[vance.dykes]

Yea I have seen them that way and then I have seen them as all polished and wasn't sure what was correct? Couple hemi cars that had them all polished and wasn't sure if they decided to leave the repop that way or they actually came new that way.

this might be weird Adam-12 is on me TV at 5 pm hear in Florida and they show both 68 and 69 some looked all bright but that was a belvedere.

 

[91r/t]

Yea all the dark argent painted ones I have seen have only been on roadrunners and they are only hit and miss. I have seen alot more without the paint so I always wondered why some were painted and some weren't. No rhyme or reason on the ones I have seen.

 

[tonysrt]

I had a new 68 RR hardtop I ordered in Jan.68. It had the argent grille but also came with better interior and rear trim panel as standard. I had accident and they replaced grille with bright one and made him replace it with the argent color one.

 

[91r/t]

So that car had the argent grill and the finish panel........that's what I mean noting is set in stone I feel.

 

[MarPar]

Even though the Satellite, RR, and GTX used the same grill they were painted differently. I remember getting textured dark argent for my 68 RR grill and hours were spent with fine line tape, but just can't remember the exact pattern.

Sat and GTX grilles are different than the RR grille

 

[beanhead]

Sport Satellite and GTX had that same cool one, the rest of them got the regular 'Belvedere' piece in either finish. I personally think the '68 GTX/SS grille is one of Mopar's best....I've always wanted to put one on my not-original satellite but DAMN they're pricey!

 

[TBONE]

68 Sport Satellite and GTX's have plastic grills.

 

[MarPar]

RR Grille...

Sat GTX Grill

 

[MoparMitch]

This car was original when I got it. Argent grille, Hi Decor package, including the interior and a tail panel. Also had AM/FM radio, rear defrost, Bendix power disc brakes, and more.

 

[91r/t]

So far it’s looking like no rhyme or reason and just go with personal preference.

 

[69Coronetrt]

If you had the decor package, you got the bright grille.
Maybe we can get confirmation from some of the experts, if they don't mind-
@69bfan
@69Coronetrt

I can't add anything to this other than I've never seen a reference to the grille being affected by a trim package nor plant where the car was assembled. It's not hit and miss. There is an answer.

Someone might want to check the parts book for guidance.

 

[69bfan]

All 68 Road Runners used the same grill and paint pattern. The standard Belvedere and Satellite used the same grill as the Road Runner, just detailed differently. The standard Belvedere grill was the bright dip finish. The Road Runner should have the dark argent finish on the inner rectangle areas and the connecting pieces as I recall were a satin black with the upper and lower band being a bright finish. The Sport Satellite and GTX shared the same grill, just different emblem as mentioned above.

I have two NOS 68 Road Runner grills and darkness of the argent and the texture of the two are slightly different. I am sure that even on the assembly line, you would see slight differences between any two grills on the texture and darkness. Also on the original grills, they used a mask to spray the different colors as you will not see a distinct paint line between the argent and black.

The Decor Package and the change on January 1st to use the trunk finish panel does not impact the grill on the Road Runners.

 

[Cornpatch MO]

I ordered a new 1968 Roadrunner when they came out mid year with the 2 dr hdtp and interior and exterior trim options. The 68 roadrunners had the belvedere- satellite grill ( which was bright anodized) but was finished in a medium dark argent textured paint ( not as dark as flat black) The top and bottom rail was bright anodized. It made no difference which trunk panel trim it had..... The 1968 GTX- Sport Satellite had a different plastic grill. I ordered mine with the Satellite bright anodized trunk finish panel.. I have never seen an original factory car any other way. I would say , if the roadrunner has a bright grill, it has been replaced or refinished without the dark argent textured paint.................MO