1971 Grille Restoration

[Northwest]

Anyone here restored a grille like this?

I'd like mine to look like this pretty example right here.

View attachment 111844

Wondering what paint to use for the black and silver?

Also want to refresh the signal lights while I'm at it. Anyone know if that's the same color silver as the grille or not?

Any tips about removing old paint, how you masked or went about the process would be appreciated!

 

[rrTor-Red]

Idid mine like that a few years ago. I cant remember what color gray it was but similar to the Ralley wheel paint (Argent). As far as the black, it was a semi gloss, I think. Again, its been a few years ago when I did it and now finally starting to put my car back together. I'm sure happy with the results of it though. I think it was the same color for the turn signals. Don't know for sure since I have NOS turn signal housings.

Masking everything off was the PIA part. Take your time when you do it and use a sharp blade to trim and cut the tape where needed around the headlights area, etc.

I know not much help with the paint stuff. Hopefully, someone will chime in with the paint. But again, I'm happy with the reults. Good luck with it.

 

[GTXplicity]

I restored my GTX grill awhile ago - to my understanding, the black section wasn't painted, it was just black plastic. The plastic on my grill was beyond cleaning up, so I used Krylon "Fusion" Satin Black and a generic argent silver for the rest. Krylon's Fusion paint is made specifically to bond to plastic, and the satin black color has a nice sheen to it, similar to a semi-gloss (basically looks like new, black plastic). I know guys have had good success duplicating the '71 silver color with non-textured light argent paint from Totally Auto.

Here'a a link discussing the same thing: http://www.roadrunnernest.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1957

Like rrTor-Red said, take your time with the prep! It took me awhile to tape everything and is tedious as hell, but it was well worth it. Here's a pic of mine from this past fall...

Good luck, man!

 

[Moparmatt72]

Love that two tone making think of doing the same thing to mine once I'm at that point.

 

[Northwest]

Thanks for chiming in guys. rrTor-Red - Yeah - The taping task is something that really looks like a pain. Its good to hear that you're happy with the results. My grille is not bad, but just not good either. I think I'd be really happy if I took the time to do it right.

Thanks for the paint recommendation and link GTXplicity. Good to know that the black 'could' clean up to look better. I'll give it a try and see if I like it. That would be an ideal first step. Looks like I have some silver / argent to pick up!