71 Black Trim Grill
 

I've been looking at a lot of pictures but as usual, I'm still not sure of the proper layout of the black trim on a 71 C-10 grill.
Anyone have any pics of a stock one?

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Pics of them are few and far between, but if you post a pic of a stock 71-72 grille, I will help you out with the black. I know where it's supposed to be, and could help you out with the black. I painted one of my old grilles like this and when I redo my 71', it will get the black painted on it again. Trevor

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Here's a picture of the stripped grill.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t.../grill0051.jpg

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Here ya go, the only thing different on a 71' is the black on the outside of the grille shell. It is black where the grille tilts out away from the motor compartment. Trevor
http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/r.../grill0051.jpg

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Thanks, that looks right. I hope mine comes out as nice!

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

here is a 71!!!!!

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Al, he was talking about the paint stripe that is around the outer grille. It is missing on your grille which is seen on most 71's now. 71's have a stripe that is painted on an edge all the way around the outer grille. I had pics of original trucks with it, but my cpu is down that has all the pics. Trevor

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Here's a 71 Blazer that is supposed to have the correct grill.

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Trevor
Wow I just learned something new!!!!
I did not know that ....
thanks for the headsup...
al

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

No problem Al, just sharing the wealth I have learned from being on this board a long time. Cheers, Trevor

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Thanks Mats for sharing, I used to have a few pics but my cpu crashed. Thanks a bunch, as this shows exactly where the black was in case my rough MS Paint version was misleading. Trevor

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

If you want to add the black stripe as correct for 71 (all grills are 72 type grills without the 71 stripe- typically a good indicator the grill has been replaced) scuff the section with a medium scotch bright pad, tape area and spray scuffed section with a quality self-etching primer and paint the stripe with a 1601 (I think) semi gloss enamel from krylon or other company. I placed the stripe on my NOS grill on the 71 using this method over 8 years ago and had no problems with it at all. It is easy to do but it is nerve racking to cut the tape on a NOS part and then scuff and alter it :)

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

That's how I remember mine.

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

I didn't even know I had this picture. This is the same grill as it was when I took it off the truck.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t...n/grill002.jpg

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

DT1, what method did you use to strip your grille? Trevor

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Here the cover of a recent catalog that gives another good view of it. I didn't try to take any pictures of the grille on my '71 because the black on it looks like it was put on with a brush! I have to assume someone tried to touch it up at some point and did a lousy job.

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

I can't remember for sure but I think I saved the pic from this board at some time. I saved it just because it stated it was the correct 71 apperance. I have a new repro 72 style grill on my 71, maybe I will add the black stripe using the method 71 super suggesting some day.
Thanks

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

And here I thought I knew alot about these trucks how did I fail to know this? I think it was because my 71 had a 70 grille on it:lol:

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Originally I was going to buff it and re anodize but it will cost over $400. to do that.
I'm going to buff the entire thing to a mirror finish and then apply a two part automotive clear coat. The clear provides a good base for the trim paint. After the black is applied another clear coat will be applied and a simi matt finish will go over the black only. Only time will tell if it holds up. If not, I'll go ahead and anodize. The only other option I have is to get a Repro grill and I don't really want to do that.

Re: 71 Black Trim Grill
 

Wow! Sorry about that! I thought you asked "What method I'm painting my grill"

I tried all of the popular methods to strip the anodizing like EZ off and White Lightning but they don't work all that well.

I used a 20:1 solution of water and sodium hydroxide crystals (LYE). Put gloves and eye protection on and spray it down. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and go over it with a Scotch-Brite pad. Repeat two or three times and it will look like new aluminum.
You can get it a 1 lb jar of lye on Ebay for around $10.00.
Just be VERY CAREFULL when handling it.
It will burn the hell out of your skin and I've been told that if it gets into your eyes, it can cause blindness.