69-70 grille shell

[70custom20]

Has anyone here ever "restored" their alum grille shell themselves? I was told that I would need to strip the anodizing off of the alum. using oven cleaner, wet sand the alum, have it polished, painted, and have the grille re-anodized. Is the correct order for such a resto? I'm not sure of cost, but I'm thinking it might be cheaper than spending $900 for an aftermarket grille.

[gcburdic]

ttt

[ETsC10]

I researched having anodized trim done and getting to the point of anodizing wasn't a problem
but finding a local shop that anodizes, was.

BTW-most plating shops can strip and polish as well...IIR, usually by the foot (in the case of trim).
Good luck on your quest and if you do achieve success, please bring pics back here!

[bobs409]

Originally Posted by 70custom20

cheaper than spending $900 for an aftermarket grille.

$900? Repro outer grills are running about $300 I bought 2 already for my trucks. It's best to buy somewhere like a car show so you don't pay shipping.

If repro's aren't your thing, I believe original GM ones are still around for about $500 or so. Check with some vendors.


I've done trim already for some of my cars but never a truck grill shell. I bought anodizing remover which worked good. (oven cleaner works but don't let it dry or you in for some hard work as it turns chalky white and can damage the part)

The problem with doing this yourself is you can't reanodize it so that means you have to continually keep up with it. If you don't mind doing that, I recommend Never dull to give it a quick polish every so often.

[gcburdic]

Eastwood sells a anodize remover that's water base (thus no acid to burn your skin/ grass/ whatever) then hit it with the stepped sandpaper sequence (200, 400, 800, 1000, 1200, 1500, 2000)....should shine up real nice....it takes patience, but well worth it

There's a thread somewhere on here about it...I'll see if I can find it for ya....