Take the paint off of a chrome grille! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TwoFiftyShifter · 03-31-2009, 12:28 PM

GAHHHH! Laquer Thinner, and now paint stripper won't take the paint off my chrome grill. What else can I do? How hard and what shoul I use to scrub? Any ideas? I want to see the CHROME!!!! This is the stuff I tried on it:

bigwavy · 03-31-2009, 01:07 PM

IIRC Factory Grilles were not chrome. It was either painted or anodized aluminum. If you have a chrome bumper it is a repo. I have heard of using oven cleaner to remove anodized coating.

Doug

TwoFiftyShifter · 03-31-2009, 04:38 PM

Oh I see..... The G-M-C letters on it aren't chrome, the grille may be a repo. I still want to see whatever's under the paint!

Rogue · 03-31-2009, 04:40 PM

He has a GMC.

If stripper won't take it off, then thats some heavy duty schitt.

TwoFiftyShifter · 03-31-2009, 08:58 PM

Should I scrub with something harder?

joe231 · 03-31-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigwavy

IIRC Factory Grilles were not chrome. It was either painted or anodized aluminum. If you have a chrome bumper it is a repo. I have heard of using oven cleaner to remove anodized coating.

Doug

I'm pretty sure you could get chrome bumpers stock.....and some of the GMC's came with chromed steel grills.....

Try oven cleaner or naval jelly......
paint stripper should work but you might have to submerse the grill in it......
most strippers require you keep it wet for an extended period.

4dranch · 03-31-2009, 11:51 PM

[QUOTE=joe231;3231214]I'm pretty sure you could get chrome bumpers stock.....and some of the GMC's came with chromed steel grills.....
QUOTE]

Your right Joe,
My neighbor has a 65 GMC Custom.
chrome grill, front bumper even has the trim around the door windows with the little custom badges.

I went back and read your build thread and I may be wrong but your GMC letters look to be off of a newer
model truck. and your bumper and grill may not be chromed, do you see any????look on the back side and see if you see
any chrome at all..you may be spinning your wheels

Fred T · 04-01-2009, 03:12 AM

I usually use an SOS pad to clean chromed parts. You should be able to use steel wool with your stripper, but don't scrub too hard with it. You can also try the green scotch-brite pads. I just cleaned some this evening with glass beads.

TwoFiftyShifter · 04-02-2009, 10:11 PM

I tried all of what you suggested, to no avail. Truly bada$$ paint. I've resorted to a razor blade to scrape the paint off. It works..... and there IS chrome under there! It looks pretty beat though.

I'd rather see beat chrome than fresh paint anyday though.

Strodder · 04-02-2009, 10:23 PM

Why don't you just send it in to be chromed. They will strip the paint in the process.

TwoFiftyShifter · 04-02-2009, 10:35 PM

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Strodder · 04-02-2009, 10:38 PM

Yea I'm in the same boat. Take the paint off, primer and paint it with a light color. Rattle cans work for a small job.

*LILRED66* · 04-02-2009, 11:08 PM

Soda blasting will remove the paint and not damage the chrome. It will also not damage glass, rubber, anodized aluminum and plastic. I was amazed when I saw an entire van soda blasted without removing one piece of trim, glass or rubber...there wasn't a speck of paint left on the van when it was done.

Fred T · 04-03-2009, 08:42 AM

One thing I just remembered when stripping paint is that I use the paste style stripper that is not water soluble. Smear it on thick, cover and leave overnight. Trash bags make good covers, as does heavy plastic sheet. This helps keep the stripper moist and working. If it dries smear on some more fresh to loosen it up.

dieselarmy13 · 04-03-2009, 09:04 AM

I'm not sure how the paint is on older chrome, but on my 72 GMC I used this stuff called Wenol, a rough shop rag, and a ton of elbow grease. I've got it about 3/4 done so far. Carb cleaner might work, too.

Strodder · 04-03-2009, 10:18 AM

Here's something to think about. When chrome is painted over it should be sanded so the paint will stick. If they did do that it I wouldn't worry about saving the condition of the chrome.

4dranch · 04-03-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strodder

Here's something to think about. When chrome is painted over it should be sanded so the paint will stick. If they did do that it I wouldn't worry about saving the condition of the chrome.

bigwavy · 04-03-2009, 11:29 AM

Ooops! GMC. Sorry. I will STFU now.

Fred T · 04-03-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strodder

Here's something to think about. When chrome is painted over it should be sanded so the paint will stick. If they did do that it I wouldn't worry about saving the condition of the chrome.

A good point. However, if the scratches aren't too deep they can be buffed out. You never know until you try.

Strodder · 04-03-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred T

A good point. However, if the scratches aren't too deep they can be buffed out. You never know until you try.

Chrome won't buff out from sanding scratches. If it were aluminum it would..

Strodder · 04-03-2009, 02:43 PM

I just got another idea. I knew a girl that could suck the chrome off a trailer hitch ball. Maybe she could suck that paint off your grill to the chrome if she doesn't suck too hard.

4dranch · 04-03-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strodder

I just got another idea. I knew a girl that could suck the chrome off a trailer hitch ball. Maybe she could suck that paint off your grill to the chrome if she doesn't suck too hard.

you ain't right

Strodder · 04-03-2009, 02:59 PM

Being right isn't always funny.

TimE · 04-03-2009, 03:00 PM

I think I used to know her sister...

TwoFiftyShifter · 04-03-2009, 03:04 PM

I might have to look up her daughter!

03-31-2009, 12:28 PM	#1
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Take the paint off of a chrome grille! GAHHHH! Laquer Thinner, and now paint stripper won't take the paint off my chrome grill. What else can I do? How hard and what shoul I use to scrub? Any ideas? I want to see the CHROME!!!! This is the stuff I tried on it: __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

03-31-2009, 01:07 PM	#2
bigwavy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northfield, Ohio,USA Posts: 18	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! IIRC Factory Grilles were not chrome. It was either painted or anodized aluminum. If you have a chrome bumper it is a repo. I have heard of using oven cleaner to remove anodized coating. Doug

03-31-2009, 04:38 PM	#3
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Oh I see..... The G-M-C letters on it aren't chrome, the grille may be a repo. I still want to see whatever's under the paint! __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

03-31-2009, 04:40 PM	#4
Rogue Airport Bum Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Propwash (16Xray) D/FW, Texas Posts: 320	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! He has a GMC. If stripper won't take it off, then thats some heavy duty schitt. __________________ 1964 Chevrolet C-10 1941 Chevrolet coupe 1962 Thunderbird 1959 Edsel Villager 1963 Skylark

03-31-2009, 08:58 PM	#5
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Should I scrub with something harder? __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

03-31-2009, 11:51 PM	#7
4dranch Shloooooong bed member #2 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Millington Tn. Posts: 1,864	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! [QUOTE=joe231;3231214]I'm pretty sure you could get chrome bumpers stock.....and some of the GMC's came with chromed steel grills..... QUOTE] Your right Joe, My neighbor has a 65 GMC Custom. chrome grill, front bumper even has the trim around the door windows with the little custom badges. I went back and read your build thread and I may be wrong but your GMC letters look to be off of a newer model truck. and your bumper and grill may not be chromed, do you see any????look on the back side and see if you see any chrome at all..you may be spinning your wheels __________________ *David,* Daughters 66 truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=484601 Learning to drive a 3 on the tree: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCMvRgBo1Q Last edited by 4dranch; 04-01-2009 at 12:07 AM.

04-01-2009, 03:12 AM	#8
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! I usually use an SOS pad to clean chromed parts. You should be able to use steel wool with your stripper, but don't scrub too hard with it. You can also try the green scotch-brite pads. I just cleaned some this evening with glass beads. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

04-02-2009, 10:11 PM	#9
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! I tried all of what you suggested, to no avail. Truly bada$$ paint. I've resorted to a razor blade to scrape the paint off. It works..... and there IS chrome under there! It looks pretty beat though. I'd rather see beat chrome than fresh paint anyday though. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

04-02-2009, 10:23 PM	#10
Strodder Daring to be Different Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 4,499	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Why don't you just send it in to be chromed. They will strip the paint in the process. __________________ *Dennis* Check out my 65/73 Cheap Build Thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=327644 *KUSTOM RIDES* FACE BOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291198124258863/ 1965 C-10 Short Bed 350/700r4 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2016 Honda Accord w/ 18" rims 2007 Honda Goldwing Trike w/ NAVI 2001 Yamaha Roadstar Indian look alike "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...WOW!...what an amazing ride!" Live Life Passionately!!! [/COLOR] *I AM WE TODD IT, I AM SOFA KING WE TODD IT*

04-02-2009, 10:35 PM	#11
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

04-02-2009, 10:38 PM	#12
Strodder Daring to be Different Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 4,499	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Yea I'm in the same boat. Take the paint off, primer and paint it with a light color. Rattle cans work for a small job. __________________ *Dennis* Check out my 65/73 Cheap Build Thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=327644 *KUSTOM RIDES* FACE BOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291198124258863/ 1965 C-10 Short Bed 350/700r4 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2016 Honda Accord w/ 18" rims 2007 Honda Goldwing Trike w/ NAVI 2001 Yamaha Roadstar Indian look alike "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...WOW!...what an amazing ride!" Live Life Passionately!!! [/COLOR] *I AM WE TODD IT, I AM SOFA KING WE TODD IT*

04-02-2009, 11:08 PM	#13
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Soda blasting will remove the paint and not damage the chrome. It will also not damage glass, rubber, anodized aluminum and plastic. I was amazed when I saw an entire van soda blasted without removing one piece of trim, glass or rubber...there wasn't a speck of paint left on the van when it was done.

04-03-2009, 08:42 AM	#14
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! One thing I just remembered when stripping paint is that I use the paste style stripper that is not water soluble. Smear it on thick, cover and leave overnight. Trash bags make good covers, as does heavy plastic sheet. This helps keep the stripper moist and working. If it dries smear on some more fresh to loosen it up. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

04-03-2009, 09:04 AM	#15
dieselarmy13 Phone's ringin Dude. Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 1,426	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! I'm not sure how the paint is on older chrome, but on my 72 GMC I used this stuff called Wenol, a rough shop rag, and a ton of elbow grease. I've got it about 3/4 done so far. Carb cleaner might work, too. __________________ I pitty the fool with only two headlights!! 2003 SILVERADO SS--THE NEW GIRL 1972 GMC--THE OLD GIRL

04-03-2009, 10:18 AM	#16
Strodder Daring to be Different Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 4,499	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Here's something to think about. When chrome is painted over it should be sanded so the paint will stick. If they did do that it I wouldn't worry about saving the condition of the chrome. __________________ *Dennis* Check out my 65/73 Cheap Build Thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=327644 *KUSTOM RIDES* FACE BOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291198124258863/ 1965 C-10 Short Bed 350/700r4 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2016 Honda Accord w/ 18" rims 2007 Honda Goldwing Trike w/ NAVI 2001 Yamaha Roadstar Indian look alike "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...WOW!...what an amazing ride!" Live Life Passionately!!! [/COLOR] *I AM WE TODD IT, I AM SOFA KING WE TODD IT*



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04-03-2009, 11:29 AM	#18
bigwavy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Northfield, Ohio,USA Posts: 18	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Ooops! GMC. Sorry. I will STFU now.

04-03-2009, 02:43 PM	#21
Strodder Daring to be Different Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 4,499	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! I just got another idea. I knew a girl that could suck the chrome off a trailer hitch ball. Maybe she could suck that paint off your grill to the chrome if she doesn't suck too hard. __________________ *Dennis* Check out my 65/73 Cheap Build Thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=327644 *KUSTOM RIDES* FACE BOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291198124258863/ 1965 C-10 Short Bed 350/700r4 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2016 Honda Accord w/ 18" rims 2007 Honda Goldwing Trike w/ NAVI 2001 Yamaha Roadstar Indian look alike "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...WOW!...what an amazing ride!" Live Life Passionately!!! [/COLOR] *I AM WE TODD IT, I AM SOFA KING WE TODD IT*

04-03-2009, 02:59 PM	#23
Strodder Daring to be Different Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Hesperia, Ca Posts: 4,499	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! Being right isn't always funny. __________________ *Dennis* Check out my 65/73 Cheap Build Thread. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=327644 *KUSTOM RIDES* FACE BOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/291198124258863/ 1965 C-10 Short Bed 350/700r4 2012 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2016 Honda Accord w/ 18" rims 2007 Honda Goldwing Trike w/ NAVI 2001 Yamaha Roadstar Indian look alike "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...WOW!...what an amazing ride!" Live Life Passionately!!! [/COLOR] *I AM WE TODD IT, I AM SOFA KING WE TODD IT*

04-03-2009, 03:00 PM	#24
TimE Hey Y'all!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Minette, Alabama Posts: 1,755	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! I think I used to know her sister... __________________ Just hopin' I live long enough to finish something!!!

04-03-2009, 03:04 PM	#25
TwoFiftyShifter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gwinnett GA Posts: 1,803	Re: Take the paint off of a chrome grille! I might have to look up her daughter! __________________ 1982 K10 SWB 1987 V20 - Sold - Doh!

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