Grille Refinishing

[69RedCST]

Looking for someone to refinish my anodized Grille stamped aluminum. It’s a 69.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 69RedCST

Looking for someone to refinish my anodized Grille stamped aluminum. It’s a 69.

I purchased the AMD chrome plated steel grille when they first came out, and I'm beyond happy with it. I've had stuff reannodized over the years and have never been happy with the results. In fact, I would never do it again.
If you don't want to buy a steel grille, another option is to powder coat the original grille in chrome. It looks very similar to clear annodized aluminum.

https://www.autometaldirect.com/gril...iM9oeO5KfSuf8d

[69RedCST]

Can you tell the difference between OEM and the AMD one? Thank you for the info! I have been told that it takes a dedicated specialist to do a good job if I don’t end up finding anyone I will definitely order that one.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 69RedCST

Can you tell the difference between OEM and the AMD one? Thank you for the info! I have been told that it takes a dedicated specialist to do a good job if I don’t end up finding anyone I will definitely order that one.

They look identical. Not sure what a "specialist" is ,but if you can turn a few screws, you can put this grille in.
Annodized parts look great when new but don't last long. When I first built my truck (2016) the steel grille was not available so I put in one of those junk aftermarket aluminum ones in. Looked like crap within 6 months. They are made from very thin dead soft aluminum, and the caustics used in soaps tarnishes the poor quality annodizing.
I purchased one of the very first steel AMD grilles when they came out about 6 years ago, put almost 30000 miles on the truck and the grille still looks like new. I wish AMD would make chrome steel tailight and trim for these trucks, because I'm already on my 3rd set. I got tired of replacing them, so I powder coated them in chrome. Not perfect, but a bit better.

[69RedCST]

I was referring to a “specialist “to re annodize the grille. Thats what I was told it takes someone really really good to do it well. Glad to know they look identical. Thanks so much for the information!

[1970cstblazer]

Originally Posted by 69RedCST

Looking for someone to refinish my anodized Grille stamped aluminum. It’s a 69.

Read this thread. Key Parts has introduced an authentic grille, but it is not perfect from them. It is too dull as compared to GM, but the center grille bar is right.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...854086&page=15

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 69RedCST

I was referring to a “specialist “to re annodize the grille. Thats what I was told it takes someone really really good to do it well. Glad to know they look identical. Thanks so much for the information!

Any reputable annodizing business that is willing to redo old aluminum will be diificult to find, at least it is in Canada. Old aluminum is difficult to re-annodize because any imperfections can't be built or repaired up like when chroming steel. Any corrosion or sandpitting will make for a poor finish. The cost alone even if you find someone will be too high. I can post some closeup pics of my grille to show you the quality of the finish even after 5 years and over 20000 miles.
Good luck.

[69RedCST]

I’d love to see some pics. Appreciate your information!

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by 69RedCST

I’d love to see some pics. Appreciate your information!

Rain finally stopped and I was able to take a few pictures of the grille. This has been on my truck for about 5 years and has seen 20000+ miles and still looks like new. Best part is that it’s easy to clean bugs off it.

[69RedCST]

Great! Thanks for sharing.