Painting 71-72 inner grille - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Toro** · 01-22-2026, 04:42 PM

The original paint is shot, faded down to the plastic in places, on my factory grille. For those that have re-painted theirs, are there any tips/tricks on getting the paint inside all the areas of the egg crate. Seems like there will be lots of angles and sideways spraying. Thanks

54blackhornet · 01-22-2026, 05:27 PM

Installed or off ?

Casper42 · 01-22-2026, 07:19 PM

having a NOS grille, I can assure you these are not perfectly painted from the factory. Personally, I'd start with flipping it over and shooting the back, sorta spastically all over, but in thin, light coats - with the nozzle about one foot away. Next, from the front side, I'd do the little vertical parts first - from the left at fairly extreme angles to the parts being painted, then the right side in the same fashion. Next I'd shoot the horizontal bottom portions next, followed by the horizontal top (most visible). Lastly, I would shoot the leading edges of all those portions that you just did. they probably would have been covered by all the steps you just did, but that last technique would even out any odd heavy or light areas. It should not be difficult at all. the key to painting anything is being patient, and do multiple light coats. In this case, 2 would likely be fine, but 3 might be needed.

**Toro** · 01-22-2026, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 54blackhornet

Installed or off ?

It's off

**Longhorn 69** · 01-23-2026, 10:48 AM

I painted mine, while it was off. I did it pretty much like Casper42,
suggested and it looked really good. Then I decided to apply clear coat and that didn't go good. Not sure if the clear coat was not compatible with the paint or I waited to long to apply the clearcoat and it blistered the paint. Now I have to try to repaint about 1/4 of it again. Hopefully I can get it looking good again.

**Toro** · 01-23-2026, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. Is there a preferred rattle can brand/color for the argent silver?

Casper42 · 01-23-2026, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toro

Thanks for the suggestions. Is there a preferred rattle can brand/color for the argent silver?

nope. I'd just go to Home Depot or the like...but I suppose if you want to get fancy, search out "argent silver"

01-22-2026, 04:42 PM	#1
Toro Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 378	Painting 71-72 inner grille The original paint is shot, faded down to the plastic in places, on my factory grille. For those that have re-painted theirs, are there any tips/tricks on getting the paint inside all the areas of the egg crate. Seems like there will be lots of angles and sideways spraying. Thanks

01-22-2026, 05:27 PM	#2
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,481	Re: Painting 71-72 inner grille Installed or off ? __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

01-22-2026, 07:19 PM	#3
Casper42 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 605	Re: Painting 71-72 inner grille having a NOS grille, I can assure you these are not perfectly painted from the factory. Personally, I'd start with flipping it over and shooting the back, sorta spastically all over, but in thin, light coats - with the nozzle about one foot away. Next, from the front side, I'd do the little vertical parts first - from the left at fairly extreme angles to the parts being painted, then the right side in the same fashion. Next I'd shoot the horizontal bottom portions next, followed by the horizontal top (most visible). Lastly, I would shoot the leading edges of all those portions that you just did. they probably would have been covered by all the steps you just did, but that last technique would even out any odd heavy or light areas. It should not be difficult at all. the key to painting anything is being patient, and do multiple light coats. In this case, 2 would likely be fine, but 3 might be needed. __________________ '72 C10 Cheyenne SWB North Carolina kept for 50 years, 75k original miles, Medium/Hawaiian Blue paint, 3 owners - one for 40 years & garaged kept. Original: sheetmetal, undercarriage, moldings, glass, immaculate unrestored bed. * * * New - rebuilt engine at 65k in 2015, one frame-on respray in 2010, front bumper, blue houndstooth seat, carpet, 8 inch rally wheels on 275-60R-15, LED lighting. - Semper Paratus!

01-23-2026, 10:48 AM	#5
Longhorn 69 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Oregon, Ill. Posts: 71	Re: Painting 71-72 inner grille I painted mine, while it was off. I did it pretty much like Casper42, suggested and it looked really good. Then I decided to apply clear coat and that didn't go good. Not sure if the clear coat was not compatible with the paint or I waited to long to apply the clearcoat and it blistered the paint. Now I have to try to repaint about 1/4 of it again. Hopefully I can get it looking good again. __________________ Greg 69 Longhorn 396, 4 Speed SM 465, PS, PB, No Air

01-23-2026, 11:10 AM	#6
Toro Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 378	Re: Painting 71-72 inner grille Thanks for the suggestions. Is there a preferred rattle can brand/color for the argent silver?



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