Fresh Grill Paint.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Mike76251 · 05-01-2003, 01:24 PM

I just got through painting it bright silver.
This is the third time in 15 years it has gotten painted this color due to the aluminum in the paint oxidizing.

It sure looks better that that dull grey the factory molded it in.

CHEVY_FOREVER · 05-01-2003, 01:31 PM

Looks real nice!!!

Any tips on painting it? I have a 82 that had the grill painted black.... well I don't like it black and want to paint it just don't know how to take it off and what paint and prep work is involved.

If you get a chance drop me some tips.

Thanks!

Mike76251 · 05-01-2003, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by CHEVY_FOREVER
Looks real nice!!!

Any tips on painting it? I have a 82 that had the grill painted black.... well I don't like it black and want to paint it just don't know how to take it off and what paint and prep work is involved.

If you get a chance drop me some tips.

Thanks!

Here is how to do it;
Take out the two side panels around the lights (takes a torx T-15?) 8 screws
Unhook the turn signal sockets from the lenses.
Open hood and take out the five screws (1/4"?) on the radiator support that hold the main grill in.
There is three screws at the bottom of the main grill; one in the center that you have to reach from under and one on each lower corner.
If you have the optional bumper "push bars" then one or both have to come off to remove the grill without tearing it up. It takes a 3/4" socket and a flex joint to remove these. Two nuts each.

Lay the three pieces that you removed over on their back and remove the trim (if you have it).
Wash the grill pieces in Dawn and rinse and let dry.
Get a small stainless brush (like for tig welding) at Lowes or Home Depot and lightly scratch all surfaces that you want to paint.
Wash again with Dawn and let dry.
Spray with plastic primer and let dry.
Spray with desired color.

CHEVY_FOREVER · 05-01-2003, 02:12 PM

I thank you for the tips, freind. I think I will take a look at it and maybe try to paint it this weekend. From start to finish what kinda time are we looking at? It can be done in a day or 2 right?

Thanks again!

PHOENIX · 05-01-2003, 02:16 PM

Looks good Mike!!!

I also recommend painting them.
I painted mine with a silver paint and they look way better then the stock grey (no shine).
Clean it well before painting and paint it.
I didnt use any primer and its holding up pretty well.
Use a quality paint.
Before you paint make sure its the silver you want, they vary alot from brand to brand, so test it on something else first.
Here is a picture.

EDIT:
You can remove both bezels (4 screws each) in under 10 minutes (that includes a small beer break).
Then clean them up and dry them, 5-10 minutes.
Then paint them and let them dry , time varies.

The grille take a little longer to get out and clean then paint.
But its not a big deal at all. You could easily do both bezels and the grille in a few hours.

EDIT Again:
My grille is not painted its polished aluminum, I just wanted to make that clear. Why you have the grill and bezels out you should just paint everything. It will take a little longer, because youll have to remove the lights, but it will be worth it when your done. If you plan to do it all, consider it about a 1/2 day project.

Mike76251 · 05-01-2003, 04:50 PM

Telling you how long it takes is too hard.
It took me about 6 hours of work between breaks of girls stopping by!
I like to do this instead of a billet grill because a billet grill doesn't match the side panels.
I think adding a billet looks odd.
A whole billet across the lights makes you more likely to get pulled over by "bored" cops 'cause they need to be killed for not having anything better to do.

pkbinplano · 05-01-2003, 05:49 PM

Mike what brand paint did you use thanks

82 Silverado 4X · 05-01-2003, 06:12 PM

Yours looks great Mike!

After removing the grille and bezels I scrubbed them with a Scotchbrite pad and water. The pad got into the corners real well and prepped it at the same time so the paint would stick. I then rinsed it with clean water and let it dry over night.
The next morning I masked off the Chevy emblem and sprayed everything with a medium to bright silver Duplicolor.
I also resprayed the core support area behind the grille with semigloss black before I reinstalled the grille. It looks new again.

LOHRTBT · 05-01-2003, 07:37 PM

One good thing I can say about the bad cops in my town..I have never been pulled over for any of the things on my truck that I could get pulled over for.

Headlights, Grille, Taillights, Stereo, Windows, etc....

*rage'nrat638* · 05-01-2003, 08:01 PM

spray clear over the silver and it wont dull out

apstguy · 05-01-2003, 09:09 PM

Mike, what brand paint did you use for plastic prime and silver paint? I have been trying to find the right paint and I like yours. I'm having trouble finding plastic primer though.

MSL · 05-01-2003, 10:45 PM

If your grill has some cracks but is salvagable what would you use to fix it. I want to paint mine and that there has inspired me but i have some cracks.

pkbinplano · 05-02-2003, 08:24 AM

I'd use Gorilla Glue. That stuff is something else.

MSL · 05-02-2003, 10:15 AM

Gorilla glue where do you get that at never heard of it.?

Slonaker · 05-02-2003, 10:32 AM

http://www.gorillaglue.com/

Slonaker

pkbinplano · 05-02-2003, 10:52 AM

Home Depots and Lowes has it

Mike76251 · 05-02-2003, 11:04 AM

I used Krylon bright silver.
I would only use a top brand of spay paint on this (or anything else) 'cause spraying is the easy part and the prep takes the longest. If you use cheap paint you get to do it again real soon.

As for the primer......Both Krylon the Sherman Williams brand spray bomb makers make a special plastic primer that goes on first. It helps the paint expand and contract without peeling off.
You might have to get it at a paint store 'cause it can be kinda hard to find. My Lowes doesn't have it.

As for the clear overcoat mentioned, I have never been able to overcoat a Aluminum based paint like this without ruining it.
It turns it a dull grey. It works on other enamels but not the metallics. I have tried both enamel and lacquer overcoat and I still get the same dulling.
If there is a way to do this......I would like to know how.
I even tried emailing Krylon and got no answer on this.
I don't think they know.

For repair of any damaged areas..... I use a 15 minute epoxy and thin strips of stainless steel. This works well on small things broken off.

MSL · 05-02-2003, 06:14 PM

Thanks guys i will check the gorilla glue out.

79BIG10 · 05-02-2003, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MSL
Thanks guys i will check the gorilla glue out.

That stuff is some strong stuff. I used to sell it and Liquid Nails ain't got anything on Gorilla Glue.

apstguy · 05-02-2003, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Going to do my bezels because the stock color is crappy at best.

05-01-2003, 01:24 PM	#1
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,500	Fresh Grill Paint.... I just got through painting it bright silver. This is the third time in 15 years it has gotten painted this color due to the aluminum in the paint oxidizing. It sure looks better that that dull grey the factory molded it in. Attached Images Last edited by Mike76251; 05-01-2003 at 01:39 PM.

05-01-2003, 02:12 PM	#4
CHEVY_FOREVER USA love it OR leave it! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 162	Doesn't sound too tough.... I thank you for the tips, freind. I think I will take a look at it and maybe try to paint it this weekend. From start to finish what kinda time are we looking at? It can be done in a day or 2 right? Thanks again!

05-01-2003, 02:16 PM	#5
PHOENIX Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 4,703	Looks good Mike!!! I also recommend painting them. I painted mine with a silver paint and they look way better then the stock grey (no shine). Clean it well before painting and paint it. I didnt use any primer and its holding up pretty well. Use a quality paint. Before you paint make sure its the silver you want, they vary alot from brand to brand, so test it on something else first. Here is a picture. EDIT: You can remove both bezels (4 screws each) in under 10 minutes (that includes a small beer break). Then clean them up and dry them, 5-10 minutes. Then paint them and let them dry , time varies. The grille take a little longer to get out and clean then paint. But its not a big deal at all. You could easily do both bezels and the grille in a few hours. EDIT Again: My grille is not painted its polished aluminum, I just wanted to make that clear. Why you have the grill and bezels out you should just paint everything. It will take a little longer, because youll have to remove the lights, but it will be worth it when your done. If you plan to do it all, consider it about a 1/2 day project. Attached Images __________________ * AVOID: LOPER'S PERMORANCE / LOPERSPEED.COM OF PHOENIX, AZ & COTTMAN TRANSMISSION * Last edited by PHOENIX; 05-01-2003 at 02:30 PM.

05-01-2003, 05:49 PM	#7
pkbinplano pkbinplano Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plano Texas Posts: 370	Mike what brand paint did you use thanks __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...7496&members=1 84 chevy silverado aka The Bananna Boat

05-01-2003, 06:12 PM	#8
82 Silverado 4X Genuine Chevrolet Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South West Pennsylvania. Posts: 582	Yours looks great Mike! After removing the grille and bezels I scrubbed them with a Scotchbrite pad and water. The pad got into the corners real well and prepped it at the same time so the paint would stick. I then rinsed it with clean water and let it dry over night. The next morning I masked off the Chevy emblem and sprayed everything with a medium to bright silver Duplicolor. I also resprayed the core support area behind the grille with semigloss black before I reinstalled the grille. It looks new again. __________________ George 82 Silverado LWB 4x4 350 SM465 NP208 77 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet 400 TH350 NP203

05-01-2003, 01:31 PM	#2
CHEVY_FOREVER USA love it OR leave it! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Western Pennsylvania Posts: 162	Looks real nice!!! Any tips on painting it? I have a 82 that had the grill painted black.... well I don't like it black and want to paint it just don't know how to take it off and what paint and prep work is involved. If you get a chance drop me some tips. Thanks!

05-01-2003, 04:50 PM	#6
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,500	Telling you how long it takes is too hard. It took me about 6 hours of work between breaks of girls stopping by! I like to do this instead of a billet grill because a billet grill doesn't match the side panels. I think adding a billet looks odd. A whole billet across the lights makes you more likely to get pulled over by "bored" cops 'cause they need to be killed for not having anything better to do.

05-01-2003, 07:37 PM	#9
LOHRTBT BeWarE tHe eViL CrAnkTOe! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Yukon, OK Posts: 3,605	One good thing I can say about the bad cops in my town..I have never been pulled over for any of the things on my truck that I could get pulled over for. Headlights, Grille, Taillights, Stereo, Windows, etc.... __________________ ~Dave~ You can call me Mike, Mike Oxlong - 1986 Chevy SWB - Stock for now - *1986 Chevy Custom SWB* *Stolen 6/26/05* - 1985 Chevy SWB SOLD - 1999 T/A Some mods www.cardomain.com/id/ramairdave AIM Screenname - Jester84

05-01-2003, 08:01 PM	#10
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	spray clear over the silver and it wont dull out

05-01-2003, 09:09 PM	#11
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,088	Mike, what brand paint did you use for plastic prime and silver paint? I have been trying to find the right paint and I like yours. I'm having trouble finding plastic primer though. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

05-01-2003, 10:45 PM	#12
MSL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So.Oregon Posts: 765	If your grill has some cracks but is salvagable what would you use to fix it. I want to paint mine and that there has inspired me but i have some cracks.

05-02-2003, 08:24 AM	#13
pkbinplano pkbinplano Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plano Texas Posts: 370	I'd use Gorilla Glue. That stuff is something else. __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...7496&members=1 84 chevy silverado aka The Bananna Boat

05-02-2003, 10:15 AM	#14
MSL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So.Oregon Posts: 765	Gorilla glue where do you get that at never heard of it.?

05-02-2003, 10:32 AM	#15
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	http://www.gorillaglue.com/ Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

05-02-2003, 10:52 AM	#16
pkbinplano pkbinplano Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Plano Texas Posts: 370	Home Depots and Lowes has it __________________ http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...7496&members=1 84 chevy silverado aka The Bananna Boat



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

05-02-2003, 11:04 AM	#17
Mike76251 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 2,500	I used Krylon bright silver. I would only use a top brand of spay paint on this (or anything else) 'cause spraying is the easy part and the prep takes the longest. If you use cheap paint you get to do it again real soon. As for the primer......Both Krylon the Sherman Williams brand spray bomb makers make a special plastic primer that goes on first. It helps the paint expand and contract without peeling off. You might have to get it at a paint store 'cause it can be kinda hard to find. My Lowes doesn't have it. As for the clear overcoat mentioned, I have never been able to overcoat a Aluminum based paint like this without ruining it. It turns it a dull grey. It works on other enamels but not the metallics. I have tried both enamel and lacquer overcoat and I still get the same dulling. If there is a way to do this......I would like to know how. I even tried emailing Krylon and got no answer on this. I don't think they know. For repair of any damaged areas..... I use a 15 minute epoxy and thin strips of stainless steel. This works well on small things broken off.

05-02-2003, 06:14 PM	#18
MSL Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: So.Oregon Posts: 765	Thanks guys i will check the gorilla glue out.

05-02-2003, 08:45 PM	#20
apstguy LED King Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 2,088	Thanks for the info. I appreciate it. Going to do my bezels because the stock color is crappy at best. __________________ Tyler 1985 C10 305 w/ Bowtie OD TH700R4 3.42 LSD 202,000 miles 2006 Ford Focus ZX3 5-speed Stick 2016 Chevy Spark EV Gone: 2002.5 VW GTI 24v VR6 Gone: 2008 VW R32

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.