Hello all, I have a very faded black front grill and would like to improve the looks of it. I would just like to get your opinions on the best way of doing this. Including paint choice, sanding options, etc. Who has done this and how did it turn out w/ your procedures. Suggestions/Ideas are highly welcome

 

couple different options...

Plastic and vinyl paint. sand with 300, then warm the rattle can and spray.

Meguirs sells a trim black stuff. I have used it with great sucess on the black body trim on lots of cars. restores that nic dead black they had from the factory.

 

Is 300 too coarse sandpaper? I was going to use some pretty light stuff but if that worked I will give it a shot. Also do recommend putting clear coat on it or will that give it too much shine? Thanks

 

It'd be better just to buy a brand new one. They're only $50.

 

And it would only cost about $10 and some elbow grease to restore it. And It would still be original. Whats your point?

 

wow you guys are soooo helpful

 

A company called "Crest" makes a very nice quality Satin Black trim paint... If the grille itself is in decent shape, I'd just scuff it with some 800 or 1000 paper (wet), and you should be OK with 1-2 thin coats of the trim paint...

When I had my old IROC-Z, I redid the grille, headlight buckets, and hood louvers all at the same time to match - turned out great, and held up great...

Here's a pic to show how it turned out...

 

THANKS ALOT!! Where can you find crest paint?? And by headlight buckets are you talking about the fog light housings? If so, I was wanting to paint those at the same time if possible. Did you use the same paint for them? Thanks again

 

No problem...

I'm not sure where you can get that paint to be honest. At the time I did it (around 2000?) I had gotten it through the shop that painted that car... I think I found the website of the company who makes it, but I'm not 100% sure that it's correct... I'll send you a PM on that (non-sponsor)...

By headlight buckets, I meant the satin black area around the headlights in the nose... Yes, I used the same paint.