As title asks - what was the factory finish for the 1984 Trans Am grille inserts? I purchased reproduction OER pieces and they are some kind of flat black molded urethane/plastic pieces. Is that how these came from the factory or were they painted? Also, were all of these inserts black no matter what color the car was? Thanks for any insight.

 

I’m in the middle of restoring my 84 TA right now. The factory inserts appear to be the same material as the clip. They appear to have been painted gloss black(see back photo), but the gloss on the front appears to have worn off.

Back

Back, close up

Front

Front close up

 

They can be whatever color you want them to be.
From the factory: black...

 

Yes, the grills on the 1984 Trans Am with the Aero Package were all painted Gloss Black with the exception of the 15TH Anniversary which were painted white.