I am in the process of getting my whole car painted and I would like to know the procedure to paint the grill. I want to know if there is a way for the grill to be prepped properly so it won't be chipped easily from regular road rash.

TIA

I think paint selection is as important as prep methodology. I would try something like aircraft paint or an Imron-like paint for this purpose.

Don't apply too many layers of paint. The thicker the paint job, the more likely it will chip from impact.

clean it thoroughly with a good degreaser like simple green. use a primer that's meant for hard to paint plastic surfaces - i found some at pepboys - bulldog brand. some have reported success using a self-etching paint but i never did find any. i painted my grill in the fall and it's still nice and black...

I didn't know if I made it clear or not but I am talking about the chrome part of the grill. Is it plastic?

Steve,
I was also thinking of doing the same since mine looks faded. (I assume your talking about that black plastic grill insert.) Is this piece removable? I didn't want to attempt this without taking the plastic grill off to paint it. (I did't like the idea of trying to mask it in place.) I'm intrested to know how difficult it is to seperate and how you intend to have it painted. I'm pretty good with a spray can and was going to try it if I can get it off the chrome strips.
Thanks,
DSR
94' E-320

On my 126 the insert it is removable. Several clips on the inside. Just pop the hood to get to them. Takes about 10-20 minutes to get out carefully. Get new plastic/chrome inserts while you are at it- at perf prods.

I did this on my 190e and I think it looks really sharp. I'll try to take a pic and post it soon so you guys can judge for yourselves. i used spray paint and just cleaned it before i sprayed it.


dan

HOw long ago did you paint your grill?
For the others, the plastic portion is easily removed...:p

if you want durability, go with powdercoating.

I had mine painted black for a while. I never dechromed, and all I did was apply several layers of primer, and wet sanding to smooth it out, then a few coats of gloss black paint. It came out looking nice, and lasted for a few months with no problems, but I stripped it back to chrome because I was going to repaint again.

IF they want to paint it properly, they would have to dechrome it first.

Alon

Originally posted by J.HIDALGO
HOw long ago did you paint your grill?
For the others, the plastic portion is easily removed...:p




i painted mine about 4 weeks ago. I took out the plastic piece, slid the chrome trim pieces out, then sprayed 2 coats of semi-gloss black paint on it, polished the chrome, put back together and presto...i'll take a pic tonight and post it tomorrow for you...did my brother's grill yesterday. It's a nice cheap mod that makes a world of difference.


dan

When I pulled the blue and silver Eblem off my grill, you could see how much brighter, clearer and shinier the surrounding crome was originally. I even polished it and it still did not come out like original...

I spray painted the grill once and regretted it.

No matter how good the preparation and the paint, it will still crack, and crack it will quite horribly too. I find the paint will eventually crack and peel two months down the road.

For the time and matter, replacing the grill is still the best alternative.

http://students.mwc.edu/~dfrer1bu/mvc-010s.jpg http://students.mwc.edu/~dfrer1bu/mvc-011s.jpg
http://students.mwc.edu/~dfrer1bu/mvc-009s.jpg


here are the pics of my grill. sorry if you can't really tell, it's overcast and didn't get very good light contrast. I can take more when some nice weather comes and email them if you wish.


dan

Dan

You can buy the grill strips for about 4 buck each. I replaced the center strip... it was dented.

It looks like I also want to attempt this feat of painting the grill on my 94' E-320.

A few questions before I go ahead:
1. In case I screw up or the paint doesn't last does anyone have a good source for getting a replacement and a rough cost?

2. I would also like to replace the chrome strips and looking for a source? Someone has said the cost is about $4.00/strip but where can I get them?

3. I would also like to either replace the chrome surround or have it re-chromed. Will it cost less to replace or rechrome? Any suggested sources in the east coast area?

4. While I'm at it the rear licence plate light piece needs to be re-chromed or replaced and I would like to do this all at once. Answers to the above will help with this.

TIA
DSR

The grill is several parts:

The chrome surround/shell, which can be $100 plus.

The plastic egg crate, about $25

The moulding trim strips, vertical and horizontal, under $2 each.

Or all the above for about $150.

You can buy all this from FastLane or PartsShop at the toll free number at the top of the page. About as low as prices get, and it supports this forum. The plastic egg crate insert can be painted yourself, or a body shop can do it. Mine was prepped, primed, painted matte black, and matte clearcoat for $30 by my shop. It has been 2 years, no chips or problems.


Re-chroming can be expensive if done right (triple plate in copper/nickel/chrome layers, old chrome stripped off first.

I just painted mine today. (grille insert)
I found spray paint especially made for plastic, semi-gloss
It's a 10 minutes job to take the grill off.
I washed the grilled insert in the dishwasher (my wife was not too happy).
I re-installed new chrome strips ((bought on e-bay for $39.00)
Let it dry (30 minutes), re-assamble, re-install, all in about 15 minutes.
Looks like new
Now I will see how long it last.
JackD

Looks good JackD.

Never considered the dishwasher method, hmm...maybe next time. :D

Dishwashers are VERY flexible cleaners - my son does his ice hockey pads/armour in them. Unfortunately, most of the new ones no longer have porcelain steel tubs - they are plastic and might pick up stains from engine parts. ;) :p

just thought id pipe in, I spray painted my grill over 4 months ago, and I can say its lasted longer than the new paint on the panels under the headlights. I prepped it by washing it with some palmolive, let it dry, applied about 4 coats of black semi-gloss outdoor paint. Waiting about 15 minutes in between. I let the last coat sit for about 30 mins, and then applied 2 coats of clear gloss. It hasn't chipped yet, and look very nice. If it does chip however, (the first time I painted the grill I applied just 1 coat of paint so I know, but then my car got into a fender-bender and I got a new grille to play with), I found that you can easily dab it with a permanent marker and then go over it with some tiremagic, you can't tell the difference, even from up close...