Poor man's '63 aluminum grill

[chakah]

As most us know, aluminum grills are hard to find. We mostly see 64-66 if any. I have been on lookout for months for a '63 grill, no dice. Then some of you are fortunate to grow 'em on trees (Rene C/10 King).
While cleaning out the garage, I noticed too many spray cans. Why not put 'em to use.
Started with the basic tools for removal, die grinder, 4 in. grinder, wire wheels, and some spray cans. Now we all know there is no such thing as chrome paint, so I renamed it 60-66 C-10 Anodized Grill Paint.

This is before removing anything on my Panel.

You can't really tell on these pics but the white paint was really on there. Somebody went paint brush crazy on it.

Another angle. The screws on the trim rings were in really bad shape.

I'm sorry I skipped a pic, but I removed the complete grill with lights and all because the trim rings would not come out. Once it was out, I ground out the rivet fasteners to get to the trim ring screws. Besides it gives access to paint the headlight brackets.

[chakah]

Now here are the headlight brackets. This gives me time to replace bad screws. I used a wire brush and a Scothbrite scuff pad since I don't have a bead blaster. I also get to primer paint. I used a flat black to match up the patina.


A light scuff with the pad and a light primer will do.


Since the grinders won't fit, I also scuffed the back of the grill.


I did half of the paint removal here.


This is where the die grinder helps. It'll get in through tight spots with the wire wheel bit.

[chakah]

Here is the grill with the paint removed. One thing I don't recommend is using paint remover. Wire wheels and paint remover do not mix, you'll get it all over.


Here I can take a grinder break and paint the body with a flat black.


Another angle. Two coats of this flat black from a dollar store does the job.


While the body dries, I continued on the brackets.


Like I mentioned earlier, a scuff pad helps. Rust dust gets all over.

[NEWFISHER]

So far , so good!

[chakah]

Now I tape up the rest of the body for the white.


Here's the first coat. On this I used a white primer for paint. Simply because the dam can was in my way. I didn't want that glossy look either.


Looking better without the tape.


Hood closed looks even better.


Another angle. All that headlight wiring was already brittle, so I replaced it and rerouted for a cleaner look.

[spacedebris]

looking good.


I love that way of deciding paint color. The can was in my way

[chakah]

Now it's time to overspray the neighbors.


Can't forget the trim rings.


First light coat.


Those are done.


After the second coat. Here you can coat the back of all pieces.

[LostMy65]

That is looking really good.

[chakah]

I forgot to mention earlier but when I assembled the headlight brackets to the grill, I simply got some small screws with nuts to replace the rivets. These clips are for the trim rings. Now....why does Harbor Freights have to sell me a whole box? I just need 6.


And here it is assembled together.


Front view.


And the other side view.


Pretty damm close if you ask me,.....at least at 55 mph passing by.


And that's how save time and money looking for an aluminum grill.

[60-66]

Man that does look good ! Really needed the detail behind the grille to, looks great !

[hopped up]

That looks pretty damn good! I never have liked chrome paint but that came out great

[oem4me]

NICE! It's ultra rare magnetic aluminum.

[Sillyoldman]

[QUOTE=chakah;6444127]I forgot to mention earlier but when I assembled the headlight brackets to the grill, I simply got some small screws with nuts to replace the rivets. These clips are for the trim rings. Now....why does Harbor Freights have to sell me a whole box? I just need 6.
Attachment 1193834

Because the other 94 will break (jk) Nice work on the grille.

[TJ's Chevy]

That does look perrty darn good! Heck of alot cheaper then getting it chromed! Might give that a shot just for the fun of it!

[chakah]

Originally Posted by 60-66

Man that does look good ! Really needed the detail behind the grille to, looks great !

thanks Jon, got the paper work done and now it's ready roll !

Originally Posted by hopped up

That looks pretty damn good! I never have liked chrome paint but that came out great

neither do I,....but don't ask why it was in my garage

Originally Posted by oem4me

NICE! It's ultra rare magnetic aluminum.

there you go oem, that's what I'll stick to

Originally Posted by Sillyoldman

Now....why does Harbor Freights have to sell me a whole box? I just need 6.


Because the other 94 will break (jk) Nice work on the grille.

...that's no lie, thanks

[Indian113]

When I was growing UP, we called that paint "DUTCH CHROME" but I think it turned out pretty good and it's a improvement over what you started with.

[Downlow2xfo]

Yep might have to borrow this but all the credit will be yours my friend... Great job!!

[joedoh]

that is astoundingly great!

[lesjeux]

very nice job!

[BadaSs_Cal]

Nice job. I dont think a guy on here hasn't at one time or another tried their hand at chrome paint... I just gotta ask..

how come they just dont sell the paint they colored the spray paint can lid!? Haha

[chevyrestoguy]

Wow, what a makeover! The coolest part is that it took very little money (but a lot of labor) and the results are outstanding. Nice job!

[pdxhall]

The grill turned out great. I've wondered about the chrome paint and how it would look but never tried it. Seems to be a winner.

[doobiebro]

Looks chingon brutha! The hard work paid off at the end!

[markeb01]

Nice improvement! The detailing behind really makes it work.

[C/10 King]

Holly sh#t, can I send you half a dozen 63' grills to redo?????
Just kidding, Looks fantastic!!!