Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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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. Attachment 1193769 This is before removing anything on my Panel. Attachment 1193771 You can't really tell on these pics but the white paint was really on there. Somebody went paint brush crazy on it. Attachment 1193772 Another angle. The screws on the trim rings were in really bad shape. Attachment 1193773 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. Attachment 1193774 |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
5 Attachment(s)
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.
Attachment 1193798 A light scuff with the pad and a light primer will do. Attachment 1193799 Since the grinders won't fit, I also scuffed the back of the grill. Attachment 1193800 I did half of the paint removal here. Attachment 1193801 This is where the die grinder helps. It'll get in through tight spots with the wire wheel bit. Attachment 1193802 |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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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.
Attachment 1193814 Here I can take a grinder break and paint the body with a flat black. Attachment 1193815 Another angle. Two coats of this flat black from a dollar store does the job. Attachment 1193816 While the body dries, I continued on the brackets. Attachment 1193817 Like I mentioned earlier, a scuff pad helps. Rust dust gets all over. Attachment 1193818 |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
So far , so good!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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Now I tape up the rest of the body for the white.
Attachment 1193820 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. Attachment 1193821 Looking better without the tape. Attachment 1193823 Hood closed looks even better. Attachment 1193824 Another angle. All that headlight wiring was already brittle, so I replaced it and rerouted for a cleaner look. Attachment 1193825 |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
looking good.
I love that way of deciding paint color. The can was in my way :haha: |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
5 Attachment(s)
Now it's time to overspray the neighbors.
Attachment 1193828 Can't forget the trim rings. Attachment 1193829 First light coat. Attachment 1193830 Those are done. Attachment 1193831 After the second coat. Here you can coat the back of all pieces. Attachment 1193832 |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
That is looking really good.
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
5 Attachment(s)
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 And here it is assembled together. Attachment 1193835 Front view. Attachment 1193836 And the other side view. Attachment 1193837 Pretty damm close if you ask me,.....at least at 55 mph passing by. Attachment 1193838 And that's how save time and money looking for an aluminum grill. |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Man that does look good ! Really needed the detail behind the grille to, looks great !
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
That looks pretty damn good! I never have liked chrome paint but that came out great
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
NICE! It's ultra rare magnetic aluminum. :lol:
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
[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) :lol: Nice work on the grille. |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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! :chevy:
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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.
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Yep might have to borrow this but all the credit will be yours my friend... Great job!!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
that is astoundingly great!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
very nice job!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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 |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
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. :metal:
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Looks chingon brutha! The hard work paid off at the end!:metal::metal:
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Nice improvement! The detailing behind really makes it work.
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Holly sh#t, can I send you half a dozen 63' grills to redo????? :lol::lol::lol:
Just kidding, ;) Looks fantastic!!! :chevy: |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
That turned out great :thumbs:
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Chingon
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Having just read this, I love your ingenuity.
Great result. |
Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Absolutely Gorgeous!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
It looks awesome!! Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
The color turned out really good. What was the color under the silver then?
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
That is really nice! :clap: Bravo, sir
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Nice!!!!!!! Great job.. looks ATM. :ito:
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
i do have an oem aluminum 63 grill, catch is it has dents in it. any idea as to how i can get it back to an original shape?
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
Nice work, love it!
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Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
that grill looks awesome,dont think there is anything you could do to make it look better.love low buck stuff that anyone can do that looks great.
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