Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

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
 

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
 

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!

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

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
 

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.

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

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 !

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

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

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

NICE! It's ultra rare magnetic aluminum. :lol:

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:

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

thanks Jon, got the paper work done and now it's ready roll ! ;)
neither do I,....but don't ask why it was in my garage :lol:
there you go oem, that's what I'll stick to
...that's no lie, thanks

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.

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

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

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

that is astoundingly great!

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

very nice job!

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!

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:

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

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

Re: Poor man's '63 aluminum grill
 

Nice improvement! The detailing behind really makes it work.

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: