SwampeastMike

While not a priority does anyone know a lasting way to get a consistent finish on the grilles?




I'm not even sure which is correct--the matte deep gray predominates or the smaller sections of slightly glossy true black.

The grille in the photo is squeaky clean so it's because of oil or similar in certain areas.

Torqued Off

I would try using one of the headlight lens polishing products found at local auto parts store, or even Mothers chrome / aluminum polish, which is essentially a very fine polishing abrasive. It may smooth out the color differences. The grilles are just ABS black plastic. You could also just scotchbrite and paint flat black.

SwampeastMike

I've polished many a headlamp housing lens to nearly original clarity (using Wolfgang and 3M products) but there's no way I'd even attempt it on such a complicated piece as the grille.

What I would really like to know is which finish is original: the somewhat glossy deep black or the dark matte grey.

ABS plastic from the mold is similar to the "somewhat glossy deep black" but it also looks like cheesy cheap plastic. The factory originals [may] have been treated (chemically aged) to make reduce the gloss.

Tooch1

Was your car ever repainted? Looks a little like overspray to me! Just as a test, if this film is on the very top of the grille that is hidden when installed, try some type of acetone in one area to see if it comes off. Be very careful though, not to cause further damage. Usually finish was always semi or matte finish.

SwampeastMike

Yes the front bumper was repainted (base + clear) before my ownership.

C3 4ME

I painted mine with Krylon 1613 paint. They still look great and no flaking off after 10 years of driving.

hunt4cleanair

hdal

Hmmm,this last summer I painted my 78's grille's and the frt/rr bumperettes,came out like factory in color,shade and texture. I used SEM #39143"trim black",sorta in-between flat and semi-flat. When the weather clears,I'm gonna do the inr fender wells also.Hdal

SwampeastMike

SIMPLE SOLUTION FOUND!

Put it in the dishwasher a few times!

fred of france

Good idea the dishwasher

SwampeastMike

I was shocked at how well the dishwasher worked as I'd cleaned them very carefully before. Sorry for no close-up photos as they're now installed. The result was that the glossier places went away and now everything is a uniform matte that I believe is close to the original.

fred of france

Nice result for your vette, I'd try this method

It' also a Green model , as mine ?

SwampeastMike

Yes, 1979 in "Corvette Green". People--women, men and "car guys"--repeatedly tell me they love the color.

fred of france

Nice and rare colour this Dark green , like mine