1971 Corvette Grills
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 15
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1971 Corvette Grills
Hey Guys..... I need some help.
I am in the process of finishing the restoration of my 71 LT-1 Vette.
I had all of the chrome redone. Are the egg crates in the front painted black inside the crates?
I certainly would like to thank everyone in advanc for their responses.
This forum is the BEST!!!
I am in the process of finishing the restoration of my 71 LT-1 Vette.
I had all of the chrome redone. Are the egg crates in the front painted black inside the crates?
I certainly would like to thank everyone in advanc for their responses.
This forum is the BEST!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
No. The egg crates [on the front grilles] are not painted black. The front edges are left chrome; the remainder of the grilles are painted a "cast iron gray" color. If you are doing an NCRS-correct redo, you need to get the exact paint formula and have it mixed by a pro paint shop. If you are doing it for looking new and very close to original, go to your local auto parts store and find a "cast iron gray" paint. The real trick is the masking of the chrome. Most folks choose to paint the whole grille area and peel off the fresh (unhardened) paint with an X-acto knife or razor blade. Handling the grilles to do that with fresh paint is a challenge. Also note that the inside edges of the surrounding chrome pieces are painted the cast iron gray color, as well. [Check some of your Corvette history books for the correct layout if you are not sure; or go to Barnes & Nobles to look at one.]
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Covington, Virginia
Don't try to use masking tape.....use Vaseline!! yes, vaseline. Wipe a little bit on the chrome front and then paint. Just wipe it off when paint has dried. With a little practice and some q-tips (for cleaning up the corners and getting too much on) you should be able to wipe the whole thing in a couple of minutes. Use a q-tip dipped in solvent to take care of any of the spots that have paint that shouldn't....
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Thanks
Don't try to use masking tape.....use Vaseline!! yes, vaseline. Wipe a little bit on the chrome front and then paint. Just wipe it off when paint has dried. With a little practice and some q-tips (for cleaning up the corners and getting too much on) you should be able to wipe the whole thing in a couple of minutes. Use a q-tip dipped in solvent to take care of any of the spots that have paint that shouldn't....
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
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From: Dearborn Heights Michigan
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
If I remember correctly, the center grilles were just painted black. I don't know why....I thought they should be the same as the side grilles. But they are just pot metal without chrome and painted kind of a semi-flat black. If you still have a center grille on a '70-'72, protect it...you can't buy replacements (only old originals on e-Bay for $$$$).
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 15
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If I could figure out how to post pics I would like to show some of the during and after pics.
Thanks again, you guys are the best!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Not sure why you would doubt my answer. Have 2 original paint '71's and have owned 3 '70's, 3 '71's & 2 '72's. Joined NCRS in 1987 and have top flighted cars at national, regional & chapter level events.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
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From: Nevada City California
Cruising
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 11
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Sorry to post on an old thread, but this one was helpful. I am still having trouble finding somewhere to buy cast iron grey paint. I have tried automotive, hardware and paint stores and nobody has any. Does anyone know where to buy some?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,326
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi ls,
If you're asking about cast iron gray for your grills I believe you'll find it's too light a gray.
Many people feel that the paint from EASTWOOD known as Zinc Phosphate is quite close in color and texture to what was used originally.
It's 10281Z.
They also have cast iron gray if you decide to use that.If you order it you'll have it in a couple of days.
Regards,
Alan
If you're asking about cast iron gray for your grills I believe you'll find it's too light a gray.
Many people feel that the paint from EASTWOOD known as Zinc Phosphate is quite close in color and texture to what was used originally.
It's 10281Z.
They also have cast iron gray if you decide to use that.If you order it you'll have it in a couple of days.
Regards,
Alan
