Egg Crate correct color
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 145
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From: Cudjoe Key Florida
Egg Crate correct color
I have seen many different ways this has been done .
What is the way thats correct the same as the exterior body color or are they suposed to be satin black with the chrome edges?
Im sorry Im refering to correct for a 1971
Did they offer them painted as a option or a specfic build code like something to do with the deluxe interior?
What is the way thats correct the same as the exterior body color or are they suposed to be satin black with the chrome edges?
Im sorry Im refering to correct for a 1971
Did they offer them painted as a option or a specfic build code like something to do with the deluxe interior?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
All eggcrate sidevents were painted body color and had chrome edging. The entire piece was chrome plated, then painted body color. Different years have different configurations on the 'edging'. 1971's have a 'stepped' edge, but only the outermost surface is peeled to reveal the chrome. The stepped portion of the edging is still body color.
The easiest way to paint it is to strip all paint with a chemical stripper; wash and dry well; prime with Dupli-Color 'self-etching primer' (drab green stuff similar to zinc chromate). After about 10 minutes of drying, carefully use an X-Acto knife blade to shave off the paint from the edges that are to be left chrome. Blow the shavings off...don't wipe the primered part. If you still have shavings on the part, wait 30 minutes, then use a very soft brush to lightly knock off the remaining cuttings. Shoot the body color on (one or two coats without much drying time). After the last coat, let the paint set up for 30 minutes, then do the X-Acto thing again. Let dry long enough to handle the part before getting rid of any cuttings from that process. If you want to clear coat it too, just do the whole part and forget about shaving the chrome edge.
The easiest way to paint it is to strip all paint with a chemical stripper; wash and dry well; prime with Dupli-Color 'self-etching primer' (drab green stuff similar to zinc chromate). After about 10 minutes of drying, carefully use an X-Acto knife blade to shave off the paint from the edges that are to be left chrome. Blow the shavings off...don't wipe the primered part. If you still have shavings on the part, wait 30 minutes, then use a very soft brush to lightly knock off the remaining cuttings. Shoot the body color on (one or two coats without much drying time). After the last coat, let the paint set up for 30 minutes, then do the X-Acto thing again. Let dry long enough to handle the part before getting rid of any cuttings from that process. If you want to clear coat it too, just do the whole part and forget about shaving the chrome edge.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
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From: San Jose CA
I just did mine. I read some posts about using an X-acto knife so I tried it. But the X-acto method left a sort of a rough jagged edge. Maybe I did it wrong. Maybe my hand is not steady enough.
So I stripped it again. I then used a many Q-tips dipped in lacquer thinner to reveal the chrome edge (I previously used this same method when I refinished my center console). Use the Q-tips immediately after spraying the paint between each coat. You must take your time and be careful (I have 72 egg crate so it was easier). Also spray on thin coats. I used a total of three coats (one primer). Important to frequently use a freshly dipped in thinner Q-tip. Done in a hour and looks good.
So I stripped it again. I then used a many Q-tips dipped in lacquer thinner to reveal the chrome edge (I previously used this same method when I refinished my center console). Use the Q-tips immediately after spraying the paint between each coat. You must take your time and be careful (I have 72 egg crate so it was easier). Also spray on thin coats. I used a total of three coats (one primer). Important to frequently use a freshly dipped in thinner Q-tip. Done in a hour and looks good.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I believe 7T1 is correct. I'll only add that the 70 grills were physically different in that they only had the raised edge on the horizontal lines, so you only see the chrome plating on those lines.
There is discussion that perhaps silver cars didn't have the chromed edges exposed?!?
When using an x-acto blade you have to trim the paint as soon as it flashes in order to get a very clean edge without chipping.
The same method works for the console plate and center gauge bezel in the interior.
Regards,
Alan
I believe 7T1 is correct. I'll only add that the 70 grills were physically different in that they only had the raised edge on the horizontal lines, so you only see the chrome plating on those lines.
There is discussion that perhaps silver cars didn't have the chromed edges exposed?!?
When using an x-acto blade you have to trim the paint as soon as it flashes in order to get a very clean edge without chipping.
The same method works for the console plate and center gauge bezel in the interior.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
7T1Vette says to wait 30 minutes. Alan 71 says as soon as the paint flashes (maybe 2 minutes?).
When I tried, the hardest part was keeping the cut straight. This would require the skill and touch of a brain surgeon.
When I tried, the hardest part was keeping the cut straight. This would require the skill and touch of a brain surgeon.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From: Cudjoe Key Florida
ok as far as the painting go"s i can use a jamb gun seeing as i have one
my plan was to strip re chrome and then self etching primer and then sealer and then 1 stage paint
the chrome edge i can tape with 1/16 wide tape 2 times because the chrome edge isnt quite 1/8 inch
my question was more about if they were body color or if theres a possable way they came satin black
my refrence to the interior was because i believe that was a code on the assembly line that it was deluxe or standard and the color/material
my plan was to strip re chrome and then self etching primer and then sealer and then 1 stage paint
the chrome edge i can tape with 1/16 wide tape 2 times because the chrome edge isnt quite 1/8 inch
my question was more about if they were body color or if theres a possable way they came satin black
my refrence to the interior was because i believe that was a code on the assembly line that it was deluxe or standard and the color/material
Last edited by scott2173; Jun 4, 2011 at 03:06 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
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From: San Jose CA
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-question.html
I think this prior post answers your question. Depends on whether an early or late 71.
I think this prior post answers your question. Depends on whether an early or late 71.
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Team Owner
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From: Crossville TN
2 minutes might be too quick, as the paint hasn't set up at all. 30 minutes might be too long for some quick setting paints. The point is that the paint needs to firm up some...so that it won't run or puddle from moving it around, nor pull soft paint from areas you don't want trimmed...but it needs to be soft enough so that it will easily cut/trim with the X-Acto blade. Practice on something else first, so you can figure out the timing that you need with your paint. If the paint 'chips' at the edges when you cut it, the paint had already set too much.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi 7T1,
When I read your post I realized I needed to clarify my flash time.
In both cases, exterior grills and interior trim, my time is based on lacquer. PPG Acrylic outside and #1613 inside. They do make a difference in how long to wait.
Regards,
Alan
When I read your post I realized I needed to clarify my flash time.
In both cases, exterior grills and interior trim, my time is based on lacquer. PPG Acrylic outside and #1613 inside. They do make a difference in how long to wait.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
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From: Damascus MD
I just repainted my 70 grills. I used the thin maybe 1/8" w 3M tape and made sure it was properly aligned on the chrome edges. I etched primed with SEM etching promer and immediately pulled off the tape and had almost perfect edges. I then took a little lacquer thinner to wipe down the exposed chrome and knock down any paint that may have managed to get on the edges.
After priming I taped the edges again. (I can tape in under 5 minutes) I shot the base coat and immediately removed the tape. Again wiped down the edges.
Once the base had dried I taped one last time. Shot 1k clear by UPOL and immediately removed the tape. Crate came out great.
The UPOL 1k clear has UV protection and if you mess up it is really easy to fix a mistake. It is basically lacquer with UV protection in the paint.
I tried the razor blade method and had mixed results. I could not move fast enough to get all the edges down before they were too dry.
Note that I used spray bombs for each step. I had the local paint shop match the classic white paint and put some in a can for me.
Hope that helps.
Bill
After priming I taped the edges again. (I can tape in under 5 minutes) I shot the base coat and immediately removed the tape. Again wiped down the edges.
Once the base had dried I taped one last time. Shot 1k clear by UPOL and immediately removed the tape. Crate came out great.
The UPOL 1k clear has UV protection and if you mess up it is really easy to fix a mistake. It is basically lacquer with UV protection in the paint.
I tried the razor blade method and had mixed results. I could not move fast enough to get all the edges down before they were too dry.
Note that I used spray bombs for each step. I had the local paint shop match the classic white paint and put some in a can for me.
Hope that helps.
Bill
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
No. Body color.
The optional custom interior trim package was not related to body color.
...my refrence to the interior was because i believe that was a code on the assembly line that it was deluxe or standard and the color/material...
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jun 5, 2011 at 09:49 AM.
Burning Brakes
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From: NJ
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: roanoke va
On my 72 I painted them body color also after I did a set black, after it was done the looks changed night and day for the better. 
I taped mine with wide tape then took a razor and trimed the tape after the primer the tape was removed after I lightly sanded the primer and then it was retape time. After I shot the color and clear I removed the tape just after the clear set up, was still a little sticky to the touch but it came off with out a lot of trouble. If you do it like the best I remember I spent about 1-1/2 hrs. on each grill every time the tape was put on.
Good luck and just stick with it you will like the result when your are done.
I taped mine with wide tape then took a razor and trimed the tape after the primer the tape was removed after I lightly sanded the primer and then it was retape time. After I shot the color and clear I removed the tape just after the clear set up, was still a little sticky to the touch but it came off with out a lot of trouble. If you do it like the best I remember I spent about 1-1/2 hrs. on each grill every time the tape was put on.
Good luck and just stick with it you will like the result when your are done.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi R,
Not necessarily replaced, but certainly not painted as the grills the cars left St.Louis with.
All grills were painted; I believe SOME original paint silver cars have been seen with grills that are silver and don't have the chrome edges exposed.
Regards,
Alan
Not necessarily replaced, but certainly not painted as the grills the cars left St.Louis with.
All grills were painted; I believe SOME original paint silver cars have been seen with grills that are silver and don't have the chrome edges exposed.
Regards,
Alan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 969
Likes: 1
From: NJ
On my 72 I painted them body color also after I did a set black, after it was done the looks changed night and day for the better.
I taped mine with wide tape then took a razor and trimed the tape after the primer the tape was removed after I lightly sanded the primer and then it was retape time. After I shot the color and clear I removed the tape just after the clear set up, was still a little sticky to the touch but it came off with out a lot of trouble. If you do it like the best I remember I spent about 1-1/2 hrs. on each grill every time the tape was put on.
Good luck and just stick with it you will like the result when your are done.
I taped mine with wide tape then took a razor and trimed the tape after the primer the tape was removed after I lightly sanded the primer and then it was retape time. After I shot the color and clear I removed the tape just after the clear set up, was still a little sticky to the touch but it came off with out a lot of trouble. If you do it like the best I remember I spent about 1-1/2 hrs. on each grill every time the tape was put on.
Good luck and just stick with it you will like the result when your are done.
This car I saw today has these black ones...I'm wondering if they were replaced and just not painted...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 971
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From: roanoke va
The grills that came with my car had been sandblasted and the chrome was shot so I wanted to see what a set looked like black with hand painted sliver edges while I found a good set. I found one nos one and after looking every where for another nos one I gave up and found one with good chrome.
Team Owner
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From: Southbound
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Peekskill NY
Hi,
I believe 7T1 is correct. I'll only add that the 70 grills were physically different in that they only had the raised edge on the horizontal lines, so you only see the chrome plating on those lines.
There is discussion that perhaps silver cars didn't have the chromed edges exposed?!?
When using an x-acto blade you have to trim the paint as soon as it flashes in order to get a very clean edge without chipping.
The same method works for the console plate and center gauge bezel in the interior.
Regards,
Alan
I believe 7T1 is correct. I'll only add that the 70 grills were physically different in that they only had the raised edge on the horizontal lines, so you only see the chrome plating on those lines.
There is discussion that perhaps silver cars didn't have the chromed edges exposed?!?
When using an x-acto blade you have to trim the paint as soon as it flashes in order to get a very clean edge without chipping.
The same method works for the console plate and center gauge bezel in the interior.
Regards,
Alan
Also the casting was unique to the 70 as the vents surfaces were different and extended further in. Compare to the yellow ones above.
