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1972 Vent Balls

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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 11:21 AM
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Default 1972 Vent *****

Has anyone successfully painted the vent ***** in the dash? I tried with chrome bumper paint but it looks too much like aluminum.

Thanks, Bob
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 11:31 AM
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You cannot paint chrome since it is a plating, not a paint. The most you will get from "chrome" paint is a shiny silver. You can order a pair of new, reproduction vent *****, or shop eBay and places for a used pair in better shape then yours.


Last edited by Easy Mike; Jul 23, 2013 at 01:34 PM.
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 11:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Easy Mike
You cannot paint chrome since it is a plating, not a paint. The most you will get from "chrome" paint is a shiny silver. You can order a pair of new, reproductoin vent *****, or shop eBay and places for a used pair in better shape then yours.

Thirty dollars here, thirty dollars there... pretty soon you got a Vette !
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 12:06 PM
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By the time you screw-around painting them with different types of rattle-can paints (that won't look like vacuum-plated chrome on a plastic part), you could have bought new ones for the same money. If they look that bad, replace them.
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
By the time you screw-around painting them with different types of rattle-can paints (that won't look like vacuum-plated chrome on a plastic part), you could have bought new ones for the same money. If they look that bad, replace them.
You're right & I just came to that same conclusion... It's hard to believe I have spent a little over 9 thousand on this car and I still have a new top to go !!! Nothing was REAL bad... just bad enough to replace! Sure hope it's going to look like it was worth it!
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 12:26 PM
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It will!!!
...but maybe only to you...



But, that's all that counts!!!
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 04:45 PM
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Installation tip (provided you buy new vents):
Turn the existing ball vent 90* so that the chrome "band" is showing instead of the louvers. Carefully pull outwards until the vent ball has been removed from the socket. Prime the new one with water or diluted dish soap. Carefully push in the new part in the same direction as the one you removed. After it's in, turn it back 90* so that the louvers are facing the proper/functional direction.

This worked for me. I hope it works for you too. (It's a HELL of a lot easier than removing the socket and doing it the hard way).
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 05:38 PM
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Originally Posted by redrdstr72
Installation tip (provided you buy new vents):
Turn the existing ball vent 90* so that the chrome "band" is showing instead of the louvers. Carefully pull outwards until the vent ball has been removed from the socket. Prime the new one with water or diluted dish soap. Carefully push in the new part in the same direction as the one you removed. After it's in, turn it back 90* so that the louvers are facing the proper/functional direction.

This worked for me. I hope it works for you too. (It's a HELL of a lot easier than removing the socket and doing it the hard way).
Thanks for the tip.

Bob
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Old Jul 23, 2013 | 07:53 PM
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i probably have the only 2 sets of NOS vent ***** left, if not hip to the repros send yours to a plastic chrome plater and have them redone. Then tape off and paint insides black
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