Restoring 1970 front grills
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Restoring 1970 front grills
I'm restoring my 1970 front grills that I spray bombed black 15 years ago. I used paint stripper to get most of the old paint off. I hand sanded the middle grill for over three hours today to get it ready for paint.
Is there an easier way? Will sandblasting damage the (I assume pot-metal) grill? What media would be safe if I can use a blaster? I would hate to ruin a nice set of original grills.
Thanks
Is there an easier way? Will sandblasting damage the (I assume pot-metal) grill? What media would be safe if I can use a blaster? I would hate to ruin a nice set of original grills.
Thanks
#2
Team Owner
I think that sand blasting would be detrimental to the pot metal surfaces. Even small grit at low pressure can do damage if held very long in one spot. And, if pressure is too low, the paint won't come off. Soda blasting might be a better choice. But, my preference would be chemical stripping. Some strippers are gel products which can remain in contact with the part, even though is is an odd shaped part. And the front grills are certainly, 'odd shaped'.
I'm curious about what variety of responses you may get on this thread.
I'm curious about what variety of responses you may get on this thread.
#3
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Mar 2003
Location: Manchester
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I'm restoring my 1970 front grills that I spray bombed black 15 years ago. I used paint stripper to get most of the old paint off. I hand sanded the middle grill for over three hours today to get it ready for paint.
Is there an easier way? Will sandblasting damage the (I assume pot-metal) grill? What media would be safe if I can use a blaster? I would hate to ruin a nice set of original grills.
Thanks
Is there an easier way? Will sandblasting damage the (I assume pot-metal) grill? What media would be safe if I can use a blaster? I would hate to ruin a nice set of original grills.
Thanks
The grille portion is easy and looks great, the chrome not so much.
I reckon with some more time and care you could get 'usable' results
#4
Burning Brakes
I did 3 sets in the past. 7T1vette remarks are right on. I used the gel paint stripper and lacquer thinner and have to say that that grill paint is some of the most difficult to remove and took a lot of time to get it prepared for paint. After paint removal you could "smooth" out, by sanding, the pitted surfaces that will be painted.
I have a soda blaster, but did not use it because of a couple reasons; I think it would be to gentle on that difficult paint and it makes a big mess! On a side note, the soda blaster makes cast aluminum parts, like valve covers and manifolds look like they were just cast.
I think that brit vette, Stuart's results look great, but masking off the chrome is a must.
Here are a finished set of driver quality grill I did.
I have a soda blaster, but did not use it because of a couple reasons; I think it would be to gentle on that difficult paint and it makes a big mess! On a side note, the soda blaster makes cast aluminum parts, like valve covers and manifolds look like they were just cast.
I think that brit vette, Stuart's results look great, but masking off the chrome is a must.
Here are a finished set of driver quality grill I did.
#6
Burning Brakes
My issue with chemical strippers is that it can be annoying to get into the corners. I would blast with walnut shell media and call it done.
#7
Burning Brakes
I have a can of Jasco Premium Gel. I think I got it from Lowes. It says "removes multiple layers"; sure didn't do that. I remember applying multiple layers of gel and using a small brass brush, but at least the existing chrome was not harmed.
#8
Team Owner
I'm not sure that walnut shells would get into those corners, either. But, that would be a much better medium than sand for those grills.
#12
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2016
Location: Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania
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Would it help if I took pictures of the cans with the upc label? I know this stuff is on the shelves, I did notice considerable stock at Grangers this afternoon.
#14
I use the fine media and blast the grills keeping my gun a a pretty good distance. I also tape off all the chrome as well as the lamp socket. Once completed I go over the unit with wet sand paper and shoot 2 coats of cast blast. Just another way..................................... .................
RVZIO
Sorry, only picture I have.
RVZIO
Sorry, only picture I have.
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#18
Team Owner
There ya' go!