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Franks73,
Try lacquer thinner to remove the paint off the leading edge to expose the chrome first. If that does not work, use a wetted fine sand paper to sand the paint off. Be careful as you do not want to sand off/scratch the chrome underneath.
I did this on my 73 after I repainted the grills.
Fran
Last edited by Blue73Shark; Nov 13, 2015 at 07:52 AM.
Alan (as usual) is correct! My reproduction grilles are plastic and the originals are/were pot metal. The reproductions are very reasonably priced and look the part from 5' away. I have actually had a couple of 73 owners kneel down to have a look at shows because theirs were in bad shape due to corrosion. They are not a NCRS parts, but, fit the bill in the looks department.
The replacment grills I installed were plastic and new. They looked fine at first but the chrome finish tarnished/deteriorated in less than a year, looking very poor (on a garaged, seldom driven car). Perhaps they came from a different Chinese vendor than yours or the vendor cheaped out on the finish.
The replacment grills I installed were plastic and new. They looked fine at first but the chrome finish tarnished/deteriorated in less than a year, looking very poor (on a garaged, seldom driven car). Perhaps they came from a different Chinese vendor than yours or the vendor cheaped out on the finish.
That user hasn't been on the forum in eight years... which tells you how old this thread is!! LOL
Another hint of an ancient thread is the photobucket images
I have the OEM Pot Metal Grills. Mine were in bad shape so I spray painted them. Let the paint dry for a couple of weeks, then apply the chrome edge using a Krylon Silver Leaf pen. After hunting for a few years, I found a reasonable priced center a grill.
Update 1: after less than 2 years, the "chrome" finish deteriorated. It was hardly if ever washed. The finish just 'evaporated'
Update 2: The COWLES - Premium Universal Body Molding for All Vehicles - Easy Install, Chrome Finish, 1/8" by 20 ft, on the side grills still looks perfect.
Update 3: The COWLES - Premium Universal Body Molding for All Vehicles - Easy Install, Chrome Finish, 1/8" by 20 ft, UV Protected, Long Lasting Flexible PVC. I bought on ebay had the backing peeling off while in the package. Also the chrome finish 'wrinkled" when applied. Perhaps it was too old stock or stored in high heat. It looks OK but you may want to but it locally if you can to inspect the molding before installing
I have the OEM Pot Metal Grills. Mine were in bad shape so I spray painted them. Let the paint dry for a couple of weeks, then apply the chrome edge using a Krylon Silver Leaf pen. After hunting for a few years, I found a reasonable priced center a grill.
What part number is that pen? The grill looks awesome btw!
