Grille inserts?

[Dads84]

I don't know what they are called, but I'm going with grille inserts. Has anyone tried to paint these ? Looks like some type of tape, now days it's called rap. can I paint over the tape .I know it's chrome ( stainless) under it, do I need to remove tape, and scuff chrome to paint, so it will stick? or is there a much easier way?

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[FireTruck1984]

Yes, definitely remove the tape. And of course do any cleaning and polishing before painting. If they’re stainless or aluminum, a buffer will make them like new. Scuff surface before paint and clear coat.

 

[Dads84]

any idea how to remove the tape. it will not pull off. paint remover? thinner? I think I will go out and try a heat gun.

 

[gotyourgoat]

I seem to remember someone saying recently the colored tape is available. So you wouldn't have to remove the old if you didn't want to.

 

[FireTruck1984]

any idea how to remove the tape. it will not pull off. paint remover? thinner? I think I will go out and try a heat gun.

I use a heat gun when I restore bed rails, works really well.

 

[Craig 85]

I used paint stripper, then bought some 3M tape for the stripe.

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[Dads84]

Is it a vinyl tape? how has it held up on your truck? how long has it been on your truck. Where did you buy yours

 

[RoryH19]

I need to do the same for my k5 tailgate banner. After dent removal and polishing the black paint is gone.
I like the idea of 3M vinyl, just have to find the right size.
Also have to make 90 degree turns. Not sure how that will work unless I cut 4 pieces.

 

[Dads84]

Heat gun is the way to go.

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[Grit dog]

I used paint stripper, then bought some 3M tape for the stripe.

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Did you hand paint the black insets in the Silverado badges?
I've been thinking about how I'll restore all the trim pieces interior and exterior and figured vinyl pinstripe or cut from sheets for the thin black "lines" like on hte grille emblem, dash insets, tailgate stripe, etc.
Really want to try re-andonizing the tailgate panel after fixin it up.
gauge cluster face and dash panel inset, I'm considering a brushed aluminum vinyl wrap for sure. Maybe the same for other areas like hubcap bowtie and "spokes" if I end up going with the poverty caps.

Still sorta stumped on the plastic badges/emblems. I can only come up with hand painting all the insets on those.

 

[Craig 85]

@Dads84 I've only had it on the truck about a year. The truck sits outside and it is holding up well. I bought a 6" x 5' piece for about $10. I have enough to do it a second time. I got on Amazon. They have other colors and sizes. We used 3M graphics on our patrols cars. The non metallic colors we used lasted for the life of our cars and trucks, up to 7 years.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Matte-Met...+Wrap+Roll&qid=1593650630&s=automotive&sr=1-1

@RoryH19 Once I laid it down in the channels, I used an Exacto knife (new blade) to cut off the excess material. I had a plastic scraper at the edge to get a straight cut.

@Grit dog I bought new Emblems from the Parts Place. They were the only one I've seen carry K30 badges. Not cheap at $110, but cheaper than having the holes in the fenders welded up and body worked for paint. The Bow Tie is new also.

FYI LMC just discontinued the tailgate band. Classic Industries is now going to offer them. There web site says Coming Soon. I just ordered one at $229. It says it is an OER replacement part. I figured since OER quality tends to be high, it wasn't worth it to have the dings removed on my band an re-anodized.

https://www.classicindustries.com/product/all-years/chevrolet/truck/parts/14027521.html

 

[RedBeard_83]

Does anyone on here have these inserts for sale ? Looked everywhere for them , pick & pulls around here dont have many squares in them if any at all , eBay wants a testical for them lol , figured I would try here and hopefully find some for decent price , need whole assembly for 85-87 , center grill trim , the spacers and bowtie , with mounting nuts if possible . Thanks guys

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[Craig 85]

Not sure of the price on ebay or your budget, but Brother's and Classic Parts carries new center bars for $90. They came with white vinyl stripes that can be replaced. I don't recall if when I got them they said if you could paint over that. Classic Parts is carrying the Bow Tie and associated parts for $55.

https://www.brotherstrucks.com/85-88-HORIZONTAL-CENTER-GRILLE-MOLDINGS-PAIR/productinfo/GML88CT/

https://www.classicparts.com/1983-8...MIxa664uau6gIV8Ql9Ch144wqbEAQYAiABEgLctvD_BwE

 

[RedBeard_83]

Not sure of the price on ebay or your budget, but Brother's and Classic Parts carries new center bars for $90. They came with white vinyl stripes that can be replaced. I don't recall if when I got them they said if you could paint over that. Classic Parts is carrying the Bow Tie and associated parts for $55.

https://www.brotherstrucks.com/85-88-HORIZONTAL-CENTER-GRILLE-MOLDINGS-PAIR/productinfo/GML88CT/

https://www.classicparts.com/1983-8...MIxa664uau6gIV8Ql9Ch144wqbEAQYAiABEgLctvD_BwE

Ok I'll check there , was hoping to find used , as new parts look out of place on my truck lol thanks

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[Grit dog]

@craig85, that's why those emblems look so nice!
@RedBeard_83, I got a line on a grille, inserts and bowtie, but it's luck of the draw I think. I'm in the camp of, not spending $1000s on trim pieces (literally) and will be ok with a bit of "character".

In general, if laying down vinyl wrap, vinyl stickers or clear bra material, I first try to cut to exact size if possible. Scoring with a knife after install works well too as long as one has a light touch. The other option is knifeless tape. It works well, especially on curved surfaces or long areas where it would be tedious with a knife and straightedge.