Grille restoration

[80BrownK10]

Here is a pic of it. Yea sure it's not the best pic to show off the grill, but it's what I had. You can't read my plate (even though it's my old one on the front) and I don't feel like editing a straight on shot right now. But the good part is that this angle does not show the busted portion!

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[bucket]

This grill didn't have the trim bars on the grille that I see and it had the bold on bowtie.

I am not that pleased with the bow tie. It has what looks like moisture between the clear part and the gold that's behind it. I will try to get a close up pic of it to show you. Truck sits in a shed but the front gets sun and blowing rain, but it's only been outside a month or more maybe?

It's hard to say what has happened over the years. The trim bars bolt on without extra holes in the grille. In some areas of the country, the hardware can rust out and the trim bars fall off. The grille could have been busted at some point and replaced, but the trim was damaged and not reused. Or maybe someone simply wanted the nicer emblem on there. Who knows really.

Your feedback on the emblem makes me even more mad at myself. I remember when NOS emblems were available for about the same cost as the current repops. It wasn't even that long ago.

 

[DavidinNC]

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Nice work, Looks great! I’ve also restored a few grilles, source the correct colors, body work where needed with quality clear coat over everything. You often get a better result than a reproduction piece. And with some grilles like the ‘83-‘84 GMC which are no longer available, you must restore.

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Hello,

I am just about to restore the grille on my GMC, and have not been able to find the correct GMC color for the emblems. What paint code do you recommend?

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[John-Ryan]

Nice job guys. Will be doing the grill on the burb soon once the weather here in TX gets to normal lol

 

[jjester6000]

I think I'll do the grille on my '74 soon.

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It's one sexy and rare grille, so I want to do it right.

As far as I know, it is original to the truck, and it is in really good shape. All I am going to do is paint it and maybe reinforce it.

 

[AuroraGirl]

Nice work, Looks great! I’ve also restored a few grilles, source the correct colors, body work where needed with quality clear coat over everything. You often get a better result than a reproduction piece. And with some grilles like the ‘83-‘84 GMC which are no longer available, you must restore.

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is that an 83 or 84 gmc grille? if so thats a very nice piece, you should be proud.

 

[Kim Burke]

I think I'll do the grille on my '74 soon.

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It's one sexy and rare grille, so I want to do it right.

As far as I know, it is original to the truck, and it is in really good shape. All I am going to do is paint it and maybe reinforce it.

You bet, those are near impossible to find in good shape. Last one I saw was on a plow truck in SD! Go figure. If you don’t mind an unsolicited opinion, do take care refinishing your gem.

 

[FireTruck1984]

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Hello,

I am just about to restore the grille on my GMC, and have not been able to find the correct GMC color for the emblems. What paint code do you recommend?

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Sorry for the delayed response, The correct red is Rocket Red WA 295X, which is leaning toward orange.
I used a more rich Red for my emblems, (just a personal preference) Everything except the chrome outline received satin clear.

 

[FireTruck1984]

The NOS stuff is still out there, here’s a beauty if you have deep pockets

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[RoryH19]

In the process of referbing my 82 K5 grill.
What paint is the closest for the gray?

 

[FireTruck1984]

In the process of referbing my 82 K5 grill.
What paint is the closest for the gray?

Here’s a company that has quality enamel you can order in an aerosol spray (much better than off the shelf) be sure to also order the clear coat. It’s not cheap but will give you a great result.

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[RoryH19]

Here’s a company that has quality enamel you can order in an aerosol spray (much better than off the shelf) be sure to also order the clear coat. It’s not cheap but will give you a great result.

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I've used them before.
Are the colors different for Chevy vs GMC?
I see they are both for 82.

 

[FireTruck1984]

I've used them before.
Are the colors different for Chevy vs GMC?
I see they are both for 82.

Yes, year specific for body colors, but you’ll have to find a silver/Grey that is closest to your grille. I’ve had good luck with the silvers and after the satin clear gives is a more Argent appearance.

 

[FireTruck1984]

I've used them before.
Are the colors different for Chevy vs GMC?
I see they are both for 82.

Same body colors for GMC and Chevy those years, I could not find a specific code for grilles and other trim. I’ve just matched as close to original as possible. Remember that the sun, weather and age has faded your plastic grille. Go a little darker if you want it to look authentic. IMHO

 

[RoryH19]

Same body colors for GMC and Chevy those years, I could not find a specific code for grilles and other trim. I’ve just matched as close to original as possible. Remember that the sun, weather and age has faded your plastic grille. Go a little darker if you want it to look authentic. IMHO

Good point. Will try to make as authentic as possible. As long as the grill and headlight bezels are painted the same it won't be noticeable if a little off.