AMC Eagle Den Forum

The Shop => Body Shop => Topic started by: vangremlin on June 02, 2013, 10:13:02 PM

Title: 1980 Grille restoration
Post by: vangremlin on June 02, 2013, 10:13:02 PM
I took the pushbar and grille off of Pepe when I took it into the shop for the 4.0 liter head swap and camshaft swap.  I decided I would install a 1980 grille I had and see how it looked.  I think it looks pretty good, however the grille isn't in the greatest shape.  The top bar is missing, and the black portions don't look all that great, and the chrome could use some freshening up too.  Has anyone ever restored one of these?  Can I just use some black spray paint and chrome spray paint?  I was also thinking some of those chrome door edges might work too.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h109/brilliantd/kammback/Pepe%20V2_1/c88f3c50-baa2-4eb8-aa0d-d94decd5b0e5_zps520d7e8d.jpg) (http://s62.photobucket.com/user/brilliantd/media/kammback/Pepe%20V2_1/c88f3c50-baa2-4eb8-aa0d-d94decd5b0e5_zps520d7e8d.jpg.html)
Title: Re: 1980 Grille restoration
Post by: Amc1320 on June 02, 2013, 10:23:46 PM
Like the look, makes Pepe look angry!

I have had luck by spray painting the whole grill and then using paint pens to do the lines back, it looks pretty good once you are done, I did this on my spirit and the headlight surrounds on the amx too

They sell the paint pens at Wally World, in a "Crome" color, it's not bad, but it takes a steady hand so be patient
Title: Re: 1980 Grille restoration
Post by: eagleman on June 03, 2013, 09:06:37 AM
Black paint works well after a good bath and rub down with a scotch brite pad. I use krylon semi flat not semi gloss,its too shinny.A paint pen works well but make sure you get the chizel tip and not the pointed ones and practice first on a scrap piece to get the feel of it. As far as replacing the busted bar not sure. Need to think about that for a while.