300H blackout grill modification
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I really liked the way they blacked out the grill on the 460 regardless of the body color, and thought it was particularly striking if you happened to have a white body. Grills on all the sport models look much better to me all blacked out.
I first thought of doing it with 3M vinyl in a flat black or even in a carbon fiber black which would look great but different. 3M said their the vinyl on an exterior surface might only have a five year life and wrapping each little vertical bar would be tedious.
So I went to paint and did it with a good quality flat back and then a non-gloss satin clear coat which also gives it good protection from love-bugs etc. Most of the cost ($270) was in labor to remove the bumper and all the pieces.
I first thought of doing it with 3M vinyl in a flat black or even in a carbon fiber black which would look great but different. 3M said their the vinyl on an exterior surface might only have a five year life and wrapping each little vertical bar would be tedious.
So I went to paint and did it with a good quality flat back and then a non-gloss satin clear coat which also gives it good protection from love-bugs etc. Most of the cost ($270) was in labor to remove the bumper and all the pieces.
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I don't know if it's just the angle of the picture, but that really looks nice. Great job!
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That might well work if it would hold up to all the bugs and pebbles that hit the front. I felt vinyl wrap would not hold up and went with the satin paint and clear coat to give it as much protection as possible, particularly on that main mid crossbar
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That really does look great!
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Looks really good Frank. Just turned 10k (avg 34 MPG) on my 300h and time for the blackout grill.
Was this your method:
1. Hire a pro to remove the bumper. I've researched and it is a bit tricky for me to attempt
2. Paint grill components with 5 coats flat black and a satin clear coat to finish it off
What paint manufacturer did you select? durability is essential as you pointed out
3. Reassemble bumper
Very sharp, great look and I appreciate you posting this.
Was this your method:
1. Hire a pro to remove the bumper. I've researched and it is a bit tricky for me to attempt
2. Paint grill components with 5 coats flat black and a satin clear coat to finish it off
What paint manufacturer did you select? durability is essential as you pointed out
3. Reassemble bumper
Very sharp, great look and I appreciate you posting this.
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I just picked the best body shop in town and after some discussion and exploration they selected a good satin finish black and satin clear coat - don't know the brand. The $275 included taking the front bumper and grill parts off to paint and then reassembling. I was very satisfied with the result and the care they took
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