DIY: 98-00 Blacked out grille (5 pictures; 835KB)
07-09-08, 10:42 PM
#1
DIY: 98-00 Blacked out grille (5 pictures; 835KB)
I wanted a different look for my car. The aftermarket chrome grille (with no emblem) was starting to look bland (to me). I bought this grille because the DIY complete chroming did not go as well as expected. I blame this on the cold temperatures (attempted in December). The paint stripper could not work well at those temperatures.
I cut the horizontal slits off the stock grille a few months ago, after the failed attempt of completely chroming the grille out. Before that, its face was DIY chromed-out.
Here is a picture for reference:
Here is the car with the "new" blacked-out grille.
First shot with one studio flash and wide-angle Sigma (to show shine):
2 studio flashes; one on each side:
At an angle:
Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures. I am going to keep the chrome grille. I'll swap them when I get tired of this look.
I cut the horizontal slits off the stock grille a few months ago, after the failed attempt of completely chroming the grille out. Before that, its face was DIY chromed-out.
Here is a picture for reference:
Here is the car with the "new" blacked-out grille.
First shot with one studio flash and wide-angle Sigma (to show shine):
2 studio flashes; one on each side:
At an angle:
Hope you guys enjoyed the pictures. I am going to keep the chrome grille. I'll swap them when I get tired of this look.
07-10-08, 12:06 AM
#7
I recommend primer. Sand the primer after it has dried. 600 grit should suffice.
I painted the base coat with Colorplace (brand) glossy black paint. About 5 medium coats of that.
Then I followed with Colorplace clearcoat (next day) after 24 hours of curing time in my 90 degree garage.
Upon application of the clearcoat, I come to find that the clearcoat is not clear, but translucent! When the clearcoat was still wet, I proceeded in spraying on one more coat of the glossy black.
It seemed that the clearcoat and black were mixing (good thing) together for a decent shine. If I were to rate the shine, I would rate it like this: If the car paint were a 10 for shine, the grille is a 5.
Next week, I might sand the grille with 2000 grit sandpaper, followed by some machine polishing. I'm not sure yet. The present shine may be enough for now.
In summary, the mod cost me less than $5. Each can of spray paint was $0.96 from the local Wal-mart. I cannot speak on durability. However, it will take only a few minutes for a respray if one is needed.
1 can of primer
1 to 2 cans of glossy black
1 can of clear coat (only one coat from this can)
Good luck!
Trending Topics
07-10-08, 08:06 AM
#13
man i did the diy chrome and mine came out fine but i really have been starting to envy the anti bling grill! THAT looks awesome! i tried searching on ebay and some junkyards for a spare grill cause after all that work with the diy chrome im not fixing to paint over it and most people want like 150 for a grill so im on hold till i can find a cheap one to do! love the rims to what kind are those?
