VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 1939 Grille

Hi everyone... A while back I asked about restoring my '39 grille and got some great advice. I have since had it rechromed. Gene had mentioned that the tops of the grille fins were painted. I want to paint the tops of my grille fins the original black. What painting technique suggestions do you all have?? Do I mask it and then spray paint or what?? I'm an amateur.
Best wishes,
Chuck

When I did mine I masked each individual bar with a narrow tapeThen painted with a spray can.Used an enamel, almond color on mine because its a late '39...gloss black on an early.Late had dash gauges with red needles.Hang grill up-side-down so paint flows away from taped edge (top of moulding) and will leave less of a ridge when the tape is removed.A good winter project

I taped the entire front of the grill so that the exterior surface was completely covered. I ran my finger along each of the ribs so the tape would stick ever so slightly to the inner top and bottom edge of the rib. Then I spray painted the back, several times. The first thing you have to do is prepare the surface for paint. If your grill wasn't to badly rusted on the inner surface, you will have a smooth chrome finish. This has to be sanded to give the paint something to "bite" into. When painted lay the grille inner side down and the paint will flow away from the tape. After they dry and you remove the tape there will be little ridges where the paint was sprayed in the tape/grille corners. Use a dowl rod and run it along the grill rib edges to knock this little paint edge off. Paint the lines (if it had any, I have a 38) and your done.

Brian

Thanks for your ideas...I appreciate it...Other thoughts always welcome.
Best wishes,
Chuck

Chev Nut & bigbth,

I've been meaning to ask the same question - after I find someone who will re-chrome my 40 grill for a reasonable price. This forum is a fantastic source of information. I'm printing this out for future information.

Doc

onthe paint question . when masking fine detail parts i use fine line tape it seals on the edges shapes and leaves a fine edge. some tape the paint will seep under the edges . remove the tape as soon as the paint tacks up pulling away from the paint surface gives the paint time to flow on the edge . on the prep like painting inlays on chrome parts i mask off and etch the chrome with the bead blaster if it is a big part i use the portable . use a self etching primer it helps have tried skuffing with scotch brite and other ideas. came off ina short while . gene i only know enough to be dangerous oldpush

onthe paint question . when masking fine detail parts i use fine line tape it seals on the edges shapes and leaves a fine edge. some tape the paint will seep under the edges . remove the tape as soon as the paint tacks up pulling away from the paint surface gives the paint time to flow on the edge . on the prep like painting inlays on chrome parts i mask off and etch the chrome with the bead blaster if it is a big part i use the portable . use a self etching primer it helps have tried skuffing with scotch brite and other ideas. came off ina short while . gene i only know enough to be dangerous oldpush

Thanks Pushrod...I appreciate your ideas.
Chuck