Poor man's '63 aluminum grill

[chakah]

As most us know, aluminum grills are hard to find. We mostly see 64-66 if any. I have been on lookout for months for a '63 grill, no dice. Then some of you are fortunate to grow 'em on trees (Rene C/10 King).
While cleaning out the garage, I noticed too many spray cans. Why not put 'em to use.
Started with the basic tools for removal, die grinder, 4 in. grinder, wire wheels, and some spray cans. Now we all know there is no such thing as chrome paint, so I renamed it 60-66 C-10 Anodized Grill Paint.

This is before removing anything on my Panel.

You can't really tell on these pics but the white paint was really on there. Somebody went paint brush crazy on it.

Another angle. The screws on the trim rings were in really bad shape.

I'm sorry I skipped a pic, but I removed the complete grill with lights and all because the trim rings would not come out. Once it was out, I ground out the rivet fasteners to get to the trim ring screws. Besides it gives access to paint the headlight brackets.

[chakah]

Now here are the headlight brackets. This gives me time to replace bad screws. I used a wire brush and a Scothbrite scuff pad since I don't have a bead blaster. I also get to primer paint. I used a flat black to match up the patina.


A light scuff with the pad and a light primer will do.


Since the grinders won't fit, I also scuffed the back of the grill.


I did half of the paint removal here.


This is where the die grinder helps. It'll get in through tight spots with the wire wheel bit.

[chakah]

Here is the grill with the paint removed. One thing I don't recommend is using paint remover. Wire wheels and paint remover do not mix, you'll get it all over.


Here I can take a grinder break and paint the body with a flat black.


Another angle. Two coats of this flat black from a dollar store does the job.


While the body dries, I continued on the brackets.


Like I mentioned earlier, a scuff pad helps. Rust dust gets all over.

[chakah]

Now I tape up the rest of the body for the white.


Here's the first coat. On this I used a white primer for paint. Simply because the dam can was in my way. I didn't want that glossy look either.


Looking better without the tape.


Hood closed looks even better.


Another angle. All that headlight wiring was already brittle, so I replaced it and rerouted for a cleaner look.

[spacedebris]

looking good.


I love that way of deciding paint color. The can was in my way

[chakah]

Now it's time to overspray the neighbors.


Can't forget the trim rings.


First light coat.


Those are done.


After the second coat. Here you can coat the back of all pieces.

[chakah]

I forgot to mention earlier but when I assembled the headlight brackets to the grill, I simply got some small screws with nuts to replace the rivets. These clips are for the trim rings. Now....why does Harbor Freights have to sell me a whole box? I just need 6.


And here it is assembled together.


Front view.


And the other side view.


Pretty damm close if you ask me,.....at least at 55 mph passing by.


And that's how save time and money looking for an aluminum grill.

[NEWFISHER]

So far , so good!

[LostMy65]

That is looking really good.

[60-66]

Man that does look good ! Really needed the detail behind the grille to, looks great !

[hopped up]

That looks pretty damn good! I never have liked chrome paint but that came out great

[oem4me]

NICE! It's ultra rare magnetic aluminum.

[Indian113]

When I was growing UP, we called that paint "DUTCH CHROME" but I think it turned out pretty good and it's a improvement over what you started with.

[Downlow2xfo]

Yep might have to borrow this but all the credit will be yours my friend... Great job!!

[joedoh]

that is astoundingly great!

[lesjeux]

very nice job!

[BadaSs_Cal]

Nice job. I dont think a guy on here hasn't at one time or another tried their hand at chrome paint... I just gotta ask..

how come they just dont sell the paint they colored the spray paint can lid!? Haha

[chevyrestoguy]

Wow, what a makeover! The coolest part is that it took very little money (but a lot of labor) and the results are outstanding. Nice job!

[perro13]

Chingon

[chakah]

Originally Posted by Indian113

When I was growing UP, we called that paint "DUTCH CHROME" but I think it turned out pretty good and it's a improvement over what you started with.

thanks, well "DUTCH CHROME" did the job

Originally Posted by Downlow2xfo

Yep might have to borrow this but all the credit will be yours my friend... Great job!!

of course, that's why we post on here, thanks

Originally Posted by joedoh

that is astoundingly great!

thank you

Originally Posted by lesjeux

very nice job!

thank you

Originally Posted by BadaSs_Cal

Nice job. I dont think a guy on here hasn't at one time or another tried their hand at chrome paint... I just gotta ask..

how come they just dont sell the paint they colored the spray paint can lid!? Haha

right? the truth, I had bought it to touch up some chipping on some VW rims I had chromed where the mounting machine ruined 'em,... that didn't work

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

Wow, what a makeover! The coolest part is that it took very little money (but a lot of labor) and the results are outstanding. Nice job!

thanks, I was bored plus it cleaned up a shelf

Originally Posted by Woogeroo

That turned out great.

Thanks for documenting everything and sharing with us.

A pal of mine used to do that to the painted bumper on his old 60's cars back when he still messed around with 'em.

-W

that's cool, I shared so we can get away from "honey-do's"

Originally Posted by pdxhall

The grill turned out great. I've wondered about the chrome paint and how it would look but never tried it. Seems to be a winner.

thanks, I bet someone got rich off this paint

Originally Posted by doobiebro

Looks chingon brutha! The hard work paid off at the end!

thank you bro, ese, I was bored

Originally Posted by markeb01

Nice improvement! The detailing behind really makes it work.

thanks, yeah might as well

Originally Posted by C/10 King

Holly sh#t, can I send you half a dozen 63' grills to redo?????
Just kidding, Looks fantastic!!!

I know you can, I wouldn't doubt you grill your burgers on these, thanks

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That turned out great

thank you Capt

Originally Posted by perro13

Chingon

thank you carnal

[Grizz1963]

Having just read this, I love your ingenuity.

Great result.

[aerotruk63]

Absolutely Gorgeous!

[chakah]

Originally Posted by Grizz1963

Having just read this, I love your ingenuity.

Great result.

wow, thanks Grizz

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

Absolutely Gorgeous!

thanks aero, coming from you

[el minero]

It looks awesome!! Thanks for sharing.

[rideblue00]

The color turned out really good. What was the color under the silver then?