Should have left the grill alone

[S_Gibson]

As the title says, I feel I should have left the grill alone. I had an itch this weekend and decided the grill on the old truck needed a refresh. I received a catalog Friday with a nice 69/70 C10 on the front cover and a shiny aluminum grill. The grill I have on mine was not so shiny as someone over the last 49 years painted it grey. I started taking it off Sunday, breaking a few rusted bolts, clips and screws along the way.

Yesterday I hit it up with paint stripper. Several layers deep I found some tough primer that did not want to be removed and body filler. I used a small soft brass brush and a lot of elbow. As I started getting deeper I found all the flaws they were hiding. Dents and dings of all types. Guess I should have expected it. Much of the finish on the edges it scuffed pretty severely. Assuming it was to hold primer and mud. Still have a few sections to clean up.

Guess I have a lot of sanding and tedious work trying to straighten everything and polish. I hit a section with some 240 grit and it smoothed out consistent. I'll have to get finer grit and see where the sweet spot is to get is smooth and holding a shine.

The plastic insert I painted black. One of the tabs on the top that hold it in place it broken, but I will make a clip to hold it in place enough not to move. The plastic feel brittle to begin with.

I also noticed the trim rings around the headlights are broken. Surprised one never feel out driving down the road. I'll have to find replacements.

Anyone have suggestions on straightening and polishing? I think it looks better, but starting to feel I should have left it alone.