Chris, This topis has been covered innumerous threads. Here is one search Dave http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=115068&highlight=70+grille+paint
I have also searched the forums looking for the correct color to use as "Argent Silver" and I can NOT find it anywhere. Can anyone give a specific paint to use as Argent Silver? I need to paint my tail light lenses and I'm still looking for a correct color. Also, which black is used on the grille? Again a specific paint # and source would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
There is light argent (color on a stock base model 2005 F150 wheel) and dark argent (same truck front bumper). I have one of these so the colors are very familiar. Some would call these silver and charcoal gray, respectively.
Chris, I use PPG paints custom mixed for the grilles. The silver is a bright silver base coat using a reactive reducer I think a WV beetle color Silversbee. The black is a semi flat black interior pint GM 1987 interior black. The Argent is from a Mid 90's GM color book they have argent silvers listed. I picked the one that closely matched an original 70 GS grille. I later need a darker color that I added the black interior paint to about 50 percent. These paints run about $33 a pint plus your reducers. I chose these paints to prevent problems asssociated with spray cans and incompatability issues. You might be able to find some spray cans through Eastwood that would work. I think the Pontiac ralley wheel paint is close. Plan on at least 5 to 6 hours to properly mask and paint your grille. Spray the silver areas first then the black then paint the argent. Dave
Dave, I won't give away all my secrets for taping a grille. I can tell you it takes me right at 5 hours to mask and paint the 4 colors of a 71 GS grille. The fourth color is the grey for the plastic on the back side.
i remember a couple of years ago, there was a long thread on the grill colours that were quite close to or identical to the orig colours. two of the colours i used were plastikote CC901 & FM8115. for the satin black i use tremclad. there was also ppg argent silver # 3822 which i did not use.
What are the 4 colors talked about here? Grey for the back. and then what? I am repainting my grille and need some tips on masking and painting. thanks!
71??? They are dull silver or aluminum for the cross bars, gray for the actual grill part and a flat black for the small connectors and flat areas on sides and bottoms. I used the Eastwood whee paints on mine as I think they are lauquer based and work well together. Just make sure paints are same type or you will have a bubbling misery. I think I used a Krylon paint for the back. Try and stick with same brand paint. I found the spray bombs to be easier than having paints mixed as I dont't have equipment anyway. There is a lot of taping involved in a 71 grill paint job.
Here is my '71 Grill that Daves69 Painted for me. Truly NOS quality and highly recommended. Sorry I don't have a before shot, but it was rattle canned black back in the 80's! Thanks Dave DL
Dave, Yes it is. Also the areas around the studs. This was done so when you look straight on at the grille you see black to match the radiator. Dave
Dave, Looks like I have some fixing to do. Can you explain exactly what you mean "around the studs"? Is it in the back where black is around the studs?
Dave, Look at this picture. You can see inside the squares the area that needs to be painted black. Scotty painted the top row correct. that third row was missed while masking, I have done this also and have had to go back and redo the black. Now you can see why they were painted. Most people won't notice this but I have done too many and always look in that area. Scotty, I hope you don't mind using your picture to show the area that needs painted. You did a great job masking and painting your grille.:beers2: Dave [/QUOTE]
