I took out my grill and cleaned it up and repainted it, along with new headlight buckets. I used dark textured argent spray bombs from Roseville and for the honeycomb grill part I used duplicolour engine enamel "aluminum" I spent a few hours trying to clean each little square but it took forever and with less than satisfying results so I cleaned each square with a tooth brush best I could taped it off and sprayed it. DO NOT USE OVER CLEANER on any part of the grill. I tried it first on the backside and it etched it and turned it dull. I found the best thing that worked well for me was worn out 600 grit sandpaper soaked in acetone. That really worked well and quickly. It brought up the bright anodized parts like new ! I was really impressed how well it worked. Don't stay in one spot long just enough to remove the 45 years worth of road crud. Wipe it off before the acetone evaporates. Now the new repoped headlight buckets come painted black and I wanted argent so I was quite surprised how fast the black paint came off with acetone . If I was wanting black I would recommend removing the black paint anyhow as I don't imagine it would last long. Take the time to lightly sand the areas that will get paint so it will stick better. After looking at the original argent it had black specks on paint in it that the spray bomb didn't have so I simply stood back and " fogged" it with black trim paint till I got it looking like the original. I used my original headlight buckets for reference. I did remove enough rivits to take the center grill out. I used simple 1/8" pop rivits to assemble, not " correct" but you can't see them anyway?Taping it up takes some time but Its cheap to do, takes some elbow grease and about $30 in materials but I'm happy with the results! The entire job, removing the bumper and grill , painting and installing took me about 5 hours. Its a fun Saturday morning job! I was waiting for the repop grills to come back instock but after seeing them in person at Carlisle I decided to use my original. It was in great shape just REALLY dirty after 45 years of service. The repop grills are not correct as the suround around the honeycomb part is simply painted silver on the repops not bright anodized like the originals. I figured if they are going to charge as much as they do it should at least be the same as the originals... ??? Hope this helps someone out down the road...
:takealook: That looks fantastic!!!! I'm going to try that tip about the worn out 600 grit sandpaper soaked in acetone. Nice job man! :bradsthumb:
Who's you little helper standing guard?
Quote from: Cuda Cody on January 02, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
Who's you little helper standing guard?
I had to go back and look? LOL That's " Wilson" one of my 2 dogs ( Father and son). They are Mutts , its hilarious though telling people what breed they are . They are Cocker spaniel and Maltese . I'll let you figure out the name.... :D
I did the same treatment to the S/E tail panel.
That's hilarious! :rofl:
Quote from: Brads70 on January 02, 2017, 05:39:06 PM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on January 02, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
Who's you little helper standing guard?
They are Cocker spaniel and Maltese . I'll let you figure out the name.... :D
Quote from: Cuda Cody on January 02, 2017, 06:14:21 PM
That's hilarious! :rofl:
Quote from: Brads70 on January 02, 2017, 05:39:06 PM
Quote from: Cuda Cody on January 02, 2017, 05:17:02 PM
Who's you little helper standing guard?
They are Cocker spaniel and Maltese . I'll let you figure out the name.... :D
We do a bit of camping with our travel trailer , always meeting someone new, and they always ask what breed are they. It really funny when little old ladies ask. The look on their face is priceless! :o
Nice job Brad! Helpful advice! :ohyeah:
Looks great! :perfect10:
Nice to see an argent grille done in addition to all the R/T grills.
Tom
NICE!! :perfect10:
It looks beautiful argent, but I'm surprised you didn't paint them black ? :huh:
Quote from: anlauto on January 25, 2017, 04:11:35 AM
It looks beautiful argent, but I'm surprised you didn't paint them black ? :huh:
Ya I know but the argent matches the wheels.....
When I took my grill apart both high beam buckets were on one side and both low beam buckets were on the other.
Which are which? Small rear opening and large rear opening. Which is High beam and which is low beam?
Quote from: cudaragtop on July 04, 2018, 01:02:15 PM
When I took my grill apart both high beam buckets were on one side and both low beam buckets were on the other.
Which are which? Small rear opening and large rear opening. Which is High beam and which is low beam?
Does this post help?
https://forum.e-bodies.org/cuda-and-challenger-general-discussion-roseville-moparts/2/1970-challenger-headlight-seatsbucket-questions/3201/
The headlight buckets are marked. :alan2cents:
Do you have details on the best way to remove the rivers?
And where do you find small replacements?
Quote from: Katfish on July 04, 2018, 04:56:54 PM
Do you have details on the best way to remove the rivers?
And where do you find small replacements?
Not sure I follow your meaning?
Quote from: Brads70 on July 04, 2018, 05:25:08 PM
Quote from: Katfish on July 04, 2018, 04:56:54 PM
Do you have details on the best way to remove the rivers?
And where do you find small replacements?
Not sure I follow your meaning?
I think he means the rivets that hold everything together :dunno:
Yes, rivets, dang autocorrect.....
Quote from: Katfish on July 04, 2018, 07:41:43 PM
Yes, rivets, dang autocorrect.....
:haha: I wondered if that was it. I just used common rivets I had here in my garage.
great tips
Quote from: anlauto on July 04, 2018, 03:36:37 PM
The headlight buckets are marked. :alan2cents:
Here are the 2 with small holes.
One says HILO one says HI... They both have LT on them too.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36623362_1867536236600722_7651934917332303872_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=6b23bad150f72ec7b79cf973ce777b78&oe=5BA63470)
Here are the 2 with large holes.
One says HILO and the other says HI
Both have RT on them
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36703472_1867539316600414_7408714681751175168_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=fbac1354b88b770c7416a3367dcbc033&oe=5BA7DC6E)
OO---oo
This is how they were when I took the grill out.
Big holes on the passenger side and small holes on the driver's side.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36677026_1867501243270888_2554259751496056832_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2f2eca1138e76a460ba85b216d71b4b3&oe=5BE26970)
Re-installed. Small holes on the driver's side.
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36754141_1868108683210144_5711437825069547520_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=fdf873a636e7b244433fac773fcac96a&oe=5BA31545)
Done!
Use tubular rivets with correct dia. and length. Truss head. AND the right tool to flare. Don't use regular rivets !! :o
To remove rivets, a dremmel with a carbide tip works well with good control. :bigthumb:
Quote from: Brads70 on July 04, 2018, 08:26:18 PM
Quote from: Katfish on July 04, 2018, 07:41:43 PM
Yes, rivets, dang autocorrect.....
:haha: I wondered if that was it. I just used common rivets I had here in my garage.
Decided to follow Brad's lead and drill out the rivets to separate the center.
Couple cans of paint stripper and pressure washer to get the blue paint out of the egg crate.
After round one...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fMjhyoA084WI0rr5bX6m2hIRaCYR8RBnb9JbRg_PXky5_uP-w-palYHDCNk9uIur0FDFa2uR09hY0UkfpM1v6zMAZITcwZYswSfjuGf-2hKwDav-6P-wFE5COf3J4-EcEWuDP3fpr3EbfQZnSKNCQZ4JJK2-TqkxZMWR3aHW2H2ercIRofZlhqB54t2wyjJWnvG3c9w0oGD1ISaMlgqkdcRmJY_TdppC3fxYzaf4qn1x-pTXOxqr9weerz4pMmqLaGss18mR9h_y9oq_yi2jk1Ln061CRx_qFoQhq_qgQ4kEaGzcmnJULevrfeKCXJUtYnNP1eUg5D25r5xAm47DW_3DvZwQ6KLT7Mw5Civ7yG5InhpQI5xfM5IJOCwkvWGHiRvYKwA9nzW3Lwi7BDWyiG5ZFk4nguSt7-kpF2Ig_q5gQAMSKJGLnrRLxgDfFQnpFNavZCm4PoIawJ3ttcwIzrMOnyBfFoMW_Cb6D4aVTd5c5bxFHowEGhL6b5S2I3eOpm6xdZzVJw2rUiRr8jCg6AK-PWeThXnG-YvHzDNxx0KWy23a_cHy_SLIJcqhGYbDCbzi1c11L1SDr7Wvgwnp-e4vKa4a5j3zVUYbzPTtAdzOu8kdwpGq1SRwPjATZnoSD0TcwYlWeIudK_SvbV_5EYkp3a-KB0atgQ=w3254-h1830-no)
Want to do the grill center like this one. Black but with the front edge silver.
What is the best process to reproduce this look?
Paint the front silver and then paint the egg crate black from the backside?
(https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36728160_1867957786558567_7967486783044714496_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f96e4cf45dcf4bff6dff9cf35694fe03&oe=5BDB4634)
Argent not black for the rest of the grill and headlight bezels though...
Could end up black too... could end up silver for the egg crate... it's only paint.
I'll put the Challenger script in the right location too. :cheers:
Whatever I do it will be better than this Blue. :barf: :barf: :barf:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/kJDdqNFTEMOP8mwL2Hf1h8AHzFGGV00VsgzZOnrzl14rXwYnj5iwYaQ6rJ2vWvgBMe-lAfn1Z6pmtBA1SzUPJFrwidElLc99AWgYtdlYvN3wJ2ybME6zOTvdN_lcB4IsMzLaQT2zdHzt4pXOdS3HkotmtNTjqFkUMcIMVSYV1G2B5yE0ExsHaeCOTA8bQtFdDpvL443N4mxXTm6XqDNDdTQBYPejzUJs-ARu0RYxxFMRMvS_2ceCtHl3pjaC9FF3RGTDM8fBZs2NQpiVgfb1gYRKbwbkP4FBa6bVpviRYjHy_FnwmBBMcQnxGNoQRgXybam2SpYa20JP_sbOAKWXj7YtSvaGTceuXhDxlJYRvXv0SpoQ3221sxY_5TiN2igJE_ineQ3x8tgqcGngQ3gLvruUyJu8icHkoDg7XCML5-nQsxB0VMj2civKkM5HkebpRFaYtW44TgnBkM-ey9slaEsQghHBsANbWcVMc2QEl3AxgvA9eannp9sTwqfAFs3oHtKlDXbOfz3SejJJDJ5r8DwB6owf00meT_PoqCCXutKtNZPp4JPgJBlmB0QoB8NWe1u7GN7sdbVaQ62iSR1d-5XIuKluVUFqcpvYnibQ2f45M8PBTZtopXLd_bx8_GWBdm4VgW6skexycF6puK5tVUDbMwBlXYT96Q=w3840-h1466-no)
I'm not saying this is " correct" as someone may have moved it before I bought the car but I took these pictures so I'd have a reference to put the Challenger logo back where it was originally. Thought it might help someone else out?
Quote from: GY3R/T on July 04, 2018, 11:28:10 PM
Use tubular rivets with correct dia. and length. Truss head. AND the right tool to flare. Don't use regular rivets !! :o
In my case I only removed 8 rivets , just enough to remove the eggcrate from the aluminum structure .I left on the metal parts along the top. You can't see those rivets in mine that are " not correct" when assembled. Your right for a concourse correct car this would be an issue but with my car it's so far past original 8 rivets that can't really been seen are not going to matter much. :alan2cents:
Caution on the paint stripper that it doesn't dull the bright anodizing around the edge or the eggcrate , try it first on an area that won't be seen?
Wish I tried the sandpaper and acetone tip on my grill. I spent a week with chrome polish and a giant box of Q tips.
Soak the eggcrate section in laundry detergent for awhile to loosen things up, they something like a small bottle brush on each hole. it doesn't take long once you get at it.
Do you know what the correct size tubular rivets would be, I'm about to replace the egg crate section and see that at least the top right and left sides will be visible. It also looks like it will be difficult to get a hammer style rivet tool into the recessed area for those top rivets. I don't see a straight shot down, I'm probably going to use standard rivets and come in from the other side.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7881/32511930087_e07d15aac6_c.jpg)
I spent several days on my grill, what i have read the center grill is natural metal finished not painted. I bought a abrasive brush ti put in a drill with compound cleaner. I will post a picture of the abrasive brush or you can check my thread.
https://youtu.be/uH0EMHkByjA
Here is a link
Quote from: worthywads on March 23, 2019, 10:58:00 PM
Do you know what the correct size tubular rivets would be, I'm about to replace the egg crate section and see that at least the top right and left sides will be visible. It also looks like it will be difficult to get a hammer style rivet tool into the recessed area for those top rivets. I don't see a straight shot down, I'm probably going to use standard rivets and come in from the other side.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7881/32511930087_e07d15aac6_c.jpg)
Not sure of the size but when researching for my AMX grill I found this source for oddball rivets
https://www.rivetsonline.com/rivets?gclid=CjwKCAiA8rnfBRB3EiwAhrhBGsDjGnMvfCJRjIeV9S91gBMVRePwIrxcK_1tJO_rXczytrRMtdUiqhoC9KMQAvD_BwE
Quote
Not sure of the size but when researching for my AMX grill I found this source for oddball rivets
https://www.rivetsonline.com/rivets?gclid=CjwKCAiA8rnfBRB3EiwAhrhBGsDjGnMvfCJRjIeV9S91gBMVRePwIrxcK_1tJO_rXczytrRMtdUiqhoC9KMQAvD_BwE
Yeah I found similar at Hanson Rivet, they sell a tool for $25 and it looks like I need to figure out the correct length based on the thickness of the 2 pieces being riveted together. The holes in the new one are 5/32 but I think rivets even smaller than that are what were used oem. I'm thinking I'll use standard rivets first.
https://www.hansonrivet.com/rivets/tubular-rivets/
I ended up using regular rivets as it is not easy to see them and the tool to use the tubular rivets looked like it couldn't even get to some of the rivet spots. I'm happy with the results.
I just used screws with U-Nuts to put mine back together...
It was easy and thought I might want to take it apart again someday.
I did the center Black because I thought it looked better.
With screws it would be easy to take apart and redo natural if someone wanted to.
Sold the car a few months ago so I guess I won't be changing the grill color but the current owner could if he wanted to...
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3ePhSjFgkCyM3h6ypMxdWvNz3r2wQdTF2YGcGv6njDo3X3tvpOQp0QBAD24e5p9Q9rvVfm3MYuNZe0sTxb4LLhYjsykK0ctvVBQ6l6JT-dNkDKxhDNMdillVmqajlVpiueyGwZje8CUE-4CPlr2vux9Sg=w1114-h890-no?authuser=0)
I did some clean-up on my grill also like these other hobbyist did. I did this quite a while ago and his held up very well. Like the others have said the center, eggcrate part of grill is a natural metal finish, but I found some paint that looked pretty close and finished it. I should repaint the surround with another coat of the astrotone gray paint. This has been done probably over 10 years, still looks good.
Thanks, Al
Perfect, thanks.