Rough finish on 72-74 Cuda grill

[wart1de]

I need some more help from you guys!

My 73 Cuda grill isn't smooth, it has a rough, sandy like finish. I thought this was correct however my panel guy thinks otherwise. Although he's never done a Cuda before, he's got me second guessing myself and I don't have another grill to look at and you can't really tell from photos.

Can someone please confirm or deny for me that the grill has a rough, grit like finish and is not smooth. Also, is it correct to paint the side of the louvers red on a 73 that is FE5 in body colour?

Thanks again, you guys rock

[larry4406]

From memory, which is bad:

72 to 74 grilles were a argent silver color and are gritty.  In 1972, some of the body colors could come with a color matching grille and the grille was smooth in that case.  My 1972 petty blue cuda has a color matched grille.

[burdar]

Cuda grills as well as the tail panels on 72-74 Challengers are painted with a textured aregent paint.  I believe the 70 Challenger SE's also have an argent painted tailpanel.  71's have argent on the tail light housings too.(certain models anyway)

The correct argent is no longer available for purchase.  A few companies still have some origonal paint left but only use it on the parts that they sell/restore.  You will have to settle for Totally Auto's argent.  THey sell it in a spray can.  They offer two colors...light and med/dark argent.  You will need to find out which is correct for your Cuda.   

[farmboy70]

Here are a few from my 73. It was textured. I used a mixture of silvers to make the color over Totaly Autos light silver to get the texture. You may also be able to use PPG texture spray (they have it in spray can) to get the roughness then spray color to get the tone.
Dave

[burdar]

That look really good.  That looks to be close to the med/dark argent.

[wart1de]

Awesome, that was everything I needed to know! 

[E-Body Products]

Here is an example of Totally Auto's medium/dark argent straight out of the can.  I know this is a 70 grille, but the color should be the same.  It it textured as well.  I have three days on the restoration of my grille and trim.  Worth every second...

[rallye73]

Try and spray it on kinda dry. If you use multiple light coats and build it up it should get a more textured look and feel. If you spray it too heavy it won't lay out right.