1971 Cuda Grille Color

[Mopar_Mudder]

I am trying to figure out the color to pain the grill on my Hemi Cuda. I had it in my head that it was going to be Argent Silver, but then I started looking at a lot of pictures and see that most peoples are body color. Were both an option? Also is Light or Medium Argent correct for 1971?

[572b1cuda]

i am pretty sure the argent grills are standard and the color code grill was an option. i was just going to start a tread about what color argent is correct for a 71, the light or dark? i am getting ready to respray my grill so its ready when my car comes back from paint .

[Mopar_Mudder]

Then my next question would be what about the trim rings around the head light, I see that most look to be Argent but I have some pictures that they actually look like chrome.

Also what about the lower grill insert, I have seem both Argent and Body there also. Even a body upper grille with argent lower.

[burdar]

Not everyone agrees on what argent was used.  The problem is that the color changes very easily depending on a few different factors.  The color can change depending on what color you are spraying over.  It can change depending on how many coats are sprayed.(the more coats...the lighter it gets)  Then there's the fact that people try to match 40 year old argent when the metallic washed off years ago.

There are some pictures floating around of a very low mile(or possibly NOS) shaker bubble.  It is sprayed with light argent.  Depending on the lighting conditions, it changes from fairly light, to very dark.

Don't quote me on this but I'm going to say the origonal finish for a 71 Cuda grill was light argent.  However, the spray can argents available today aren't a good representation of what these car origonally came with.  I think the dark argent would be the best choice.  The light spray can argents are way too light for a Cuda grill.

If the dark argent is too dark for your personal taste, you can spray a mixture of both the light and dark to come up with something in between.(I'm still talking about the argents in spray cans)

If you want a more correct argent that can be sprayed through a paint gun, Frank Baldeson sells it.  It is pretty expensive though.

Good luck and please post pictures of what you come up with.  

[Mopar_Mudder]

It will be with a spray gun yes, not a can.

I had already come up with Franks name and the following formular, guess I will leave it up to the paint guy to make his own or get it from Frank.

MIXING LIGHT ARGENT TEXTURED FINISH
MUSCLECAR REVIEW, JUNE 1991

Chrysler used two shades of this highly textured Argent paint-light and medium-and they were the only
manufacturer that used them at all. The Light Textured Argent, part number DX 8555, is obsolete. The Medium
Textured Argent, part number DNA 8933, can sometimes be found at larger, older Ditzler dealers. Last used in
the mid 1970's, it is now all but obsolete. Older Ditzler dealers that have remaining stock can mix this paint for
you, but it can also be mixed from currently available paints. Here's how.

LIGHT ARGENT TEXTURED
Ingredients for 1 pint (double for quart)
1/2 ounce DX 204- Radiance Silver
1/2 ounce DDL 8568- Non Smudge Aluminum/aluminum base
3 1/2 ounces DCA 468 High Performance Clear
Add 4 ounces of top grade lacquer thinner with drying time according to temperature. Mix thoroughly and pour in
1 pint touch up gun. Use 10 clean 1/4" ball bearings in paint cup to keep the paint mixed. Use three light coats
over an existing finish or four to six coats over unfinished parts. This paint runs VERY easily, allow 5-10 minutes
between coats.

MEDIUM ARGENT TEXTURED
The steps are exactly as above, but add black lacquer to darken. Start with six drops per pint and stir thoroughly,
then spray a sample to compare to the original finish. Add a drop at a time until you achieve the correct tint.
Spray these paints at 55-60 lbs. keeping the gun 18-30 inches from the surface. Frequently agitate the mixture to
maintain uniform consistency because the Radiance Silver is heavy and will settle out quickly.

[burdar]

My guess is that some of those ingredience are no longer available.  I found a formula online and gave it to my painter as well.  It may even be the same one you just posted.  He talked to his paint supplier and some components had been disscontinued due to EPA regs.

[chadb]

i used the dark argent in a spray can available from totally auto. It turned out great and matches the original perfectly.

[bentpshrods]

         I redid the grill in my 71 useing the dark argent from Totally auto also and it was a good match to the original.

[tommyg29]

is that the same dark argent as on the tail panel?