71 Grill Repair

[LEMOOREACE]

So since I'm doing a cam swap (engine in car) I decided to repair/refinish the grill while it was pulled out to access the motor.  Looking for advice and tips.

1.  Best method to repair this crack (specifically concerned about the texture loss to the argent paint).
2.  Need to understand how the trim pieces come off each grill pocket (see pics) without damaging.
3.  When repainting, best source for the argent and how to re-achieve the texture. 

Any links to previous 71 Cuda Grill restoration postings or websites I can refer to?

[LEMOOREACE]

The back was already re-enforced... 

[DocMel]

I repaired  my 71 grill

Classic crack point in the 71 Cuda grills:

   Bottom line, that patch is mesh/fiberglss.  Its really not the right material to use.  It wont take flex or vibration as it cures very stiff.  Key at this area is that that point is a high stress and twist area, when installing and after installation:  Prep is the key:  Drill out both ends of the crack with a VERY small diameter drill, (so it doesnt get longer), then patch over.  But even then, stress with cause the fiberglass patch to crack again  (ask me how i know)

GM makes plastic repair products.  Ill look and see if I have any left in what I used and get the info off the package

[LEMOOREACE]

I saw a post that recommended this stuff before.

http://yhst-97336514495333.stores.yahoo.net/index.html

Plastic Repair Kit - Plast Aid

[anlauto]

The stainless pieces just pull straight out with some patience. You should marked them because there are six different ones
This PLASTEX stuff works good... http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLASTEX-PLASTIC-REPAIR-KIT-VACUUM-PLASTIC-REPAIR-/110873640529?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d0957e51#ht_715wt_1035

[LEMOOREACE]

The stainless pieces just pull straight out with some patience. You should marked them because there are six different ones
This PLASTEX stuff works good... http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLASTEX-PLASTIC-REPAIR-KIT-VACUUM-PLASTIC-REPAIR-/110873640529?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d0957e51#ht_715wt_1035

Thanks.  I'm worried about the clips breaking... are they pretty sound in there?  I found two sources for replacement clips, but $40 for a set???   There has to be a distributer that isn't marking them up somewhere...   

[anlauto]

The clips are very unique and expensive, you're right.

I've never seen them break unless they are very rusty.

[LEMOOREACE]

The clips are very unique and expensive, you're right.

I've never seen them break unless they are very rusty.

Okay, thanks.  I'll tickle the trim off after church/brunch.  If any break I suppose I'll break out the $40.

[LEMOOREACE]

Any suggestions on the Argent paint, and how to get the textured finish correct? 

Once I repair the crack the finish will be smooth, no?  How do I re-achieve the texture?   

[anlauto]

In our local hardware stores, maybe even Walmart, you can buy a Krylon spray paint. It's a line called Fusion and it's a textured shimmer available in several colours. They have a silver and a charcoal. http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion-for-plastic-textured-shimmer/

You can buy the expensive "Mopar" restoration agrents in a spray bomb, or you can get the same results with the Krylon stuff for a reasonable savings.

Always paint it in light coats from a greater distance to acheive a more textured affect, or is it effect

[LEMOOREACE]

In our local hardware stores, maybe even Walmart, you can buy a Krylon spray paint. It's a line called Fusion and it's a textured shimmer available in several colours. They have a silver and a charcoal. http://www.krylon.com/products/fusion-for-plastic-textured-shimmer/

You can buy the expensive "Mopar" restoration agrents in a spray bomb, or you can get the same results with the Krylon stuff for a reasonable savings.

Always paint it in light coats from a greater distance to acheive a more textured affect, or is it effect

That just might be what the doctor ordered...

Got the trim and clips off,  No breakage...  Thanks for the confidence boost.

[LEMOOREACE]

The stainless pieces just pull straight out with some patience. You should marked them because there are six different ones
This PLASTEX stuff works good... http://www.ebay.com/itm/PLASTEX-PLASTIC-REPAIR-KIT-VACUUM-PLASTIC-REPAIR-/110873640529?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19d0957e51#ht_715wt_1035

I think I do like this Plastex stuff better,,,, just pour the powder into the crack and activate...

Plastex plastic repair kit

[anlauto]

I've had good results with it. It flows out smooth requiring very little sanding.

[LEMOOREACE]

What paint/technique for painting the smooth surfaces inside the grill pockets?  Before I spray the texured argent I need to repaint the inside, no?