MBFreak

Hey,

I just installed an avantgarde type grill, and i'm quite happy with the looks, though it was quite hard to fit, as it didnt fit a 100%.
I thought it might be fun to paint the old grille black, and see how it looks. Anyone tried this?
-And is it even worth it, as i won't be painting the chrome frame? -as this might look kind of weird?
What paint is good to use? and should it be black or grey'ish like the car?

Here is a pic of the old and the new grille:


BR

Koolwipski

It is easy to do. I used the color matching paint from Tower Paints but others on the list have used black BBQ pit paint (high temp).

Remove the black (faded) insert from the chrome grill, the chrome strips simply slide off, very easy.

Here are my before and after pics on my 400E.

MBFreak

Thanks!

It's looking very nice, but i was thinking of painting the chrome strips as well..

Like this:


-But it might not look good if i don't paint the frame as well?

RHW

JMO but I think you need some chrome up there.

I do like your avantegard grill - It does not look overstated - which is what I expected.

PaulX608

I also painted mine black on my 400E. The only problem I had is that the plastic is kinda weathered except where the old dealer badge was where it's smooth. I used a semi gloss black hoping it would even out the texture differences, but it still looks shiny on the smooth part. I think I'm gonna try using a textured paint that I found at a hardware store. It's solid black with a texture like a concrete sidewalk. If that ends up weird looking, I may just buy a new insert in black. Here's my b4 and after:

docjbr

How exactly do you do that? When I open the hood,everything seems to be glued together, the chrome part seems glued to the black (faded part) of my grill. Although peanute oil sort of "darkened" the "fadedness" of the black part, I was thinking that painting it black would look a lot cleaner.

Thanks!

Koolwipski

There is are 6 screws to get the grill assembly off the hood. Then there are 4 metal clips and a screw on the bottom of the crome grill holding the black insert in. When the 4 clips are popped off and the screw removed, it should just fall out. Then the chrome strips will slide off the ends.
I have seen these inserts for sale for around $15 - $20 and the new chrome strips for around $5.00. I discovered this after I had done the painting, etc... otherwise, i would have just bought a new one. Check out link:

http://www.carpartswholesale.com/sto...enz&model=400E

Koolwipski

Your grill looks good. Not sure about painting one all black, but then agaion, if it is a spare, a new look every now and then 'aint a bad idea.
WHEELS - What kind of wheels/tires do you have on your cae? I desperately want a set of wheels/tires which are wider, sportier looking.
Any suggestions?

CDP

Glad to see you saved the picture I sent you and put it to good use. lol

Anyways, I painted my grill almost two years ago.

Here's how it looked before and after I did it...




When I do the hood update to a 94-95 hood/grill...I plan on blacking out the entire grill including the chrome surroundings.