Hi, I'm either going to replace the front grill and trim($60 from JCWhitney for grill), or repaint it.
What I want to know is has anyone repainted their grill and what kind of paint did you use?
I want to paint the inside slots(black) and also the chrome on the outside(it is chipping and faded).
Removing the grill and masking is no problem. I've masked many a cabinet in my short life..

P.S. Truck is in my sig. And yes, I did search first!

 

I'd just replace it with a billet grille

 

I personally don't like any of the billet grills I have seen so far. I'd rather stay with the stock setup unless someone has a picture of my model truck with a GOOD looking billet grill.

 

Hey if your grille is in goodshape, I have a stock black one that I would be willing to trade you for. Just a thought if your interested.

 

Appreciate the offer but I like the chrome/black look - I just want to either replace it or paint it because it is faded. Or maybe I could paint it body color...I wonder if there's anyone here that's good with photoshop that would be willing to show me what it would look like painted red. Just a thought.

 

I have seen the grilles with the slots painted at truck shows but my bodyshop guy, who is really good and only does customizing, warned against it because he felt it might peel or chip no matter how good the prep is. The trucks I've seen it on, particularly the red ones, looked very sharp, though. Good luck!

 

I would just buy a new one. I recently purchased a new grill for my 1993 ford F150 from rockauto.com and it only cost $43.00 Delivered to my door. That was for a chrome better than original grill

 

I have the black grille on my F350, and a while back I got another one because mine is missing one of the mounting tabs for some reason. The one I got also was black, not chrome.

I painted it white, to match the truck, and it was easy to do. I simply roughed up the exposed surface using 800 grit sandpaper, so there are no real gouges to speak of. Just slightly roughed up by hand.

Shot the whole grill in ordinary rustoleum primer, then shot the grill three times with 93 Ford white from the dealer. Looks nice, and matches the truck. Now I have to just get around to putting it on the truck.

I chose the rustoleum primer because for whatever reason, it sticks to metal or plastic just fine. Make sure the grille is clean before and after the sanding, of course.

 

Thanks for your responces. I can't decide wether to buy a new chrome/black or paint mine all red. If I paint the grill red I would also have to take the chrome headlight trim off and paint it to match. I wish I could see a picture of what it'll loook like before I go that far...maybe I will take a picture of it myself and see if I can play with the colors somehow.

 

I have a billet grille on my truck and I think in looks pretty good. I would definately think about going that route too.

 

before pic:

after pic:

The chrome headlight surrounds are pretty easy to take off to paint...six plastic "push pins" on each side. However, to do the chrome around the parking lights, you have to take the entire headlight bucket out.

Pat

 

you can use a good primer from PPG or any other company that is out there. If you want the chrome to stay chrome mask it and the prep an prime the slots if the chrome is done take it to a chrome shop have it recoated an then paint it. I painted my insides{slots} with ppg primer 170 and then followed up with a factory tinted base coat{coded to the paint of the rest of my truck} of ppg paint and then clear coated it. I did this all with a hvlp sprayer..

 

PatsPOS: Thanks! That was just what I was looking for. The only thing I would do different is paint the chrome around "FORD" also.
How hard was it to remove the headlights and how did you get them back in the right position?

 

OK. I have just about decided to paint all of the chrome red to match the body. I may get a local bodyshop to do the painting with high-quality paint instead of me doing it with rattle cans. Now I just have to find the time and money! I may save a bit and r&r the trim and grill myself.

My headlights are faded, one worse than the other, so I want to replace them while I do the painting. I've found replacements complete for about $90 http://www.1aauto.com/1A/FrontLights...LP1590208/8134, but I have not been able to find the diamond/jewled headlights for a 91 pickup. Does anyone know where these can be had? And also where clear side marker lenses can be found? I have done a good bit of searching all over the net and can't find any.

Thanks alot for your help!

 

Ben...IIRC, there are four or five nuts (can't remember how many right now...it's been a while since I did my grille) that hold the headlight assembly in. Seems to me I used ¼" 8mm and 10mm deep-well sockets and a short extension. You'll also have to pull the black plastic filler panel between the core support and the grille...it's held in with these goofy plastic pins with phillips screws down the center of them. Don't worry if the screws seem to be stripped...the entire pin WILL come out with enough persuasion , and you should be able to find replacements at your Ford dealer. I can't help you with the clear corners...newest trucks I've ever seen them advertised for is the '92-'96s.

As far as bumper painting goes, I wouldn't even bother trying to have your chrome bumpers painted. A buddy of mine once had the chrome sandblasted off a pair of Chevy Nova bumpers, and the guy who did the sandblasting said never again. I found a painted rear bumper off an '85 F-150 for free (just SLIGHTLY dented...and none of those black plastic inserts...AND it fits like a glove) and bought a couple cans of Krylon cherry red. It's hardly a perfect match, but chances are in everyday driving, people don't have time to notice. Lately I've been watching eBay for a painted front bumper, but they're usually going for more than I'm willing to spend. Reckon I'll find one eventually...

If you go the painted bumper route, I suggest you have the rear bumper sandblasted. I used a 4" 3M Scotchbrite wheel in a drill, and it took FOREVER to get all the nooks and crannies between the diamondplate cleaned off.

Pat