front grille restoration suggestions

[adamm]

currently faced with a pair of less than acceptable grilles to go back onto what is generally a very shiny little car. not good. have had positive results with polishing up other bits of alloy trim but the grilles are just to delicate to attack with the polishing mop i think. has anybody successfully restored their grilles to an "as new" standard or am I faced with buying a new set? tia

[02fanatic]

I assume you are talking about early (pre-plastic) grills?

Alot depends on the condition of the surface. I hand polished mine with a metal polish (can't remember the name-comes in a gold tube). As long as you get it clean and keep the slats straight, it should show fairly well.

Be sure to repaint the black slats with satin black (if you have them)...replace the clear reflector (inexpensive upgrade)...and have th J-Hooks, etc. (all available at the dealer, etc.)

Also important ot make sure the grills will actually "fit" the nosepiece openings....you may need to twist or form the grill to fit well - and it's impossible to get a perfect fit!...so, close is fine! :-) I'd put masking tape around the opening on the nose first to avoid scratching the paint.

Hope this helps,

John