1970 - 1972 Duster / Valiant Standard Grille ?s

I am looking to repair a grille for a 1970 Duster. Specifically, refinishing the silver (argent) finish that surrounds the grille.

So, my question is, was this silver (argent) a textured finish? It sure seems that way.

Totally Auto offers spray cans of textured silver but I was told it is not correct for a 1970 Duster. Can the Mopar Performance Wheel Paint be used? What is correct in this situation? (see picture)

I understand there was a special masking jig used at the factory and that the finish was not exceptionally uniform.

A year or two ago, the was a very informative post on the shark tooths. There was also an article in Mopar Muscle in 2003 on restoring a 1970 Duster Grille.

one thing I can say is that you to spray the radiator support area flat black like the factory did...

The yoke blackout will allow the grille to stand out instead of distracting you.
Sometimes the Valiant/Duster grille was painted with a black center with Argent surrounds and headlight bezels, other times it was the other way around. I have personally never seen one of these grilles with textured paint.

I used Totally Auto's argent on my 70 grille and it really turned out well. I'm pretty sure it was their standard "dark argent" but I would have to check the can to say 100%. I don't have a good closeup pic here are work but there is a really nice one in the July edition of Mopar Muscle

Krylon Fusion for plastic, textured shimmer, #2520 Black is a dead nuts match for Totally Auto's Dark Argent. Plus its only $4 at your local Wal Mart. This tip is courtesy of Scott Smith (Harms).

I've also used Penstars argent paint and was really satisfied with the results. The MP stuff was too glossy and untextured in my experience.
http://www.penstar.bizland.com/

My 72 Duster (6cyl) has an unrestored black surround, silver center colored grille FWIW.

Okay. Thank-you all! I will have to look into the Krylon. And I will have to address the black-out on the yoke too.

Krylon's Fusion paint for plastic has a special spray tip also that sprays well. I've used their satin black on my 6 pk hood, spoiler and Go-Wing.

Well I haven't made to Wally World yet as I was hoping the local mom and pop store could get it but all I got was the run around not a good number despite me telling them to "Google it".

Anyone know how close to original it is? I would like to use as a touch up if that's even possible.

...you will be very pleased with Totally Auto textured argent.
i have seen both light and medium but am not sure which is correct.
i don't know why they get a bad rap ..i think their products are very nice!


... 'old Earl says you can dress a "10"
in rags..she'll still be a "10"..

Well I made over to Wally World and of course the one product I am looking for is a struggle to find... I found ONE can of the 2520 and it is the dark argent. No silver (2522) on the shelve. The texture seems correct. Search continues...

On second thought. Maybe if I sprayed the Mopar Rallye Wheel silver over the Krylon...