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Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice #2736891
01/26/20 08:32 PM
01/26/20 08:32 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
GoodysGotaCuda Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
GoodysGotaCuda  Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
I'd like to pull the grille on my car and go through restoring it. That said, I have a few questions.

  • What is your favorite trick for removing the silver paint from a grille? Chemical? Light blasting?
  • Is the plastic textured, or does the grille get its texture from the paint?
  • What are the paint codes, or similar codes, that could be used for both the silver and orange?

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1972 Barracuda - 5.7L Hemi, T56 Magnum 6spd - https://www.facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi
2020 RAM 1500
[img]https://i.imgur.com/v9yezP9.jpg[/img]
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: GoodysGotaCuda] #2736906
01/26/20 09:26 PM
01/26/20 09:26 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,378
KY USA
mopargem Online tonguue
master
mopargem  Online Tonguue
master

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,378
KY USA
I know this doesn’t help but I remember the good old days back in the 90’s you could buy 72 up NOS Mopar cuda grills dirt cheap from Year One!

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: mopargem] #2736917
01/26/20 10:04 PM
01/26/20 10:04 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
GoodysGotaCuda Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
GoodysGotaCuda  Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
Originally Posted by mopargem
I know this doesn’t help but I remember the good old days back in the 90’s you could buy 72 up NOS Mopar cuda grills dirt cheap from Year One!


I sure wish I could! I looked at the new ones at Carlisle last year and just couldn't do it. It's a bit of a bummer for that much money the chrome rectangles aren't included as well.


1972 Barracuda - 5.7L Hemi, T56 Magnum 6spd - https://www.facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi
2020 RAM 1500
[img]https://i.imgur.com/v9yezP9.jpg[/img]
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: GoodysGotaCuda] #2736949
01/27/20 12:31 AM
01/27/20 12:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
NY
L
LTLBEE Offline
enthusiast
LTLBEE  Offline
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L

Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 306
NY
I used Easy Off oven cleaner in the yellow can to take the paint off my 1970 Cuda grille. It did not harm the plastic.
I sprayed it on the grille and put it in a plastic storage container and let it soak for about an hour.
Do not let the oven cleaner dry on the grille.
Took it out and used a green scotchbrite pad and
small brass brush to get the tight areas.
You usually have to do it a few times to get all the paint off. Wash it with warm water when your done.

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: GoodysGotaCuda] #2737005
01/27/20 10:21 AM
01/27/20 10:21 AM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18,153
Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
I Live Here
DAYCLONA  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18,153
Mass
Originally Posted by GoodysGotaCuda
I'd like to pull the grille on my car and go through restoring it. That said, I have a few questions.

  • What is your favorite trick for removing the silver paint from a grille? Chemical? Light blasting?
  • Is the plastic textured, or does the grille get its texture from the paint?
  • What are the paint codes, or similar codes, that could be used for both the silver and orange?



When I strip Argent off 70-74 Cuda grilles, I always use lacquer thinner and clean white rags, start at one end and work your way to the other end removing all the argent as you go, just give the plastic under the argent some recovery time between applications when you get close to the plastic surface wiping off the argent (pretty much after the solvent is evaporated) as the lacquer can soften the plastic, the factory argent is lacquer based...

the 72-74 Cuda grille will be smooth plastic under the argent in case your considering a color keyed grill (IMHO would look really sharp on your ride)

Mike

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: DAYCLONA] #2737345
01/28/20 08:30 AM
01/28/20 08:30 AM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,173
Woodbridge
T
Tommy The Chryco Offline
super stock
Tommy The Chryco  Offline
super stock
T

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,173
Woodbridge
Agreed


Fight the Good Fight- Elastomeric Bumpers and The Better "Shaker kits"
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: Tommy The Chryco] #2741143
02/09/20 09:43 AM
02/09/20 09:43 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
GoodysGotaCuda Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
GoodysGotaCuda  Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
Any sources for the textured argent silver paint?

Looks like Totally Auto's site is down, that's the only place I knew that sold it.


Is this any good?

https://www.classicindustries.com/p...5MKFQDtr2_snkYgEvnr5vDlQX7hoCZxwQAvD_BwE



or

https://8774paint1.com/products/grille-silver

Screen Shot 2020-02-09 at 7.46.21 AM.png
Last edited by GoodysGotaCuda; 02/09/20 10:10 AM.

1972 Barracuda - 5.7L Hemi, T56 Magnum 6spd - https://www.facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi
2020 RAM 1500
[img]https://i.imgur.com/v9yezP9.jpg[/img]
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: GoodysGotaCuda] #2741316
02/09/20 06:18 PM
02/09/20 06:18 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18,153
Mass
DAYCLONA Offline
I Live Here
DAYCLONA  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 18,153
Mass
Originally Posted by GoodysGotaCuda
Any sources for the textured argent silver paint?

Looks like Totally Auto's site is down, that's the only place I knew that sold it



or

https://8774paint1.com/products/grille-silver





8774paint1 is the new source/supplier of the former Totally Auto line of restoration paints, personally I'd avoid spray bombing it, see if quarts are available?, Charles is very easy to work with regarding personal requests



Pssst....IMHO a color keyed grille and rubber bumpers would really be sharp on your ride



Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: DAYCLONA] #2741363
02/09/20 08:29 PM
02/09/20 08:29 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
GoodysGotaCuda Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd
GoodysGotaCuda  Offline OP
5.7L Hemi, 6spd

Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25,050
Texas
Originally Posted by DAYCLONA
Originally Posted by GoodysGotaCuda
Any sources for the textured argent silver paint?

Looks like Totally Auto's site is down, that's the only place I knew that sold it



or

https://8774paint1.com/products/grille-silver





8774paint1 is the new source/supplier of the former Totally Auto line of restoration paints, personally I'd avoid spray bombing it, see if quarts are available?, Charles is very easy to work with regarding personal requests



Pssst....IMHO a color keyed grille and rubber bumpers would really be sharp on your ride




Thanks for the info, I'll reach out to him.


and I haaaaaaate color matched grilles on 'Cudas realcrazy biggrin


1972 Barracuda - 5.7L Hemi, T56 Magnum 6spd - https://www.facebook.com/GoodysGotaHemi
2020 RAM 1500
[img]https://i.imgur.com/v9yezP9.jpg[/img]
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: GoodysGotaCuda] #2741380
02/09/20 09:05 PM
02/09/20 09:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
4
4406bbl Offline
top fuel
4406bbl  Offline
top fuel
4

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
I would try the frank badalson kit, $125 on his site, it used to be a 3 part deal. By the time you go to a paint shop and try to match it you will spend more. If you are going thru all the work may as well get the right paint, the new supplier for totally auto could likely supply it too. It would be hard to get good texture and even color with spraycans.

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: 4406bbl] #2741458
02/10/20 01:15 AM
02/10/20 01:15 AM
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 49
Sandy, OR
OE Argent Offline
member
OE Argent  Offline
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Posts: 49
Sandy, OR
Or, Go with the original 1 part formula the factory used...

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: OE Argent] #2741530
02/10/20 12:11 PM
02/10/20 12:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
4
4406bbl Offline
top fuel
4406bbl  Offline
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4

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
Originally Posted by OE Argent
Or, Go with the original 1 part formula the factory used...


That is the best, do you still sell it?

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: LTLBEE] #2741748
02/10/20 09:49 PM
02/10/20 09:49 PM
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,493
Western Colorado High Desert
moparmarks Offline
I Live Here
moparmarks  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,493
Western Colorado High Desert
Originally Posted by LTLBEE
I used Easy Off oven cleaner in the yellow can to take the paint off my 1970 Cuda grille. It did not harm the plastic.
I sprayed it on the grille and put it in a plastic storage container and let it soak for about an hour.
Do not let the oven cleaner dry on the grille.
Took it out and used a green scotchbrite pad and
small brass brush to get the tight areas.
You usually have to do it a few times to get all the paint off. Wash it with warm water when your done.


iagree I use this method a lot with great success. Be very careful using lacquer thinner on plastic. It will melt some kinds.


72 Satellite Sebring Plus 440, 72 Dart 5.9 4-spd, 68 Valiant, 73 W200, 78 D100 sb, 78 D200, 98 DAKOTA, .
Moparmarks Parts & Restorations
Desert Mopar Metal
Grand Jct. CO
970-261-7039
http://moparmark.com/
motormangj@gmail.com
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: moparmarks] #2743326
02/15/20 09:02 PM
02/15/20 09:02 PM
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,401
northeast ohio
H
hulmule Offline
pro stock
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H

Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,401
northeast ohio
My son's cuda is color of car. Have a couple of broken grilles. What are you guys using to glue them together ? He has a nice silver grille but we really hate to strip it and paint....


1969 Dodge Coronet R/T Convertible
1979 LiL Red x2
2012 Yellow Jacket
2006 mega cab
1977 Trailduster
1979 Trailduster
Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: 4406bbl] #2750575
03/09/20 08:26 PM
03/09/20 08:26 PM
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 49
Sandy, OR
OE Argent Offline
member
OE Argent  Offline
member

Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 49
Sandy, OR
Originally Posted by 4406bbl
Originally Posted by OE Argent
Or, Go with the original 1 part formula the factory used...


That is the best, do you still sell it?

MOPAR ARGENT COLLECTION1 680.jpg
Argent Collection

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: OE Argent] #2750616
03/09/20 10:46 PM
03/09/20 10:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
4
4406bbl Offline
top fuel
4406bbl  Offline
top fuel
4

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,908
Nebraska
Originally Posted by OE Argent
Originally Posted by 4406bbl
Originally Posted by OE Argent
Or, Go with the original 1 part formula the factory used...


That is the best, do you still sell it?


Nice collection.

Re: Seeking 72 'Cuda grille restoration advice [Re: GoodysGotaCuda] #2751189
03/12/20 09:46 AM
03/12/20 09:46 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,822
Colorado
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denfireguy Offline
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Colorado
Originally Posted by GoodysGotaCuda
I'd like to pull the grille on my car and go through restoring it. That said, I have a few questions.

  • What is your favorite trick for removing the silver paint from a grille? Chemical? Light blasting?
  • Is the plastic textured, or does the grille get its texture from the paint?
  • What are the paint codes, or similar codes, that could be used for both the silver and orange?

Removed it with generic lacquer thinner, did not waste DDL on it. Worked quickly with adequate recovery time
The plastic under the paint is smooth.
I used Totally Auto.

I had three issues with the original grille:
I had a rock hole in the middle upright about the size of a quarter. I backed it with fiberglass mesh tape and layered a mix of acetone and shavings from a donor grille until the hole was filled in and built up slightly higher than the surrounding plastic. I then sanded it smooth.
The other issues were the extensions that support the headlight bezel. Both had cracked and eventually broke entirely off. Backing it with metal and JB weld would work for a while but stress would renew the cracks,
I gave up and bought the new repop. I painted it with the leftover Totally Auto paint from the first rebuilds and put the original chrome rectangles back in. The replacement grille has the orange already on the grille so it had to be masked off to keep it orange.
I am not sure how accurate anything is now. This car has been a driver from when I got it in 1977.
Craig


2014 Ram 1500 Laramie, 73 Cuda
Previous mopars: 62 Valiant, 65 Fury III, 68 Fury III, 72 Satellite, 74 Satellite, 89 Acclaim, 98 Caravan, 2003 Durango
Only previous Non-Mopar: Schwinn Tornado






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