Before & After

Rhotpursuit · 07-01-2008, 08:06 PM

I finally found (after 4 years) a brand new oem composite Blazer grille...in the correct color. Now all I need is a red 98 valance so I can put my 98+ bumper on.

Before:

After:

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 08:28 PM

lotsa luck on the red valance.....gm no longer offers them colored

Rhotpursuit · 07-01-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad

lotsa luck on the red valance.....gm no longer offers them colored

Yeah..I know but I got lucky on the grille. I haven't compared 98 against 99+ valances to see if the color is pretty close..any ideas??

illFX · 07-01-2008, 08:56 PM

Nice find. It looks way better than the chrome.

Maverick2664 · 07-01-2008, 09:07 PM

why dont you just have one painted? they look a ton better that way then those ugly colored plastic ones which never match

nice truck though, clean

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 09:19 PM

yeah...the colored plastic never matches....unless it's aftermarket and your truck is satin black

Rhotpursuit · 07-01-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Maverick2664

why dont you just have one painted? they look a ton better that way then those ugly colored plastic ones which never match

nice truck though, clean

I have my concerns about a painted valance. My bumper was repainted with all of the additives to help prevent chipping but it still took a pretty bad hit from rocks. Besides, I don't mind the look of the plastic and this is a daily driver.

Rhotpursuit · 07-01-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad

yeah...the colored plastic never matches....unless it's aftermarket and your truck is satin black

yeah...well if someone comes to you for a paint job on his red valance I'll send you my black one to substitute..

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 09:36 PM

ok...

BTE · 07-01-2008, 09:58 PM

I think I saw a red valence on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy...spagenameZWDVW

Looks good too.

Garage Customs · 07-01-2008, 10:00 PM

looks good

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rhotpursuit

I have my concerns about a painted valance. My bumper was repainted with all of the additives to help prevent chipping but it still took a pretty bad hit from rocks. Besides, I don't mind the look of the plastic and this is a daily driver.

sorry....there are no additives to prevent rock chipping

rock chips are gonna happen,it's a way of life

not even 2 weeks after i painted my truck i got one on my hood...nothing i could do about it

a few weeks later i got behind a truck on the interstate that was spilling rocks......that ended up being just over $1k in damage from rock chips and i did turn that in.....

Rhotpursuit · 07-01-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad

sorry....there are no additives to prevent rock chipping

rock chips are gonna happen,it's a way of life

not even 2 weeks after i painted my truck i got one on my hood...nothing i could do about it

a few weeks later i got behind a truck on the interstate that was spilling rocks......that ended up being just over $1k in damage from rock chips and i did turn that in.....

Can't trust anybody...

How does the factory get such durable paint finishes?? The original grille didn't have any chips but the bumper looked terrible.

Rhotpursuit · 07-01-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by BTE

I think I saw a red valence on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy...spagenameZWDVW

Looks good too.

Thanks...I looked at that but it looks more burgundy...I sent him a message tho.

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 11:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rhotpursuit

Can't trust anybody... How does the factory get such durable paint finishes?? The original grille didn't have any chips but the bumper looked terrible.

factories use a totally different finishing system than bodyshops....i believe it's a thermal set finish that MUST be baked at very high heat to properly crosslink.....

and not all factory finishes are that durable....a did warranty work for ford a few years back and the hoods on f-150s and exploders chipped very easily

purplepassion · 07-01-2008, 11:20 PM

grille looks alot better. and if it were mine, it'd put a painted 98+ bumper on with a black valance. idk why, but i like the black valances better than painted ones

mrkenny · 07-01-2008, 11:28 PM

i'm not the smartest guy in the paint division, but last i checked you CAN paint chrome! just gotta have the right glue for the job... at least thats what my bodyshop last informed me!

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 11:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mrkenny

i'm not the smartest guy in the paint division, but last i checked you CAN paint chrome! just gotta have the right glue for the job... at least thats what my bodyshop last informed me!

yeah....we have had this discussion before....it's not glue that you use,it's etch primer....although someone said you can use epoxy primer,i have yet to try that

mrkenny · 07-01-2008, 11:52 PM

so i'm right............... sorta =)

so why is everybody out to find a painted grill.......... when you can just PAINT your CHROME one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

paint toad · 07-01-2008, 11:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mrkenny

so i'm right............... sorta =)

so why is everybody out to find a painted grill.......... when you can just PAINT your CHROME one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i have no idea...but i got one in the garage right now with chrome that i'm painting for a member.....

Rhotpursuit · 07-02-2008, 12:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by mrkenny

so i'm right............... sorta =)

so why is everybody out to find a painted grill.......... when you can just PAINT your CHROME one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Because finding a painter that can do a good job is difficult. You can ask all the right questions and they can bury you in BS and you (I'd) never know.

Besides, what I paid for ther painted grille is probably cheaper than having it painted.

Rhotpursuit · 07-02-2008, 12:24 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by purplepassion

grille looks alot better. and if it were mine, it'd put a painted 98+ bumper on with a black valance. idk why, but i like the black valances better than painted ones

I have a bumper that needs to be painted and a black valance, but would rather get a red one to be semi true to the original theme.

sik_kreations_951 · 07-02-2008, 02:35 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad

yeah....we have had this discussion before....it's not glue that you use,it's etch primer....although someone said you can use epoxy primer,i have yet to try that

i had an old timer tell me dp epoxy will work on chrome.

Maverick2664 · 07-02-2008, 07:18 AM

ive used dp over chrome, no issues yet

kovz34 · 07-02-2008, 09:42 AM

finally man!!! You have been looking for one of those forever!!!! congrats on finally getting one.

I am painting over my chrome grill. I just sanded it down with a few different grits, then used dish soap to clean it, followed by wax and grease remover, then used adhesive promotor, then sandable primer. It is still in primer now. Hopefully it will hold up after paint. It is by no means a daily driver though.
I also bought a paintable lower valence from the dealer. It is still gonna need sanded down and prepped properly before paint.
(although a buddy of mine told me I can have his plastic red one, which would be awesome).

edit: toad, or anyone... if you recommend using etching primer, what can I do since I did not use that. Sand down all the primer that is on there now and then spray it on? Or can I spray it over top the primer that is on there now?

Rhotpursuit · 07-02-2008, 01:39 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kovz34

finally man!!! You have been looking for one of those forever!!!! congrats on finally getting one.

Thanks...your's is looking good. I think you should paint yours and send me the red valance...

Rhotpursuit · 07-02-2008, 01:42 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Rhotpursuit

Thanks...your's is looking good. I think you should paint yours and send me the red valance...

Did you have any problems with positioning the lights in the grille opening> I can get mine aim ok but the light itself sticks out and looks like ass...It's almost as if the light itself has to sit closer to the bracket.

Jeeshhh...quoted my own post...

kovz34 · 07-02-2008, 01:48 PM

yeah i dont really like the way my lights sit in there either. Looks like too much a gap or something. ehh, i guess it is still better than sealed beams!

Rhotpursuit · 07-02-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kovz34

yeah i dont really like the way my lights sit in there either. Looks like too much a gap or something. ehh, i guess it is still better than sealed beams!

I don't have a gap so much...the lights don't seem to sit back into the grille far enough.

kovz34 · 07-02-2008, 02:09 PM

i gotcha. Yeah, come to think of it, mine is probably the same. I just dont let it bother me. The lights and grill are all factory, so it's not like it's aftermarket junk.

Either way, yours looks really good. I cant wait to get mine painted and put the billet bars in with a chrome bowtie.

paint toad · 07-02-2008, 02:51 PM

no....etch primer on top of primer does not work.......it defeats the purpose.....that's kind of like using plastic adhesion promoter after you already primed it....

you follow?

07-01-2008, 08:06 PM	#1
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Before & After I finally found (after 4 years) a brand new oem composite Blazer grille...in the correct color. Now all I need is a red 98 valance so I can put my 98+ bumper on. Before: After:
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 08:28 PM	#2
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After lotsa luck on the red valance.....gm no longer offers them colored
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 08:32 PM	#3
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad lotsa luck on the red valance.....gm no longer offers them colored Yeah..I know but I got lucky on the grille. I haven't compared 98 against 99+ valances to see if the color is pretty close..any ideas??
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 08:56 PM	#4
illFX Huh? Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,108 Location: northern cali User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Nice find. It looks way better than the chrome.
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07-01-2008, 09:07 PM	#5
Maverick2664 Heavy Metal Body Man Age: 24 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,579 Location: Erie PA User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After why dont you just have one painted? they look a ton better that way then those ugly colored plastic ones which never match nice truck though, clean
	[Reply w/Quote]


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07-01-2008, 09:19 PM	#6
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After yeah...the colored plastic never matches....unless it's aftermarket and your truck is satin black
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 09:20 PM	#7
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by Maverick2664 why dont you just have one painted? they look a ton better that way then those ugly colored plastic ones which never match nice truck though, clean I have my concerns about a painted valance. My bumper was repainted with all of the additives to help prevent chipping but it still took a pretty bad hit from rocks. Besides, I don't mind the look of the plastic and this is a daily driver.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 09:22 PM	#8
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad yeah...the colored plastic never matches....unless it's aftermarket and your truck is satin black yeah...well if someone comes to you for a paint job on his red valance I'll send you my black one to substitute..
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 09:36 PM	#9
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After ok...
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07-01-2008, 09:58 PM	#10
BTE I have no idea Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 594 Location: Amherst User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After I think I saw a red valence on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy...spagenameZWDVW Looks good too.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 10:00 PM	#11
Garage Customs Kurrupted Kreations Age: 23 Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,252 Location: Tulare, Ca User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After looks good
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07-01-2008, 10:11 PM	#12
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by Rhotpursuit I have my concerns about a painted valance. My bumper was repainted with all of the additives to help prevent chipping but it still took a pretty bad hit from rocks. Besides, I don't mind the look of the plastic and this is a daily driver. sorry....there are no additives to prevent rock chipping rock chips are gonna happen,it's a way of life not even 2 weeks after i painted my truck i got one on my hood...nothing i could do about it a few weeks later i got behind a truck on the interstate that was spilling rocks......that ended up being just over $1k in damage from rock chips and i did turn that in.....
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 10:15 PM	#13
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad sorry....there are no additives to prevent rock chipping rock chips are gonna happen,it's a way of life not even 2 weeks after i painted my truck i got one on my hood...nothing i could do about it a few weeks later i got behind a truck on the interstate that was spilling rocks......that ended up being just over $1k in damage from rock chips and i did turn that in..... Can't trust anybody... How does the factory get such durable paint finishes?? The original grille didn't have any chips but the bumper looked terrible. Last edited by Rhotpursuit : 07-01-2008 at 10:16 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 10:17 PM	#14
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by BTE I think I saw a red valence on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevy...spagenameZWDVW Looks good too. Thanks...I looked at that but it looks more burgundy...I sent him a message tho.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 03:10 PM	#32
kovz34 I needs paint!

07-01-2008, 11:14 PM	#15
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by Rhotpursuit Can't trust anybody... How does the factory get such durable paint finishes?? The original grille didn't have any chips but the bumper looked terrible. factories use a totally different finishing system than bodyshops....i believe it's a thermal set finish that MUST be baked at very high heat to properly crosslink..... and not all factory finishes are that durable....a did warranty work for ford a few years back and the hoods on f-150s and exploders chipped very easily
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:20 PM	#16
purplepassion BOUGHT NOT BUILT Age: 20 Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 14,866 Location: Mt. Washington, KY User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After grille looks alot better. and if it were mine, it'd put a painted 98+ bumper on with a black valance. idk why, but i like the black valances better than painted ones
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:28 PM	#17
mrkenny N Da Werx Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 637 Location: New Mexico User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After i'm not the smartest guy in the paint division, but last i checked you CAN paint chrome! just gotta have the right glue for the job... at least thats what my bodyshop last informed me!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:37 PM	#18
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by mrkenny i'm not the smartest guy in the paint division, but last i checked you CAN paint chrome! just gotta have the right glue for the job... at least thats what my bodyshop last informed me! yeah....we have had this discussion before....it's not glue that you use,it's etch primer....although someone said you can use epoxy primer,i have yet to try that
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:52 PM	#19
mrkenny N Da Werx Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 637 Location: New Mexico User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After so i'm right............... sorta =) so why is everybody out to find a painted grill.......... when you can just PAINT your CHROME one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-01-2008, 11:58 PM	#20
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by mrkenny so i'm right............... sorta =) so why is everybody out to find a painted grill.......... when you can just PAINT your CHROME one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i have no idea...but i got one in the garage right now with chrome that i'm painting for a member.....
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 12:22 AM	#21
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by mrkenny so i'm right............... sorta =) so why is everybody out to find a painted grill.......... when you can just PAINT your CHROME one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because finding a painter that can do a good job is difficult. You can ask all the right questions and they can bury you in BS and you (I'd) never know. Besides, what I paid for ther painted grille is probably cheaper than having it painted.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 12:24 AM	#22
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by purplepassion grille looks alot better. and if it were mine, it'd put a painted 98+ bumper on with a black valance. idk why, but i like the black valances better than painted ones I have a bumper that needs to be painted and a black valance, but would rather get a red one to be semi true to the original theme.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 02:35 AM	#23
sik_kreations_951 Custom Painter Age: 24 Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,167 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by paint toad yeah....we have had this discussion before....it's not glue that you use,it's etch primer....although someone said you can use epoxy primer,i have yet to try that i had an old timer tell me dp epoxy will work on chrome.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 07:18 AM	#24
Maverick2664 Heavy Metal Body Man Age: 24 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 1,579 Location: Erie PA User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After ive used dp over chrome, no issues yet
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07-02-2008, 09:42 AM	#25
kovz34 I needs paint! Age: 23 Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,996 Location: Pittsburgh, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After finally man!!! You have been looking for one of those forever!!!! congrats on finally getting one. I am painting over my chrome grill. I just sanded it down with a few different grits, then used dish soap to clean it, followed by wax and grease remover, then used adhesive promotor, then sandable primer. It is still in primer now. Hopefully it will hold up after paint. It is by no means a daily driver though. I also bought a paintable lower valence from the dealer. It is still gonna need sanded down and prepped properly before paint. (although a buddy of mine told me I can have his plastic red one, which would be awesome). edit: toad, or anyone... if you recommend using etching primer, what can I do since I did not use that. Sand down all the primer that is on there now and then spray it on? Or can I spray it over top the primer that is on there now? Last edited by kovz34 : 07-02-2008 at 09:49 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 01:39 PM	#26
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by kovz34 finally man!!! You have been looking for one of those forever!!!! congrats on finally getting one. Thanks...your's is looking good. I think you should paint yours and send me the red valance...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 01:42 PM	#27
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by Rhotpursuit Thanks...your's is looking good. I think you should paint yours and send me the red valance... Did you have any problems with positioning the lights in the grille opening> I can get mine aim ok but the light itself sticks out and looks like ass...It's almost as if the light itself has to sit closer to the bracket. Jeeshhh...quoted my own post...
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 01:48 PM	#28
kovz34 I needs paint! Age: 23 Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,996 Location: Pittsburgh, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After yeah i dont really like the way my lights sit in there either. Looks like too much a gap or something. ehh, i guess it is still better than sealed beams!
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 01:50 PM	#29
Rhotpursuit Ticket Magnet Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 3,340 Location: Spanaway, Wa User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After Quote: Originally Posted by kovz34 yeah i dont really like the way my lights sit in there either. Looks like too much a gap or something. ehh, i guess it is still better than sealed beams! I don't have a gap so much...the lights don't seem to sit back into the grille far enough.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 02:09 PM	#30
kovz34 I needs paint! Age: 23 Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,996 Location: Pittsburgh, PA User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After i gotcha. Yeah, come to think of it, mine is probably the same. I just dont let it bother me. The lights and grill are all factory, so it's not like it's aftermarket junk. Either way, yours looks really good. I cant wait to get mine painted and put the billet bars in with a chrome bowtie.
	[Reply w/Quote]

07-02-2008, 02:51 PM	#31
paint toad got beer? Age: 39 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 18,350 Location: morton il User is: OffLine	Re: Before & After no....etch primer on top of primer does not work.......it defeats the purpose.....that's kind of like using plastic adhesion promoter after you already primed it.... you follow?
	[Reply w/Quote]