Front grille replacement

Dean250 · Feb 16, 2017

My trophy front grille is really faded, I'm having the front bumper painted and was thinking it might be worth replacing.

Has anyone else done this? or would I be better of using a good product to bring it back up?

Thanks
Dean

Miller · Feb 16, 2017

I replaced mine. A good product is alright but will only last a short time. You could remove the grill and use some black trim spray paint. But for the time and effort needed a new one is better.

SharkyUK · Feb 16, 2017

I took the route of removing it, cleaned and prepared it, primer painted it, and then sprayed it. A coat or two of lacquer to finish.

Dean250 · Feb 16, 2017

Nice job there mate.

Was it easy to remove or is it a full bumper off job?

SharkyUK · Feb 16, 2017

Dean250 said:
Nice job there mate.

Was it easy to remove or is it a full bumper off job?

Thanks mate.

The bumper can stay on but it was a bit of a chore removing the grille. You have to be careful and take your time because it's easy to snap the plastic retaining clips! It's a fine balance because you need to be quite firm to pop them out so it's worth taking your time to locate where all the clips are and then take extra care when the time comes to remove it.

Dean250 · Feb 17, 2017

Ok mate. I will get some spare grille clips even though pricey for what they are!

Just a thought but has anyone tried the heat gun method on faded plastics?

Chris197F1 · Feb 17, 2017

Andy, did you use a matt black spray?

SharkyUK · Feb 17, 2017

Dean250 said:
Ok mate. I will get some spare grille clips even though pricey for what they are!

Just a thought but has anyone tried the heat gun method on faded plastics?

The heat gun method seems popular (having read about on other forums) but I'm not sure how successful or long-lasting the results are.

Chris197F1 said:
Andy, did you use a matt black spray?

I actually went with Satin Black in the end Chris. Halfords finest! :smile: (Along with Halfords base plastic primer as well during the preparation stage).

Chris197F1 · Feb 17, 2017

satin gives it a nice finish, I always use halfords own, its good stuff

Peter O'connor · Feb 17, 2017

Looks great and you have inspired me to do mine this weekend! When you say you prepared it. Did you sand it or just clean it up with a spray before applying the primer? Thanks

SharkyUK · Feb 17, 2017

Peter O'connor said:
Looks great and you have inspired me to do mine this weekend! When you say you prepared it. Did you sand it or just clean it up with a spray before applying the primer? Thanks

I spent a full weekend on it, Peter. I thoroughly cleaned and lightly sanded it down before applying the primer.

I'll say again though... just be careful with those finicky plastic retaining clips! They can be b**tards! :smile:

EDIT: Link to my thread - http://cliotrophy.co.uk/threads/165.44314/page-4#post-395601