I would vote for the elbow grease on the grille. Much less chance of screwing it up that way....

I am REALLY looking forward to seeing the completed project. That's gonna be SHARP!

 

Between prime and sand today, I went out and mowed about 2 acres in the back. While I was putting gas in the green craftsman mower.......I started to envision what it would look like - not green - but black with a blue stripe.....mmmmm....

 

Either buff the grill by hand or you can reduce the clear a little more than you were, that way itll lay flatter and you may not have to sand/buff. Just be VERY careful if you do, itll run a hell of a lot easier/quicker. Also give it a few more coats so that the thickness (UV protection) will be there.

 

I'll give the reducer a try. I just think trying to get around the edges with a buffer would be tricky.

Thanks.

 

That grill looks good! Can't wait to see it completed and installed!

 

Here is the grill: (dang low light makes the photo grainy, but not wanting to drag out studio lighting...)



Kejobe was right on....a little reducer in the clear and is sprayed on very smooth. Four coats, no runs, and no orange peel. I did use a slow hardner with it also as it was 90 degrees or better today.

Now waiting on bumper and the two new bumper inserts, which will be painted black as well and then the blue stripe carried soen over the air dam. Also ordered new Ram logo for grille and new grill support. Existing suppport is not straight and have to press and pull to install. Streaightened it out some, but still sprung.

Also bought an industrial sewing machine today and hope to receive leather samples form upholstery supplier. Plan to build a fold down sewing table 8' long to allow flat work surface for cutting and sewing. Gonna give the upholstery thing a try. Shoot, I've done everything else so far and might as well practice on the Ram. Jaguar and VW need upholstery replaced and there isn't a shop here in this tiny town.....And nothing but leather will work fo the Jag.....

 

^^^ That looks so good! I'm glad I made you do it


Black bumper time, keep that stripe headed south!






Your wife really is gonna kill me....

 

Bumper shipped last week......left Los Angeles early morning yesterday....Thinking Thursday, and the bumper inserts left Spokane Friday.

Then wil probably remove rear bumper, see if I can remove dents and strip chrome to paint it black also. Running out of things to paint on this thing!

 

I could send you my truck? It has a LOT of stuff that could use some paint......

 

Send it on down! I am sure that 2X1972 can help me come up with some ideas of new things to try!