Painted Grill

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:20 am

So, I was a little bored this weekend and decided to paint the front grill red. There's not much to do in Fairbanks, what can I say? I painted the front with a metallic red; it came out more like a dusty rose or pink color. I'll have to redo it later. But for the time being, it's ok. Let me know what you think.

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AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:21 am

here's another one in more daylight.

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robdog · Post by **robdog** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:34 am

I would have made it the same color as the vehicle instead of the contrast but to each his own.

KSNeptune · Post by **KSNeptune** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:36 am

I don't like it. Even if you have red underhood and interior details, there are none showing to explain why the grill is red. I'd suggest the original black or possibly your car's color. But the red looks out-of-place.Now if you had a RED from license plate.....HmmmmKSNeptune

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:39 am

quote:I don't like it. Even if you have red underhood and interior details, there are none showing to explain why the grill is red. I'd suggest the original black or possibly your car's color. But the red looks out-of-place.Now if you had a RED from license plate.....HmmmmKSNeptune good point. although i have the grafix werks red decals, I'll agree that it needs more to bring the color together. possibly a red license plate or some side decals/pin striping. i'm not sure. I do like the monotone body color look as well. please keep you suggestions coming.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:41 am

what if I added Pontiac in red on the bug deflector? think that would help?

slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:50 am

Red body graphics. would tie in a red grille.

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 2:51 am

I'm not sure what would bring the red together on the exterior of the car. A pinstripe might help. I am going to get a second set of grilles and paint them silver. I too like contrast, but the red with silver is just a little different looking. I am wondering how mine will look now. That's why I am going to get a second set of grilles so that if it doesn't look right, I can go back to the stock color.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 3:12 am

quote:I'm not sure what would bring the red together on the exterior of the car. A pinstripe might help.I was thinking about something like these:

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AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 3:13 am

or possibly this in red. It's a little different, but kind of cool.

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AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 3:19 am

maybe even some anime. red of course.

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slbpsi63 · Post by **slbpsi63** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 3:20 am

I like the 1st graphic. Looks kinda like the Signal graphics on the Nissan Sylvia's and Skylines. That type of graphic would compliment the Vibes body style. Nice choice.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 3:29 am

I can get them in red reflective too.

KSNeptune · Post by **KSNeptune** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 4:14 am

OF the choices presented, I think a subtle modification of the first graphics would look best on your Vibe. But I'd sure want to see it mocked up or photo-shopped before commiting.KSNeptune

pwarren4 · Post by **pwarren4** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 4:27 am

Try again - good idea though.A darker red will be much better

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 5:01 am

I'm thinking aobut getting the paint code for the salsa red metallic color. i think it'll look much better. right now it looks pink. if i could find some graphics in a dark metallic red and match it to the grill.... then i think it'll look much better. but hey, nothing like experimenting.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 5:12 am

wow! that does look PINK doesn't it? Hmm... definitely going to have to change that real soon.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 5:59 am

quote:I am going to get a second set of grilles and paint them silver. I too like contrast, but the red with silver is just a little different looking. I am wondering how mine will look now. That's why I am going to get a second set of grilles so that if it doesn't look right, I can go back to the stock color.I think the silver will look just fine. Red is a bit more out there for contrast. which is what i want. maybe just not this reddish color but, i will work on getting things to flow. whether it's getting body graphics, or adding a few decals or pinstripes. not sure yet.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 6:12 am

I'm sorry --but you must of been bored out of your mind. Either black or silver-but red NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 6:13 am

quote:I would have made it the same color as the vehicle instead of the contrast but to each his own. i agree, but its still cool

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 6:19 am

quote:I'm sorry --but you must of been bored out of your mind. /QUOTE]yes, yes i was.[QUOTE] Either black or silver-but red NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!i'm having plenty of second and third thoughts about the color choice. i may have to paint it monotone. we'll see.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 9:02 am

i went back and looked up the other thread with someone painting their grill monotone. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4530 I think i may paint it to the factory color.

rasermon · Post by **rasermon** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 9:08 am

quote:i went back and looked up the other thread with someone painting their grill monotone. http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=4530 I think i may paint it to the factory color.I seen Pablo1669's vibe in person. The factory color does looks nice, but I don't have a problem with yours.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 9:24 am

quote:I seen Pablo1669's vibe in person. The factory color does looks nice, but I don't have a problem with yours. Thanks. I appreciate it. I still think i'm going to try the salsa color. It's more the metallic red I've been wanting. Plus, I want to redo my red interior with a metallic red.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 10:22 am

not to get off the topic, but anyone changed their grill completely? i have seen some cool aftermarket grills on ebay for the matrix, but none for the vibe. i emailed one place and they said i could give them the dimensions and then theyd send me a peice and i could cut it to my fit. anyone else thinkin of this or done this?also what do you think it would cost to get the grill painted the factory color?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 10:36 am

judging from my experiment this weekend, it doesn't really take that much paint for the grill. I can't imagine it costing too much money. As for aftermarket replacement grills, there aren't any out there for the Vibe yet. I've been waiting for someone to come out with a decent grill. Plenty for the Trixs but none for the Vibes.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 11:07 am

Let me ask you a question-I am thinking of doing mine Silver. How do you get the paint in each and every one of the holes without runs on the front side?I think TrintonGT has a great point and I think I will do what he is going to do ---that is buy another set of grills and do those --Then if they turn out good I'll use them but would always have my regulars to fall back on , just in case. Thanks James

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 1:12 pm

quote:I'm not sure what would bring the red together on the exterior of the car. A pinstripe might help. I am going to get a second set of grilles and paint them silver. I too like contrast, but the red with silver is just a little different looking. I am wondering how mine will look now. That's why I am going to get a second set of grilles so that if it doesn't look right, I can go back to the stock color.Triton, next time I'm in Lansing I'll let you know, we can swap grills if you wanna see what my silver grills would look like in your car.

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 1:16 pm

quote:Let me ask you a question-I am thinking of doing mine Silver. How do you get the paint in each and every one of the holes without runs on the front side?I had mine done from a body shop as I stated in the post that TRD referenced earlier. I didn't think I could get a good enough job since I've never really done well with painting stuff. They also mixed a plastic bonding agent into the paint to help it stick to the plastic stronger. They also baked the paint on so it didn't get the chance to run while drying. It turned out really nice.

lumpcus · Post by **lumpcus** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 9:02 pm

Sometime this week i'll be taking mine off and getting them painted to match my bodycolor; for free Also i may have a surprise that no one has thought of yet or hasn't done. Should have it done sometime this week or next.. Just dunno when i'll have pics

Triton · Post by **Triton** » Mon Jul 14, 2003 9:46 pm

quote:Triton, next time I'm in Lansing I'll let you know, we can swap grills if you wanna see what my silver grills would look like in your car.Please let me know! That would be awesome Pablo! IM me or email me at smoothop45@hotmail.com. Thanks for the offer!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 1:39 am

i think the silver would look fine. it's not so much of a drastic color change as red and silver. just to look, i attached a pic from a previous thread someone did on photoshop.

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meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Tue Jul 15, 2003 6:31 pm

anyone know how to take the grill off?? i can seem to be smart enought o figure out how to remove the screws, they just spin, and i dont wanna be to ruff and yank them out. any help?

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 10:40 am

Funny that this came up because I painted my grilles this weekend also. I used a spray can of Plasikote chrome bumper paint. I removed the grilles, wiped them down with thinner, and applied 3 coats. Only used 1/2 of a spray can. I did the upper and lower grilles and still have plenty of paint, so it doesn't take that much. Took about 3 hours and cost $3.99. I think they look great. To get into all the little holes, you have to apply the paint through the front and back. For the first coat, you have to apply it rather lightly so you don't get the dreaded runs. The chrome paint dries to the touch pretty quickly, so in about 10 minutes I was able to re-coat them. It also helps to alternate directions when spraying the honeycombs. I painted them left to right the first time (front and back), then what would be up and down the second time (again, front and back), etc. After the third coat was applied, it took longer to dry. I let them sit and dry for about 2 hours or so and then reinstalled them on the car. It was very easy, looks good, and I got no runs! Pretty shiny for a spray paint, too.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 10:45 am

can you post some pics on how that looks? I was thinking about doing the same. It's a cheap mod. Now that my grills painted already, it won't matter what I do to them really.

Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 10:57 am

quote:anyone know how to take the grill off?? i can seem to be smart enought o figure out how to remove the screws, they just spin, and i dont wanna be to ruff and yank them out. any help?There are 3 screw type body clips on top of the upper grilles that you see when you open the hood (I assume you found them when you discovered that they just spin). To take them out, you need 2 screwdrivers, on Phillips head to turn the screw and a flat head to push the screw from the underside. Push upward on the screw in the center of the underside of the clip while turning the screw from the top. There are 2 "arms" on the underside straddling the screw that will flex enough out of the way to allow you to push upward on the screw. Once the screw head pops up and is loose, you pull up on the plastic that surrounds the screw head and the whole clip lifts out as one piece. Don't try to separate the screw from the clip, it's not meant to come out of the clip. To reinstall them, slide the clip back in the hole as far as it will go with the screw popped up and then push the screw head down. It doesn't need to be turned because, as you already discovered, it won't tighten. Popping the screw down is what holds it in place. The trickier part for me was unclipping the grilles from the front fascia. They clip on to the fascia all the way around the openings via several clips that are a molded part of the fascia. The lower two grilles just pop out through the back of the fascia after prying them gently off the fascia clips that hold them on down there. A word of caution regarding the upper grilles, they are interlocked in the center behind the pontiac logo, so you have to remove the right one first (the one to your right when you are standing in front of the car looking at them). Good luck with your removal!

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 10:58 am

meathead:Here are the locations of the screws and rivets that need to be removed: The outer two are phillips head screws countersunk into rubber bumpers.The center three are push rivets.And here's another closeup on removing the three push rivets:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... #47927Once you get the three rivets and two screws out, you'll see some clips behind the grilles that need to be pushed out of the way to release the grill. I just do them one at a time, push a clip up, and push the grill inward (toward the engine) to keep it from resnapping into place. Keep in mind they are interlocked as well, so you have to do the driver's side grille first when removing, and the reverse when reinstalling.As for the lowers, I'm not sure how they come out...I know there are snaps, but I'm not sure if something holds them in on the top or not...

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Stang2Vibe · Post by **Stang2Vibe** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 11:07 am

quote:can you post some pics on how that looks? I was thinking about doing the same. It's a cheap mod. Now that my grills painted already, it won't matter what I do to them really.I'll gladly post pics as soon as I snap some with my digital camera and figure out how to post them to the forum. They look silver from farther away, but look shinier almost like chrome when you get close. I figured that if I didn't like how they looked, I could always paint them black again with a semi-gloss black paint.

SuPeRioN81 · Post by **SuPeRioN81** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 12:57 pm

What are your guys' opinion on a color to match a Salsa Vibe?

Pablo1669 · Post by **Pablo1669** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 3:25 am

quote:Sometime this week i'll be taking mine off and getting them painted to match my bodycolor; for free I basically got the grills painted for free from the body shop since I had them paint it with all of the extra paint they had from fixing my doors.

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 3:30 am

I think it will look awesome. It's a bit different when it's monotone. This weekend, I might take the grills off and try again. Depends on how much time I will have and if it's raining outside or not.

savedbyzero · Post by **savedbyzero** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 3:40 am

It looks pink...I think that says it all....

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 4:23 am

exactly. pink. yuk!

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 7:01 am

so, i'm already tired of looking at the pink grill and decided to call a client of mine. he said he'll paint the grill to match the monotone for cost. He said it shouldn't be more than about $30 or so for supplies. I have to sand it down myself, but he'll do the rest! not bad.

Shadow Realm · Post by **Shadow Realm** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 8:26 am

Hey! At least you have one of the most unique Vibe front ends that I have seen so far! Seriously though, I would go with silver to match the rest of your Vibe. I thought about doing that to mine but I have a Shadow Vibe and the black grille wouldn't look that much different being Shadow.Have fun with the repaint.Shadow Realm

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 10:54 am

quote: I have to sand it down myselfhave fun, or do have a sand blaster? whats your plan?

AKLGT · Post by **AKLGT** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 11:06 am

actually when i got there, since the paint is so fresh, we don't actually have to sand it. we just need to seal it. he thinks that if i paint it silver it will be too much monotone. he showed me some different reds they have and i found one i really liked. so, i decided to keep the grill as is for this week or so and redo the interior red panels. i want to find a nice metallic red to match closer to my red leather seats. he's going to paint one door panel for free so i can see what it looks like. I'll take a poll later on which is better.as for the grill....i'm still undecided. I may just go back to black.

meathead333 · Post by **meathead333** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 12:29 pm

yeah, i was thinkin about paintin my grill shadow gray when i turned my spoiler over to maaco. but, like someone else stated, i dont think painting it would change much since the car is already pretty dark. id still like to see someone take the rack off. id like to see what the vibe looks like with out that silver color on top. i think it would clean it up alot. then again, i do like the rack, it adds character.

SuPeRioN81 · Post by **SuPeRioN81** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 12:41 pm

I'll do it... I'll get the rack off... some how lol... wish me luck

joatmon · Post by **joatmon** » Fri Jul 18, 2003 1:21 pm

quote:id like to see what the vibe looks like with out that silver color on top. i think it would clean it up alot. then again, i do like the rack, it adds character.

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