Painting the grill?

[rwthomas1]

Looking at the front of my 300D today the plastic part of the grill looks a little aged. The chrome is in good shape so I was thinking maybe I could just paint the plastic grill sections? Maybe a nice semigloss black would look nice and setoff the front of the car? Any ideas? Anyone done this? RT

[Holson Adi]

I like the idea. However I would probably paint it with some darker shade of gray instead of gloss black.

Plus, rock chips wouldn't look as obvious.

[240 Ed]

I would use Hammerite black.

It says black but looks like medium dark gray.

[Antony]

It may not be the same, but I painted the grey grill of my '95 E320 black (flat) and the car looks much better in my opinion. My '72 will possibly receive the same treatment this Spring. If you want pictures I can post them within a day of request. Hope this helps :^)

I have been thinking about painting my grill for he last 2 years, I just havn't got around to doing it. The prep work is the most important thing for a good paint job. Make sure to the plastic is clean and then put a few coats of primer before painting. Using a flat paint is better than using a gloss paint.

[Rick Miley]

Partsshop (here on this site) lists a grille screen for late 123 at $35.00. Fastlane (also on this site) shows the entire grille assembly for $111. You could have new chrome and all! Why bother painting?

[rwthomas1]

No No you don't get it. My grille is fine I just thought maybe it would look better, accent the front of the car if it was a darker color. I know they are cheap I was thinking of a different "look" I have painted the grilles of some old pickups I have had and the result was quite good. I prefer satin or semigloss over flat. Pulling the wiper arms and painting them satin or semi black makes a huge difference if they are chipped and faded. The details count more than you would think. RT

[Rick Miley]

Ok, now I get it. But you still might be surprised at what a replacement looks like. Your current grille screen is probably a dull nasty gray color because of 18 years of exposure to oxygen and sunlight. A new one is probably much darker and smoother. TXBill - what does a new screen for an old car look like? I know what you mean by the darker color looking better - my W210 is black and glossy and I like it that way. I'll stop now.

[Holson Adi]

hhhmm I still have my old grille somewhere. Maybe I should paint that one a really dark semi-gloss grey. I wonder how that would look.

The dark color would bring out the chrome strips more I'd imagine..

[240 Ed]

I priced the center chrome strip on my grill at the dealer.
My car is a 1968 W108.

This is for the center vertical strip. $58 !

[leathermang]

RT, trust me on this one.... ....wax your car , wax your chrome, put masking tape on the chrome, Put some cardboard behind it so as so not clog any heat exchangers... spray your plastic grill with Marhyde.... most auto shops carry it .. it won't take a whole can ,,, keep the rest and respray when you need to... I use this stuff also for refreshing old carpets...

[rwthomas1]

Leathermang,
I think you are talking about is vinyl/plastic dye. Good idea. I've used it before and it does work really well. Rather than masking I think I will just take the grill off/apart..... RT

[leathermang]

Yes, it is vinyl /plastic paint... do search on Marhyde... I have told about some of the stuff I have done with it... It really works well... I mentioned it because when you start putting primers/regular paints you take a chance on melting/bubbling/etc...from bad reactions....