Painted my SL's grill inserts

[domchang]

Finally figured out how to get the grill inserts out of 1987 560SL's grill assembly without breaking it.

Painted the plastic pieces a flat black using bumper paint I got from the local auto parts store.

We'll see how long the paint lasts, I do know that touchup is a breeze though!

Gives Liesl a whole new look.....

Pic without flash:


Pic with flash:

[sdent]

Looks great! I think I'll take a shot at mine as well since they also have lost some of their luster. I haven't looked yet, but I assume from your post, this is a pretty easy exercise? Anything I should be aware of to prevent potential breakage?

'87 560 SL

SD

[domchang]

the one thing that had me stumped for a bit, and in hindsight should have been obvious, is that the whole grill shell has to come off so you can get at the top screws holding both the grill inserts and the star in place.

whatever you do, don't drop the screws into the engine area, lost one into the fan shroud and am going to have to get a magnetic pick up tool to get at it one day. It's lodged and in no danger of harming anything when the engine is running but don't want to leave it there forever.

other than the above, it's really rather simple....did it twice in fact when I forgot to paint the inside portions of the star's circular holder! : )

good luck.

here's a pic of how the grill inserts looked before painting