pkmh
Jedi Warrior
Offline
Hello Forum,
I have finally decided to refurbish my BJ8 Grille and Surround. Since I've pulled out my radiator and fan blades for refurbishment, figured it was a good time to tackle the grille assembly since I now have better access to all those 6 mounting points supporting the grille and surround to the shroud.
The grille and surround are now out, along with the splash guards and deflector shields. There are a number of things I'm doing at the moment which include:
Other thoughts I have and hopefully some light from the Forum can be shared, especially:
Thank you for any input offered. Much appreciated!
Paul
I have finally decided to refurbish my BJ8 Grille and Surround. Since I've pulled out my radiator and fan blades for refurbishment, figured it was a good time to tackle the grille assembly since I now have better access to all those 6 mounting points supporting the grille and surround to the shroud.
The grille and surround are now out, along with the splash guards and deflector shields. There are a number of things I'm doing at the moment which include:
- Better alignment of some of the grille's teeth. That is, where the imaginary mid-line runs horizontally across the grille. Existing condition not bad, but I do notice slight unevenness or waviness at the extreme ends when viewing the grille from an angle. I will only apply a bit of physical pressure in spots to the top and bottom mounting rails to straighten, since they too, are a little wavy, which will hopefully be enough in straightening some, if not all, that imaginary line. I realize I may not achieve total perfection but an improvement is hopeful. All the vertical teeth are in excellent enough alignment to each other. No further improvement necessary there;
- Remove a small number of dings to a half dozen teeth. No major problems anticipated there;
- Cleaning/restoration of aluminum surfaces to front of all teeth and their sides (One of my questions is noted below);
- The existing chrome eyebrow is now overlapping the surround. I plan to correct it by placing the eyebrow under the surround. Seems to be the accepted norm, though I must admit, I like the eyebrow over, more than under;
- Spray paint the inner portion of the surround a matt finish (silver ok?), as came out of the factory. Surround is presently left completely finished in chrome.
Other thoughts I have and hopefully some light from the Forum can be shared, especially:
- Item #4 above. Can anyone recommend what to use to remove subtle pitting of the front aluminum teeth and removal of the oxidation to their sides? See first photo. Just curious. I've tried different approaches and although the overall appearance has improved, I’m seeking a more nicely restored look, if possible. Should I use a matt silver spray paint on the sides only (leaving the front teeth finish alone, as is) and be done with it?
- In the third photo shown, please notice how the top mounting rail sits below the surround's underside, leaving a gap by approximately a ¼ inch. Question: There are 4 slip type mounting points and 2 remaining holed types which secure the grille to the shroud. I was thinking of elongating all the mounting point openings, so as to allow to raise the grille a bit higher. At least another 1/8”, if possible. Good idea?
- In the middle photo shown, I've read in some older posts how the bottom rivets securing the grille's teeth were actually sprayed a black finish to hide the rivets. Is this true? Any thoughts on how to finish that area or was that how it left the factory?
Thank you for any input offered. Much appreciated!
Paul
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