removing "chrome" from grill/splashguards

[james t]

spray both bolts on both sides with WD-40 an hour before you try to remove them. better yet, go spray them now, and then again in the morning. i had to do this to keep the studs from turning.

also, if there is some crud on them, hit 'em with a wire brush before you spray them with lube. Good Luck.

if you want to paint the trim, it took me 6 coats of primer (with sanding between each coat) to get the "grain" out of it. i must say, they look alot better with no grain, and painted to match body color.

 

[X24]

not only that, they look weird painted to match with the grain still in it. Mine look weird.

 

[Hartman]

So it is possible to sand the grain off without the plastic getting stringy?

 

[james t]

Originally posted by Hartman
So it is possible to sand the grain off without the plastic getting stringy?

no, you cant sand the grain off. what you do is fill the grain in with primer. basically you [prime...sand...prime...sand...etc.] until the grain is gone. use a filler primer, and it will go faster. each coat of primer fills in the grain more and more, until you finally have a smooth product.

remember, the goal is not to have a 1/4" thick layer of primer. you sand most of each coat off leaving the grain full of primer. when its done, lightly hit it with some 400grit and you're ready to paint.

 

[Hartman]

Ah yes, now I get it. Also, is the splashguard only held on by the two bolts at the top?

 

[james t]

it has two bolts on top, two plastic "snap plugs" on bottom, and one phillips screw on the lip that faces the tire. thats it.

 

[Ryan1]

James what grit sandpaper do you use to sand between coats of primer?
and how long should it take for each coat to dry before you can sand?


Ryan

 

[james t]

Drying time will depend on the primer. I used 300grit between coats.