The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Grill disassembly?

52 gmc
When it comes to painting the grill, it looks like the only way to do it well is to drill out the rivets so I can straighten the vertical pieces and clean it up good. Looks like I could do a decent job painting it reassembled.
Is that how you guys would do it? Or paint it apart?
Also would you use rivets or the nut and bolt method to reassemble?
Not too concerned about factory looks.
Paul

Paul,
Yes, on my '51-3100 I completely disassembled the grille assembly to body work and paint the parts separately. You can either drill out or grind the rivets out. For reassembly I used bolts and nuts, there are several vendors that sell "complete hardware kits" for these grill assemblies. I hope this helps!

I took mine apart. I had to for chrome purposes. I cleaned and painted the verticals then assembled it all with rivets except for a couple ones the rivet gun could not get. I used screws and nuts for those. You can't even see them.

Here's an old thread that discusses grille disassembly and fasteners. I used the threaded fasteners to re-assemble my grille and included some pics too.

I completely disassembled, restored and reassembled a grille as part of a frame off resto of a '49 4400. I found it to be simple, easy and kinda fun. I was *very* pleased with the result. I used the nut and bolt kit from Jim Carter. For cutting the original rivets, I used a dremel with the teenie cut off disc.

John
Is that Charlie in powder blue?

Don

Don, No -- That truck predated Charlie.

Thanks John, I thought you went crazy there!

Don

I bought stainless steel nuts and bolts for mine.

Don -- I did go crazy. I'm over it now.

I used #10 stainless bolts/nuts/locks, worked well.

Thanks for all the input. I have renewed confidence I can git er dun

Drilled out all the rivets, did the needed body work and managed to reassemble. I like how it turned out.

Nice