How can I save my cuda grill

[512detail]

So i have a danko predator cuda grill on my 09 SRT. 10 months now.

Love it. Makes my car stand out from the front.

But i was poor broke at the time i installed it and couldn't afford to clear wrap it or pff or whatever.

Now i suffer the bitter consequences

Can this be safely touched up and wrapped in something Without taking it off?

Should i try just a vinyl wrap? Professionally installed of course

I am no body work guy, just a hack with a polisher and garage full of quality car care products

Please advise as if this was your own problem. This is my baby, had it since it came out of the showroom floor in 2009.

Thanks.

-Brandt K.

 

[trashmanssd]

I would remove it and have it wrapped or water transfer graphics done. It may be able to be wrapped on the car but may be cheaper if its removed that a lot intricate areas to try do on the car.

 

[512detail]

I would remove it and have it wrapped or water transfer graphics done. It may be able to be wrapped on the car but may be cheaper if its removed that a lot intricate areas to try do on the car.

I might just need to wait until my next bonus when I do a cam swap and the front end is off

 

[The Driver]

Grills = plastidip, always

You can get VERY texture accuracy depending on how you apply it. Also add glossifier for a more shiny wet look. I've done it on all my grills, stops fading, rock chips and peels away when I'm done. Do about 4 coats and it lasts for years with no rips or breakdowns.

 

[Accumulator]

512detail- OOOOH, cams huh?!? Heh heh heh....sounds fun.

I do hope you follow trashmanssd's advice as I *really* like that grille (though I think I just might want it blacked-out, I'd have to see it in person...). Interesting that it got so [messed] up, must be more fragile that I would've expected.

 

[Poorboy]

I think you have some great ideas above .. dip it , wrap it or paint it ... each have their up side :bigups

 

[512detail]

512detail- OOOOH, cams huh?!? Heh heh heh....sounds fun.

I do hope you follow trashmanssd's advice as I *really* like that grille (though I think I just might want it blacked-out, I'd have to see it in person...). Interesting that it got so [messed] up, must be more fragile that I would've expected.

Its essentially a $5-600 piece of crappy plastic or something, lol

I had it for 3 years before installing

 

[Accumulator]

Its essentially a $5-600 piece of crappy plastic or something, lol

Well, IMO it's a nicely styled piece of plastic nonetheless!

And I sure can't talk about, uhm..accumulating parts that sit around uninstalled (I have lots of stuff for the Crown Vic just sitting here whispering "install me, please").

 

[Poorboy]

And I sure can't talk about, uhm..accumulating parts that sit around uninstalled (I have lots of stuff for the Crown Vic just sitting here whispering "install me, please").

don't do it .. as soon as you put them on and make space, you'll have to buy something else to put in it's place :lol2:

 

[JBM]

This is your grill at 120 mph

 

[Accumulator]

don't do it .. as soon as you put them on and make space, you'll have to buy something else to put in it's place :lol2:

Heh heh, yeah...that's the way it often goes all right! Though I really am getting better (famous last words).

But that car will be a *LOT* more fun with the suspension done, so that particular mountain of parts really oughta go on....after I have the powdercoating redone to my satisfaction, and I clear the cad-plated bits, and otherwise get all Autopian about it. Sigh...that Curse of Autopia again

 

[The Guz]

If it was me I would black out that piece. Either paint it to match the rest of the car and ppf it or vinyl wrap it (gloss black vinyl). I'm not a fan of plasti dip. Been there done that.

 

[davidc]

Or you could do like I did with the 70 roadrunner, the Cuda's grill was the same. I ordered up some textured Argent Silver paint and repainted the grill and head light bezels to factory specs, then fanned some black over that where the factory had it. It was a little crazy as I sprayed it outdoors and it looked like a 60's psychedelic tour with all the metal floating in the air. . I personally think a textured Argent Silver grill would look great on that front end.

Dave

 

[512detail]

Well, IMO it's a nicely styled piece of plastic nonetheless!

And I sure can't talk about, uhm..accumulating parts that sit around uninstalled (I have lots of stuff for the Crown Vic just sitting here whispering "install me, please").

Know what you mean on that too..
Swaw bar kit sitting since black friday

Also have 4 black chrome alcoa srt wheels from my car before the swap.
And thankfully just sold my slicks and 17inch wheels. Going to try to get rid of the alcoas soon as well.

In my mind that's lights,in my garage or a master blaster and a markII

 

[JustJesus]

nice looking wheels.

I need to start moving some of my Honda parts. Sheesh. SO much space taken up.

 

[Migue]

If it was my car, I'd take it off and spray it with rhino liner to give it more resistance from damage.

 

[4u2nvinmtl]

Thats a definitely a mean looking grill insert that does really change up the look for the better!

I have similar damage on my 09 Jeep SRT8 grills (one does double duty for my winter and summer bumper). Im going to try

The Drivers

plastidip idea because its the most DYI friendly and it gives me the possibly to change up the color of my grills.

Great thread, dont know how I missed it.

Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[The Driver]

Glad I could help, its the cheapest options as well. If you dont like it, peel it off and your out 7$. Plus I love the fact you can layer it and it absorbs rock damage rather than pitting.