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BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER.... A's, G's & E's


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HurricaneBilly
AzDon
Joe Van
Space Truckin
ditdater
CandyVanCan
Vanish
Twinpilot001
vanny
Digz
samsvan
Vantasia
Bruce67Econoline
Lazarusvan
18 posters

    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK?

    Lazarusvan
    Lazarusvan


    Number of posts : 1293
    Location : Charleston, South Carolina
    Age : 51
    Registration date : 2011-02-22

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    Post by Lazarusvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 1:02 pm

    Would appreciate opinions.  I am torn between doing something a little different yet keeping the authentic look of the van.

    I've never seen our Chevy vans with chromed out grills, although I am sure someone has done it before?

    I used some chrome spray paint to just get an idea.  I plan to go with a lighter shade of green for exterior color.  Think the color on Vangogh in the lighter shade.  Possibly the Mossport Green on the Vette and Nova below.  

    Headlight rings will definitely be chromed as will bumpers.  May or may not paint Jr. West Coast mirrors.  Was leaning towards chrome or stainless as stock.

    One photos shows just the interior section "chromed" out before I sprayed all the other parts.

    I originally started out looking to do the grill on the Electro van (which would be the ultimate for me!) which we can do, but not inexpensively.  

    We are also discussing cutting out all of the interior and outer material so that there is just exposed ribs that would be chromed.  A black mesh of some type would go behind to hide wiring and a bracket from behind would support the new rib only design.

    Also discussed just removing the outer band of sheet metal around the grill in order to make it easier to remove.

    I have my thoughts, but curious what purists and modifier types think.  Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings.  I am most curious if folks think this will detract from the original feel of the van.

    Could it be too much chrome?  I've always liked the chromed front on the other Earlies.

    And, yes, I can think for myself, this is just a big decision that can't easily be redone.

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    Potential color:

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    Bruce67Econoline
    Bruce67Econoline


    Number of posts : 809
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    Post by Bruce67Econoline Sat Feb 07, 2015 1:59 pm

    You know my opinion CHROME all the way
    Vantasia
    Vantasia


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    Post by Vantasia Sat Feb 07, 2015 2:50 pm

    Chrome grill looks great, anyway to cut out the section and chrome it or fabricate an overlay?  Any possible way to replace it with chrome grill from another vehicle like a pick-up that is trimmed to match?  Many of the early dealer promo shots show the lines between the grill and around the parking lights painted black with the grill bars body color, other shots show the grill area all white like a 2nd gen.  Consider that with chrome bumpers and HL rims. The old "chevy" green is cool, so is the burgundy metallic they used on a lot of sedans.
    samsvan
    samsvan


    Number of posts : 672
    Location : Sarasota, Fl.
    Age : 61
    Registration date : 2014-09-04

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    Post by samsvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:04 pm

    I was thinking along the lines of what Vantasia just said about cutting out and chroming the grille. However, chrome plating in Fl. is really expensive so I was wondering about chrome tape? There's a 1" x 50' roll of automotive grade stuff on Amazon. Maybe painting the background black and applying the tape would give it the look? I found 2 '69 Camaro chrome bumpers for $100 that fit nicely on the front and rear that I think will go a long way towards adding some flash to my van.
    Digz
    Digz


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    Post by Digz Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:38 pm

    When you get out past the opening a little ways the grill becomes spot welded to the framework behind it. Not a small task to remove and remount somehow. Personally I'd hate to see a small grill early cut up , but hey it's your van! LOL This is kind of apples and oranges but makes a good side by side comparison for options.
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Deb_an10
    Having someone come up with a van that is to be parted out and getting a section to overlay the opening might be a good way to go? And could be done at anytime. Click on the pic to get the whole picture.
    samsvan
    samsvan


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    Post by samsvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:51 pm

    DIGZ!!! You're awesome!
    vanny
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    Post by vanny Sat Feb 07, 2015 4:53 pm

    Love the Gasser look on the Chevy and the scoop underneath. Looks like it's getting ready to Pop a Wheelie!!!
    Anyways, I like the Chrome look but I say make it your own the way it makes you happy! I just love all the different ideas people come up with. Some of the best ideas come from thinking out of the box. For instance, I really like the Black 63 Econo for sale that used a chrome Econoline Horn button for the Gas cap! Great Idea I might have to borrow... pirat


    _________________
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    Twinpilot001
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    Post by Twinpilot001 Sat Feb 07, 2015 5:13 pm

    The chrome on just the bars on the grille is what id suggest -NOT the whole grille- & that has beed done on 1st & 2nd gen chevys already too- using another grille parts , chromeing them & overlaying them!! Looks sewwt-havent seen many yet has been done nicely too!! Members here long ago! Headlight rings on 1st gens are nice -2nd =chromed -NOT so much!!
    Lazarusvan
    Lazarusvan


    Number of posts : 1293
    Location : Charleston, South Carolina
    Age : 51
    Registration date : 2011-02-22

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    Post by Lazarusvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:43 pm

    Digz wrote:When you get out past the opening a little ways the grill becomes spot welded to the framework behind it. Not a small task to remove and remount somehow. Personally I'd hate to see a small grill early cut up , but hey it's your van! LOL This is kind of apples and oranges but makes a good side by side comparison for options.
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Deb_an10
    Having someone come up with a van that is to be parted out and getting a section to overlay the opening might be a good way to go? And could be done at anytime. Click on the pic to get the whole picture.
    ,

    Digz,
    I agree with you as well regarding cutting up the original grill on the original, first year Chevy early. It looks like the Econoline van in your photo is an overlay? The guy that's working with me on this project suggested overlay also.

    I tend to like a pretty stock look in classic cars with some modifications that are not over the top.the face of the advance is really what makes this statement, so I'm nervous messing with that in the first place. I have the correct bumpers and we'll use those.

    I like the idea of chroming the bars themselves as opposed to the whole area. I am Not sure that I would like the look I've just chromiing the open area as shown in my last van photo, but I might like the look better if it was black in the closed areas.  Might try some black paint there...

    Vanny, totally agree on that gas cap. I thought it looked awesome but didn't recall seeing that before. Probably the thing that stands out in my mind the most.

    if I could recreate the grill from the Electrovan, I'm not sure I would feel very guilty modifying the front end because it's just badass as far as i'm concerned.. Twisted Evil
    Vanish
    Vanish
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    Post by Vanish Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:51 pm


    Lazarusvan
    Lazarusvan


    Number of posts : 1293
    Location : Charleston, South Carolina
    Age : 51
    Registration date : 2011-02-22

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    Post by Lazarusvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:57 pm

    Vantasia wrote:Chrome grill looks great, anyway to cut out the section and chrome it or fabricate an overlay?  Any possible way to replace it with chrome grill from another vehicle like a pick-up that is trimmed to match?  Many of the early dealer promo shots show the lines between the grill and around the parking lights painted black with the grill bars body color, other shots show the grill area all white like a 2nd gen.  Consider that with chrome bumpers and HL rims.  The old "chevy" green is cool, so is the burgundy metallic they used on a lot of sedans.

    Vantasia, I don't know about a truck grill or grill from another vehicle.  I don't want to get too far away from the original character of this van.  I've seen the Stingray grill on some model of our vans and while I like it, it just isn't remotely authentic, so that's out for me unless the pieces from another fit over it? Perhaps that what you meant?

    If I could find photos of chromed out ribs on a Chevy, that would be awesome.

    I contacted a guy who I follow on Facebook that does renderings and Foose like airbrush designs.  I asked him if he could mock up my van, but it may be out of my league price wise.

    I am planning to have him do something for our site that we can own and sell to offset design cost if it's affordable.  

    Think how much easier it would be to envision this stuff looking right if someone just painted it.

    https://www.facebook.com/PinstripeChris
    Lazarusvan
    Lazarusvan


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    Post by Lazarusvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 8:59 pm

    Vanish wrote:]CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 014-vi

    Awesome!  Thanks, Vanish.  

    FYI, I can't ever enlarge your photos.  It says URL doesn't exist.   Happened earlier on another photo.

    Any way you can post it differently? I'd love to see it closer up and larger.
    CandyVanCan
    CandyVanCan


    Number of posts : 59
    Location : Yakima,WA
    Registration date : 2014-10-26

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    Post by CandyVanCan Sat Feb 07, 2015 9:12 pm

    I've seen a 1st gen in the photo gallery that was painted with nice detail work. It inspired me to make an attempt on my 2nd gen CandyVan. I used a high metallic wheel paint, with a Simi-gloss black background. Took some time to mask the out line around the outer edge including around the headlight doors. I, at least, am pleased with the results, sorry I don't have any "sunlit photos" the metallic Pewter really sparkles outside in the sun...
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 2015-011
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 2015-012
    Vanish
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    Post by Vanish Sat Feb 07, 2015 9:15 pm

    I'm Looking.... I know I got a Better picture of that Grill some where here .... as I can remember I have a Close up of it .. Just cant seem to find it right at this moment ....  i'll keep looking ....

    CandyVanCan
    CandyVanCan


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    Post by CandyVanCan Sat Feb 07, 2015 10:47 pm

    Lazarusvan,

    Here's the:  "Think how much easier it would be to envision this stuff looking right if someone just painted it." ...Photo you've requested!

    before:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 11010

    AFTER:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 110_co11
    Lazarusvan
    Lazarusvan


    Number of posts : 1293
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    Post by Lazarusvan Sat Feb 07, 2015 11:42 pm

    CandyVanCan wrote:Lazarusvan,

    Here's the:  "Think how much easier it would be to envision this stuff looking right if someone just painted it." ...Photo you've requested!

    before:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 11010

    AFTER:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 110_co11

    Nice work!  You are hired.  Can you Photoshop the rust away...And paint it Mossport Green?
    ditdater
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    Post by ditdater Sun Feb 08, 2015 1:12 pm

    good idea !
    Space Truckin
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    Post by Space Truckin Sun Feb 08, 2015 2:32 pm

    I like it Idea
    CandyVanCan
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    Post by CandyVanCan Sun Feb 08, 2015 3:24 pm

    Lazarusvan wrote:
    CandyVanCan wrote:Lazarusvan,

    Here's the:  "Think how much easier it would be to envision this stuff looking right if someone just painted it." ...Photo you've requested!

    before:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 11010

    AFTER:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 110_co11

    Nice work!  You are hired.  Can you Photoshop the rust away...And paint it Mossport Green?

    SURE ! Please make your "Donation" here to Vintage-Vans.com, as my contribution to a great sight! Cecil

    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Lazaru11
    sorry for the grainy pic, I had to resize to post...
    Lazarusvan
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    Post by Lazarusvan Sun Feb 08, 2015 3:41 pm

    CandyVanCan wrote:
    Lazarusvan wrote:
    CandyVanCan wrote:Lazarusvan,

    Here's the:  "Think how much easier it would be to envision this stuff looking right if someone just painted it." ...Photo you've requested!

    before:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 11010

    AFTER:
    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? 110_co11

    Nice work!  You are hired.  Can you Photoshop the rust away...And paint it Mossport Green?

    SURE ! Please make your "Donation" here to Vintage-Vans.com, as my contribution to a great sight! Cecil

    Thanks, Cecil.  Done. I am due for my donation anyhow!

    Sending you a PM for a better resolution photo.  I like the grainy photo.


    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Lazaru11
    sorry for the grainy pic, I had to resize to post...
    vanny
    vanny
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    Post by vanny Sun Feb 08, 2015 4:38 pm

    That's Awesome!!! cheers cheers cheers


    _________________
    “The future will soon be a thing of the past."

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    Joe Van
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    Post by Joe Van Sun Feb 08, 2015 7:13 pm

    Now that's one "Sharp" looking van I like this idea best on the grill it keeps you from cutting the original one up and gives you the effect that you want... cheers ..CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Lazaru10


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    Post by AzDon Fri Feb 13, 2015 9:00 pm

    Your before and after with the black painted in the recesses is the way the GM designers envisioned it before it became part of a sheet metal stamping.....
    If your stock stuff was crashed, as mine was on my 66 (back in the day) I would then suggest cutting out the opening, Rimming the cut with conduit for a rolled edge, and then fabbing a grille out of stainless brake line (or fuel) tubing with the ends terminating beyond and behind the ends of the opening...... This would require considerable body working skills, especially if you were incorporating the original signal light.......My 69's grille is perfect, so there is NO CHANCE that I will mess with it, other than visual paint tricks........Silver paint can look like brushed aluminum or stainless if chosen and applied properly....
    Lazarusvan
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    Post by Lazarusvan Sun Feb 15, 2015 7:21 pm

    Just found this photo on my computer. Shows the center portion only painted.

    If I go paint and not chrome, I'm going to do entire rib section, not just center, and black out the in between parts.


    CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Van_bu10
    HurricaneBilly
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    Post by HurricaneBilly Sun Feb 15, 2015 8:05 pm

    Joe Van wrote:Now that's one "Sharp" looking van I like this idea best on the grill it keeps you from cutting the original one up and gives you the effect that you want... cheers ..CUSTOM CHROME GRILL MOCKUP-WHAT DO YOU THINK? Lazaru10
    Got to say I love the way that looks . the colors are great .

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