Another newbie to the forum... I just started work on my 99 CL and am beginning to convert the exterior to gold instead of chrome. Does anyone know if I can paint that unexciting black plastic grill with gold paint? Do I need to prime it with something? If I am unable to pulloff the gold paint job on the existing grill, I'm definitely buying Jerry's grill (ractive) to give it a try. Gotta make something shine!! Got any other ideas.

 

It would be a pain to evenly apply paint to the sides of the slates of the grill. IMO it would be fugly too

 

Agreed! IMO, the gold would look ghetto, and plus if you aren't a master painter it would be a bitch and a half to get the paint to look 'nice'. Personally, i think it'd be easier to just buy new emblems, and get the '97grille in gold. Just my $.02

P.S. Ask DustBuster4 for any info on where to get gold emblems for your trunk.

 

boy- you guys are harsh to a newcomer!! I think Iwould better off going with the gold emblems with a white mesh grill. Jerry - Is that toucan industries stuff paintable? Any other grill material out there that anybody can suggest and where to find it? I'm a Menards junkie and I didn't see a single acceptable material to use.

 

You want the mesh to be gold as well?
I suppose you could but, the chrome looks really good.

As for the lip around the grille, it comes away from the rest of the grille quite easily. However, I you would most likely ruff it up a bit with sand paper and maybe throw some primer on it before painting it gold. As the others have said, it may be a nicer finish just to buy that lip in gold if possible.

 

Scotty, Im sure nobody mean to be harsh to you but have you ever seen a legend with a gold painted grill. Its similar to wrapping your winshield wipers in tin foil to make them look chrome. There are some things that are just better left as an idea. I do have a suggestion though if your converting all your chrome to gold. You can open your headlight assembly and paint the metal insert so it makes it look like youve had custom headlights done. In fact I think some guys have already painted theres black (first gen my be one I cant remember) Welcome to the post by the way

Oh yeah I can find that *^%*ing ractive mesh anywhere and the toucan industries site is under repair has anyone found a source yet.

 

meant not mean sorry I think faster than I type

 

yeah i tried to get on that damn toucan site forever. i called that place in canada this morning and the guy said he would call me back, but never did. i guess it comes in sheets of 1'x4'or5' - that's plenty for upper and lower. by the by, i'm not hurt - not insulted that easily it's good to find a place to chit chat with fellow cl owners!

 

It comes in a sheet of 5' x 8". I know these guys have the phones ringing like crazy when I go in their. Tel: 416-755-7781, Fax: 416-755-7782. Did you ask him where you could maybe purchase the mesh in the U.S?

I just bought another sheet of it today to do the bumper. I'll post the pics shortly. I have it all cut out today. Just need to install it now.

 

Where you guys able to find out where this Toucan company is located?

 

If any body wants to look it up their under Toucan Industries