Painting Bowtie

[spikesputnik]

So I finally figure out how remove the bowtie from the grille by depressing inwards with a tiny flatblade screwdriver

( just enough) the little triangle shaped tabs on the incredibly delicate crossbar/goalpost looking peice on the backside. And now I want to paint this gold eyesore to match, or something very close.

So I know I'll need to prep the shineyness of the plastic with some sandpaper of what grit(s?), follow with acetone or other solvent, plastic primer, color and clear coats.

Any heplful hints otherwise??

This is my first non-metal painting job, and all of the plastic/petroleum/solvent/paint stuff kinda has me wigged out, thinking that I'll wind up goobering it.....

 

Thanks in advance, hopefully.

 

[71GMC_3/4T]

It looks like the newer ones are different than the old ones. I had to use one of those "wrench" things to get mine off.

 

Mine took a blast from the pressure washer and the gold started to peel and look ugly. I pulled the bowtie and found that the plastic front part came off the black back part. It took a bit of careful prying, but I eventually got the two parts separated. Then I used compressed air to blow off most of the gold paint on the inside and scraped and picked the rest. I scoured it with a green scotchbrite pad and shot the inside with Chevy orange spray paint. I glued it back on with a couple blobs of RTV (silicone) after the paint was cured for a couple days. It turned out great.

 

Maybe yours separates too? Not sure you can get gold off as easily, but you never know until you try...

 

 

Not a great picture, but the only one I could find.

[robertmagni]

did you take off the top plastic cover (black cover over radiator) to access the bow tie? I have an 08 and I want to paint mine.

Thanks

Robert

[takevin]

if you use the search engine youll get the hits and several ways on how to do it.......

[spikesputnik]

71GMC3/4T- yea, that flaking with the pressure washer happened to me too with my Tahoe...on that one just had it replaced under warranty..

FWIW- the rear bow tie can be teased apart- the tinted(yelowish) from the chrome and cleaned, but I'm leaving mine off. I tried prying it off on the fronts, even following some goo-gone, but it did not budge. It is much more 3 dimensional too, making it about impossible to get floss behind it. I do like the idea of painting the backside though, just can not get there. So, I'll just paint over the whole things outside, well.

 

Robert- yes- take off the cowl from over the rad. It's easy- just pull the central plastic pins then the thingys they go in- too easy. Then you'll have much better access.

 

takevin- yes, been there for better part of an hour with scattered bits of info here and there. While it may be second hand to someone who has painted even their dipstick handle(orange), some of us are just beginning to learn about this stuff.

 

To anyone who's feeling charitable, what I'd find valuable to hear different peoples perspectives on this, such as when is an adhesion promoter a good idea( ie only needed for big flexy parts?), what readily available(auto parts stores) paint brands are good, should one sand between coats on such a small part, etc.

 

Again, thanks y'all.

[y2kz71]

I find it very rude when people say "do a search...do a search"....wanna be helpful?...post him some links

 

 

I cant help you on a how too, I just had my painter do mine for me since I wanted a silver metallic border...only cost $30

 

[robertmagni]

that looks awesome, now I am going to do mine for sure!

Robert

[y2kz71]

you gonna do red or black?

[robertmagni]

I find it very rude when people say "do a search...do a search"....wanna be helpful?...post him some links

 

 

I cant help you on a how too, I just had my painter do mine for me since I wanted a silver metallic border...only cost $30

 

 

Couldn't agree more we are here to help each other out and exchange ideas. Your truck looks freakin awesome by the way I want to lower mine some more in the rear and 2" in the front.

Robert

[spikesputnik]

Y2K- Wow, that looks, well, professionally done! I should be so lucky.

 

One of my concerns was that gap surrounding the inner bow tie- it would look awful if it were to intermittently fill in with excess paint. Either filled completely or not would be ok, but "caulking" it doesn't sound like a good idea either.

 

robert- did you put the shackles on yourself?? That's another project I'm contemplating right now; parts in hand, waiting for a nudge.

[ursandal]

I just roughed them up with a green pad, wiped with acetone and hit 'em with 3-4 light coats of black Krylon Fusion spray paint. Didn't use a clear coat so touch up would be easier if the front took a rock.

 

 

[y2kz71]

I find it very rude when people say "do a search...do a search"....wanna be helpful?...post him some links

 

 

I cant help you on a how too, I just had my painter do mine for me since I wanted a silver metallic border...only cost $30

 

 

Couldn't agree more we are here to help each other out and exchange ideas. Your truck looks freakin awesome by the way I want to lower mine some more in the rear and 2" in the front.

Robert

 

 

come to Houston and I will lower it for you

[spikesputnik]

Ah, Houston. I'm a Klein HS grad, class of 1980. Back when was in for me, and hangin' out at Rankin Road.

 

07HDCC- thanks, again. I saw your response to this before, and was duly noted- just looking for options. Fusion's good to know.

[y2kz71]

Klien...really?...you still in the spring/houston area?

[spikesputnik]

Klien...really?...you still in the spring/houston area?

Nope. After 9 years in College Station, it was off to sunny Florida( it's no sunnier here, BTW). But Texas is The Best, period, IMO.