Not a big fan of chrome so I painted the grill all black - I like it.
Wondering if I should paint the front wing too, but then not sure what I would do with the back one.
Any ideas??

 

You certainly did paint it all black, didn’t you?

 

I'm gonna be brutally honest and say... I'm not the biggest fan. As-is, at least.

What I mean by that is the grill seems out of place without some other "matte black" trim to balance it all out.

The grill of a vehicle is often indicative of the trim level. Most "base" vehicles within a lineup start off with a flat black plastic grill. The next step above normally gets paint, be it body color or some sort of silver. Chrome, stainless mesh are normally reserved for the top model.

Being that all other trim on your car is factory silver, the grill simply looks like one that would come on a "no frills" model.

WE know otherwise, but the average joe might not.

Even a gloss black would indicate custom without risking a cheap look.

Tie it together with some other black accents... black wheels, black handles... THEN it will pull together better. As it is, it looks like you got an unpainted grill off ebay to replace a factory silver-trimmed model.

It's my opinion only, so don't take it as gospel and don't think I'm slamming your ride. It's all personal taste, but I'm all about balance and aesthetics.

 

I don't know I kinda like it. I understand where JHM2K is coming from but to my eyes it ties in the lower grill. I would not paint the wings..........I don't know what you used to paint the grill but when painting the wings you are painting over chrome. Unless its done professionally I'd be afraid of peeling etc.
My suggestion is to leave it be for a bit and get used to what you have done. Looks really clean to me. It's all what you like, remember that.
Pat

 

I'm split as well. It DEFINATELY doesnt look bad, but I get where JHM2K is coming from. On Ford trucks, the base is usually all black, the next step up might have a chrome frame and then the top level has chrome/silver trim throughout the grill. I just think it makes it more "base."

 

Bingo.

That was the exact brand I was thinking of when I made the connection.

But before I hear "it's a Mercedes, not a Ford"... keep in mind that the previous year-model ML-series had a flat grey grill for the lowest model... and the "nice" versions had the chrome trim.

Just an observation. My opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it, LOL...

 

I painted mine black as well, but kept the silver trim for accent.

 

I tried to see what my grill would look like black, so I just took black electrical tape, and covered the silver parts of the grill. Lived with it for a couple of weeks and decided to go back to original. But like the other people said, if YOU like it that's fine .....Just me $.02

BUT .... if you ever decide to get rid of the front license holder, and paint your bumper to match ... I'd like the holder.

Edit: I wouldn't do the wing ..... you might want to put a decal over the Chrysler badge on it. Many choices available ....

 

I did mine over a year ago, love it ,, yours lookd good in the matt black
if you wanted to just make the chrysler emblem black ,not the intire wing,,
I covered my emblem with three coats of window tint,, cut it out with a razor blade it looks like it was made that way,,, love that grille jim
AMXSRT-6005.jpg
with out the covered emblem
crossfirenewblackgrillespears004.jpg AMXSRT-6006.jpg

 

Sorry, it ain't workin for me. If you don't like chrome, either go with silver or match the body color.
This opinion is my .02 and worth every nickle of it.

 

I agree with the color match, I did mine in alabaster white. I left the silver/quasi chrome.

 

I really like the contrast of the black grille.... BUT.....

Obviously I'm a fan of the color match grill as long as it's ALABASTER.

 

I can dig that. Did you remove the grille to paint it or did you tape it off?

 

I like most customized grills so long as they are not gawdy or garish. I almost settled on the billet type, but they became more and more popular, and I am different, one of a kind. Walking thru an ACE Hardware store a precut piece of small diamond pattern material just grabbed at me and said"Take me, Take me, I'm yours". Now how can you refuse a deal like that. It was about 3/16th inch thick, sturdy but not weghty, so I bought 2 pieces 16 x 30 1/2. Wasn't for sure exactly on my design, but knew I didn't want a wide chrome flat band around the perimeter and the mesh chromed too. I laid it out at home and chalked it with the stock grille overlayed. seemed to work so went to a welding shop that did nice ornamental iron and negotiated the deal. The biggest problem was the stock grille was not flat. It had compound curves. He cut the shape and welded 1/2 flat strap all around the perimeter, but left an opening to reach in and prees the lever to open the hood. I'm not happy with this, but after all it was a prototype, so next one, if there is a next one, will be a little different.
Most of one sheet was used for the upper grille and one side of the lower grille. Fitting the upper with the flat strap was a bear but finally got it worked out.The lower grilles for the air dam worked perfect. I found some 3/8" steel rod in his shop and told him to make the frame with that and then tack the mesh to it. Next upper grille will have this rod for the frame also.
I then took the pieces to a nearby paint and bake shop and for $55 he sandblasted the three pieces, wire brushed them and ground them smooth. Then he powder coated the items with matching Alabastar and baked them.
I'm satisfied with the finished products except for the upper grille opening and flat strap The cost was of course, as with any first one-off more than I had planned, apout $350 labor and materials, including powder coat and exra time on the upper grille getting it to match the curve and sit in the opening. Saddest part is the owner of the shop had lung cancer and passed away about 2 months after the project was done. His widow couldn't run the business so she sold out lot, building, and materials, putting the two brothers that did the ornamental stuff out of work. it's still a one of a kind as far as I know.
I have dubbed the Crossie "SNOW WHITE", The car was just repainted in June with HOK PEARL
code "SNOW WHITE", and the grille took it nicely.

first pic has been pearled, next SNOW WHITE, Before Pearl, prototype with "hangers", Pearled Engine Cover waiting to be air brushed

John P
FTroopChief

 

Where can I get some WHITE film covers for light lenses that are not restrictive to driving? DIY film would be acceptable.

John P
FTroopChief

proto, unpainted..proto back unpainted with hangers....rear light lenses needwhite covers....grille front painted

 

Be careful Snow White .... don't eat that apple the witch gives you ...

 

Honestly, it might serve better to simply paint the housings, masking off sections to allow the light through. With clear blinker bulbs, it would look mean.

Only other option would be white vinyl, and it would not be a perfect match.

 

what kind of paint did you guys use for the grill? im wanting to paint mine black as well, any issues with cracking or peeling? thanks! JR

 

This link may help you in choosing your paint. I used this (alabaster white) along with their clear coat.

Prep the surface; tape off what you don't wish to paint, lightly sand, I used 400 wet/dry then 800 wet/dry wash with an automotive soap and water, dry and wipe down. I also used a tackcloth and canned air supply (like you clean your computer with). Apply a coat of primer (automotive spray can stuff) when dry spray your base color and allow to dry. Inspect the finish to see if you need any touch up work before you apply the clear coat. After a couple of coats of clear coat has dried, remove the masking tape and give it a day to really set up and then reinstall the grill.

One more thing, when spraying, keep the spray can in motion and you'll avoid drips and runs.

Chrysler Crossfire Touch Up Paint

 

I had a body shop paint and clear mine so it would match the rest of the car. jim