Chrome grill

[travis6370]

I'm having trouble deciding whether to paint my grill and front bumper white on my 69 Ranger or to have the grill chromed to match the bumper. What are y'alls opinions ? My truck has a nice patina, so I'm not sure which would look better, plus the chrome grill is more in line with the Ranger package.

[sargentrs]

I've always preferred the chromed look but that's just me.

[travis6370]

I found a couple places out in Houston that do chrome plating. Anyone have a guess as to how much it's gonna cost me ? I found some DIY kits ranging from $300-$900 so I figured somewhere in the middle of that price range to have it done professionally.

[chicof100]

That all depends on what needs to be done to the grille. Does the plater have to work out any dents and dings? Are there any spots that need to be welded? Do they need to strip it? Does the shop do copper and nickel before chrome? Or do they charge more for copper?
For a 69 steel grille price can be $700.00 to a $1000.00
Don't forget the cost of headlight bezels, same thing applies.

[69Ford]

If its a 69 Ranger should have come with an aluminum grill. Did someone paint your grill or replaced with steel.

[travis6370]

It's an original aluminum grill, no dents and no cracks that I can see. I've tried everything to get it polished but I don't have any luck. I guess I need to try and remove the anodizing again before I pay the $500 ESTIMATE I just received.

[69Ford]

Polished aluminum looks as good if not better than chrome its just a lot of work. Not saying I have done it. I've looked into it and to do it right you will have lots of hours and a gorgeous grill. Let us know because I have a spare grill just waiting to be done.

[travis6370]

I came up with another option, chrome vinyl wrap ! 3M makes a really nice looking chrome film you apply with soapy water. I tinted my own windows one time and that turned out nicely. And the 3M product is pretty affordable.

[Dan]

Just remember you won't fake anyone out with a film wrap...I have never yet to date seen anything that's supposed to be a chrome substitute actually look THAT good. I vote always to go with chrome over the painted look! Somebody had replaced my grill with a white painted steel one, it was the first thing I did to the truck, replaced it with a proper 67 aluminum one.

[Godspeed128]

It's not original but LMC has a grill for 599. By the way what do you guys think about aftermarket parts? For example bumpers someone told me they are not as heavy duty and can flex easier