I need a source for a chrome (real chrome plated) hood scoop grill. I painted mine with Chrome paint , but it isnt that shiney.(mary & Ralph?) Also, any one have or have seen a convert top cover(the plastic three piece) painted the same color as the car? I asked a paint guy, and he said it would peel for sure if i painted the stock one. Is anyone making an afermarket one piece fiberglass unit?? It would look very cool if i could get one painted to match the color of the car.Can anyone help?
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
Mike Grasso did a group thing with those a couple of years ago. (it seems that long anyway)
Not sure where he had it done. I have found a few places that will chrome plate plastic but it is very $$$.
Maybe you could email Grasso, I think he's still a member - without an SS.
Posted by NBM98SS (Member # 186) on :
Well..... after purchasing one of those from Mr. Grasso, the piece was in excellent condition BUT, after a few long trips I noticed the chrome is starting to chip away.
I only use at car shows now.
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
hmmmm.... mine is still O.K.
Rock wanted one, and we tried about 3 different types of chrome paint. It worked but is not quite as shiney as Grasso's.
But - his matches perfectly with the LS1 motorsports grille he put in.
Posted by MaryandRalph (Member # 244) on :
quote:Originally posted by XLR8NSS: I need a source for a chrome (real chrome plated) hood scoop grill. I painted mine with Chrome paint , but it isnt that shiney.(mary & Ralph?) Also, any one have or have seen a convert top cover(the plastic three piece) painted the same color as the car? I asked a paint guy, and he said it would peel for sure if i painted the stock one. Is anyone making an afermarket one piece fiberglass unit?? It would look very cool if i could get one painted to match the color of the car.Can anyone help?
As Hawkeye stated, We got ours from Mr. Grasso a while back. Ours has a small chip in it but not to bad for being on the car all the time, The SS has about 18,000 miles on it now and the insert was one of the first mods we did. Good luck in your search,
Ralph
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
Anyone have Mike Grasso's e mail address so i can try him? I tried the paint also, but results are a little lack luster. thanks. Posted by MaryandRalph (Member # 244) on :
quote:Originally posted by XLR8NSS: Anyone have Mike Grasso's e mail address so i can try him? I tried the paint also, but results are a little lack luster. thanks.
MGrasso@PacBell.net This was the last known to me, When he did this it took a long time, and caused some problems between he and some other members, all I can say is I was happy with the job but not all agreed.
Ralph
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
thanks, I may try a local plating source first. Who knows it might start a trend? Thanks for the input! Posted by Kevin V 2002 SS (Member # 1025) on :
I also painted mine. I have an extra one that I'm going to try and have chromed locally.
Posted by Voiceguy (Member # 844) on :
Hi there! #31 of course still has her chrome inlet. It looks fine, even 9 months after buying it from Mike. Seems to me, Steve Winters had something to do with getting them done. Mike did an extra one because I have both the chrome one which is in and the original which is in the garage.
Posted by NATESS (Member # 982) on :
i would love to get a chrome insert too. should i bother mike or would it be better to go through someone locally? does anyone know about the cost??
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
Anyone interested in re-kindeling this project? I know theres atlest three SS owners looking for chrome inlet grills. Im in the same predictement. Should we try to get a hold of Mike Grasso? Anyone else have input??
Posted by NBM98SS (Member # 186) on :
I would suggest finding something local for yourself. We had problems the last time that I'm not going to get in the middle of. I don't think Mike G. will be doing anything like that again, thats if he's still around. Just a FYI.......
Posted by Mark IXZD 150 (Member # 235) on :
It was originally my idea (the prototype is on my car) and Mike took over the GP because I wasn't interested in handling it at the time. I have no idea what all the fuss was about but apparently Mike was unhappy with some of the gratitude he received for all his hard work. Mine does have some chips in it too. It's the nature of the material. Plastic chrome plating is pretty brittle.
The plating was done by Greg Pile at Vaccuum Metalizing in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. His number is or was 909/948-9344. Lets not all bombard him with calls but if someone gets a batch done, I have an extra grille I would like plated as well so count me in for one.
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
Okay! now were getting somewhere. Sice I am the one who originated the post, I will call to see if this can still be done and the related costs. I am in Nothern California so he not too far away. I will report back on what I find. Thanks, Mark for the input. Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
Okay, heres the skinny. They will do a batch of up to 200 grilles at the minimum set up charge which is $500.00 It's a little expensive, but if we divide it up, and enough people are interested, it might be worth doing. I would estimate that we need somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20 orders minimum to make it somewhat affordable. Now, shipping and handling would be extra and some thought as to how to proceed with making it happen would require some discussion. They are not exactly in my back yard, so it might be a matter of buying some stock units, and shipping them direct to them. I havent done anything like this so, I need to get a feel for who's interested and how and if we should proceed. Any suggestions? Interest??
Posted by Mark IXZD 150 (Member # 235) on :
I already have an extra grille so let me know when you're ready. Are you considering heading up a new GP?
Mike did it this way: Those interested got on a list via e-mail. We all sent sent him $50 which covered the new grilles, which he purchased, had plated, and then shipped to us. Overall, I believe he made no profit and may have actually been in the hole slightly when it was all said and done but if managed corectly, you could do it without losing anything and everyone will appreciate your efforts. Of course some people weren't happy with the finish which was a major headache for Mike. What happens is that the plastic actually has a slight texture to it and that texture comes thru to the surface of the chrome. It doesn't come out super smooth like a bumper which is what some may have been expecting. My only complaint is that they were shipped in an envelope without padding and two of the prongs broke off of it during shipping.
Posted by NBM98SS (Member # 186) on :
Well if its going to be close "$$$$" to the one Mike had, I'm in for another one. The chrome grill looks really nice against the Navy Blue. Posted by Mark IXZD 150 (Member # 235) on :
quote:Originally posted by NBM98SS: Well if its going to be close "$$$$" to the one Mike had, I'm in for another one. The chrome grill looks really nice against the Navy Blue.
Actually it would look great on any color car with chrome wheels.
Posted by Rock (Member # 133) on :
Count me in.
Rock
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
I actually dont mind fronting the $500.00 for plating. The big obstacle is going to be getting the vents from everybody, and shipping them back and forth. Im not sure if it wouldnt be a better idea, to just buy a box of stock grills and have them plated.It would cost slightly more to do it this way, but it may be simpler. I really dont mind doing a little leg work for the sake of the group, but I dont want to get stuck with a box of chromed grills, and a bill for plating. I value anyones input on the best way to proceed and I would need a feel for the amount of people interested in the pursuit of a chrome inlet grill. If someone wants to contact me personally by e mail, you can do so at elsshowerdoor@earthlink.net. like I said in an earlier post, I think a head count as to how many are interested will determine the possibility of moving forward. Rock your the first count, thanks.
Posted by NATESS (Member # 982) on :
i want one too!!! i think the best way to get this done without XLR8NSS being stuck with a whole bunch of grilles, is that anyone interested in going through with the GP, send him the amount of the grille for starters, so at least he is covered on that end. and any left over pricing can be added later. good idea? or is it too much of a hassle to send two payments?
Posted by Hawkeye (Member # 88) on :
I have one of the originals, but a spare wouldn't hurt!
Count me in.
You almost have to buy new ones for plating. They would be clean, not damaged (i.e. get your own one back, if you sent one not damaged) and what do you use on your car in the mean time if you ship yours?
I'm sure GM would give a break on volume discounts for a large purchase.
Posted by Mark IXZD 150 (Member # 235) on :
We really only need 20 or so to make it affordable.
Posted by Steve_Winters (Member # 128) on :
quote:Originally posted by Mark IXZD 150: We really only need 20 or so to make it affordable.
I was in on the MG GP. IIRC, Mike got 50 confirmed orders, each for $50. He bought a bunch of the grilles from a local Chevy dealer, it took quite a while for them to be delivered. After the chrome job, he sent them out to the buyers. Mine came in the mail undamaged, some others were not so lucky. I think the OEM grilles were $20 each, so the chrome job was $30 each after splitting the cost 50 ways.
Mine still looks good, but there are a few tiny chips in the plating. A billet insert would be nice, but kinda pricey.
Posted by Steve_Winters (Member # 128) on :
quote:Originally posted by XLR8NSS: I actually dont mind fronting the $500.00 for plating. The big obstacle is going to be getting the vents from everybody, and shipping them back and forth. Im not sure if it wouldnt be a better idea, to just buy a box of stock grills and have them plated.It would cost slightly more to do it this way, but it may be simpler. I really dont mind doing a little leg work for the sake of the group, but I dont want to get stuck with a box of chromed grills, and a bill for plating. I value anyones input on the best way to proceed and I would need a feel for the amount of people interested in the pursuit of a chrome inlet grill. If someone wants to contact me personally by e mail, you can do so at elsshowerdoor@earthlink.net. like I said in an earlier post, I think a head count as to how many are interested will determine the possibility of moving forward. Rock your the first count, thanks.
You might try posting on the SLP message forum. Lots more readers there than here.
Include a picture of the grille, I'd wager you get a lot of interest.
Mine has a few chips in it as well and I wouldn't mind having another one. I would also be interested in sending a few other pieces (from my Mustang ) to have chromed.
Posted by Crazy Horse (Member # 893) on :
Just thought I'd toss this in... why don't you give MBA Products a call? It might cost a bit, but they do an excellent job and use high quality materials.
If you get these done in billet (instead of chromed plastic), count me in for the GP!
-- Bob T.
Posted by Steve_Winters (Member # 128) on :
quote:Originally posted by Crazy Horse: Just thought I'd toss this in... why don't you give MBA Products a call? It might cost a bit, but they do an excellent job and use high quality materials.
If you get these done in billet (instead of chromed plastic), count me in for the GP!
-- Bob T.
I, too, would give this some serious consideration if the price can be held to two digits.
Would SLP be interested in producing such a product?
Posted by Mark IXZD 150 (Member # 235) on :
The reason I like the chrome plated original ones is because it still looks OEM. I wouldn't be interested in a billet one. Just my opinion.
I hope this GP can get worked out. I'd do it but I'm too busy with the decals and gauges.
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
well, there does seem to be some interest here, so heres what I am doing now.I am researching dealerships to find the best price on stock grills.Two places I have checked locally are $38.00 each,(expensive!) and one who says he might be able to do better, but he needs to talk to his boss about it. If anyone has a source to buy stock items at a dicount prices please let me know. 1998 to 2002 year models are all the same, so if your pre 98 dont bother. I have recieved e mails from 4 people showing interest. (Mark,Andy,Nate,Paul) I will respond to you all personally via e mail when the wheels get turning. I definately will post info at other sites as soon as I get a handle on all the parts cost/shipping costs etc. I am not going to ship them in unpadded envelopes,as some of you have had bad experiences last time round. I will look into a box carton or padded envelopes. Like I said earlier, Im pretty new at this, but Im willing to head this up if there is enough interest. I will post back when I have info. Thanks everyone for the positive feedback. Interesting thought by Steve winters, why wouldnt SLP produce theese?? Anybody listening? I will be in touch. Thanks everyone! Eric- XLR8NSS
Posted by Mark IXZD 150 (Member # 235) on :
I have one from the first batch too. Even though it is not perfectly smooth, it still looks great and 10 times beter than a plain black one. Everyone love it and asks were I got it at...
I would like to get another one if you can do it around the same price like last time of $50.
So if you are going to do this then count me in then!!!
Thanks,
Bill
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
Again, thank you mark for the info. Yes they have much better prices. I have requested an approximate lead time to ship as many as 30 pieces, so they may have a price break for quantity. I am working on this so anyone else who is interested in getting one should e mail me at: elsshowerdoor@earthlink.net. I am making a list.This could take a little time to put together, but I for one definately want one. I will be in touch. Eric
Posted by Mike Grasso (Member # 86) on :
Hi Everyone!
OK Here's the story.
I bought the original grills from a local Dealer, he was cool and sold them to be for about $25 each. Then I had the chrome done for another $350. Then I paid for shipping to and from the chrome plater. Then I wrapped up each one and sent them out, paid for that shipping too! I think it cost me around $52. But I really wanted to do it and putting out a couple of extra bucks for fellow members was no big deal.
Some people were not happy with the look because the original part is not smooth, so people were asking for money back so forth and so on.... It turned into a pain in the a$$..
My suggestion would be for one person to buy 50, do them on your own and sell them to members asis. Don't try a GP it makes the worse in people come out.
Take care, I'm always around, I'll never forget the SSOA, probably cause I started it and put the Board there!
Posted by XLR8NSS (Member # 1065) on :
Mike, nice to hear from you. After alot of research, and deliberation, I handed the GP over to Deanne at Afterthoughtsauto.com, and they are now selling them as part of their product line.They have produced a batch, and will be distributing them very soon. Thanks to you, and Mark for the original idea and it's still moving forward.Good luck. Posted by Mike Grasso (Member # 86) on :
Very cool, I just checked them out!
Take Care...
Posted by Deanne (Member # 1057) on :
Quick update for those of you who ordered one...our sample arrived today. It looked very nice. A couple sample pictures are posted on the site. They also did a Grand Prix sample for us...it certainly shines. We are happy with the Camaro one and pick up the last batch of parts from the dealer tomorrow. We are on schedule to ship the parts Wednesday for the process to be done.
