• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!
    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

100 Grill - Correct Finish?

Share this page

HealeyDave

HealeyDave

Senior Member
Country flag
Offline
What's the 'correct' finish for the 100 grill? I have one that is basically raw metal, or looks like it, and am wondering if the surround and grill slats are supposed to be a different finish, or the same.
Thanks for any info.
 
Did a bit of research on this for our BN2 resto. The grill was originally a 'flat' chrome, which if it was paint might be called 'satin.' Have heard it referred to as 'butler chrome,' as chrome bits would dull a bit after repeated polishings by the butler (I'm sure your butler has better things to do, like change your oil, etc.). Some chromers can do this--ours did a reasonably good job--but you could also have it 'shiny' chromed, then hit it lightly with a media blaster with a soft media (soda, walnut shells, etc.).

The surrounds are regular 'shiny' chrome.
 
HealeyDave,

The surround is bright chrome ("triple chrome", Copper, Nickel, Chrome steps) The grill slats are a "Satin Chrome" not shinny. I have been told that they skip the Chrome step. Which would be Copper, and Nickel process only.
Hope this helps! Call Paul's Chrome outside of Pittsburgh, Pa. They will be able to tell you what Satin chrome is.
 
The chromed grill slats can also be overpainted with a satin or semi-gloss clear coat. Testors (local hobby shop or Amazon) makes a semi-gloss clear acrylic that can be thinned with water and airbrushed on. That's what I did.
 
Back
Top