So. One other foible in my GTVi is that somebody - in their infinite wisdom - painted the chrome grill. It's a good job, neat and tidy, but if I pick at it I can lift it and see the original chrome plating.

My question is; before I dissolve my whole grill in the WRONG paint remover, is there a way of getting this paint off without lifting the chrome or damaging the grill?

The pain appears to be just a couple of coats of satin black. Or aged gloss black.

Probably was painted to cover up damage to the chrome. If you really need chrome, see if new ones are still available.

high presure water cleaner will take it off if you can pick it off with your finger i did that with a bodykit i bought paint was shite and i just peeled it off with my high presure water blaster.Worth a try.

The GTVi had a black painted grille with a chrome outer surround

The best thing to try is MrMuscle to get the black off

No. That is how the KL/KW GTVi and Ei grille are from factory. It is basically the full chromed Xi grille and they then spray matte black paint over it except for the edges. I now have the full chrome version on my car. My old grilles had stone chips which exposed the chrome as well.

If its acrylic lacquer use metho, if its a spray pack of enamel use turps.

Now if the chrome underneath is proper chrome and not spray paint it should remain untouched, just try a small patch first.

Well, if that's how they are from factory (painted with chrome strip) I'm going to not mess with it.

No. That is how the KL/KW GTVi and Ei grille are from factory. It is basically the full chromed Xi grille and they then spray matte black paint over it except for the edges. I now have the full chrome version on my car. My old grilles had stone chips which exposed the chrome as well.

Ummm, that is pretty much what I said ?? When you look at them the main centre and grille slats are black, the outer is chrome

When you remove the black, you are left with chrome, have done this to KJ Grilles several times

Ummm, that is pretty much what I said ?? When you look at them the main centre and grille slats are black, the outer is chrome

When you remove the black, you are left with chrome, have done this to KJ Grilles several times

I was referring to MadMax's post and was distracted so the post ended up after yours. :)

No. That is how the KL/KW GTVi and Ei grille are from factory. It is basically the full chromed Xi grille and they then spray matte black paint over it except for the edges. I now have the full chrome version on my car. My old grilles had stone chips which exposed the chrome as well.

Have you got any pics of said full chrome grill?

If it looks good, might be an idea for me.

Have you got any pics of said full chrome grill?

If it looks good, might be an idea for me.

Here they are

http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/vbednikov/IMG_20120125_114547.jpg
http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/vbednikov/IMG_20120125_114532.jpg
http://i856.photobucket.com/albums/ab124/vbednikov/IMG_20120125_114343.jpg

That doesn't look to bad actually.

That doesn't look to bad actually.

Plus 1... Looks good....
What technique did you use......?

Cash for xi spec on ebay

That doesn't look to bad actually.

+1 (more)

might have to do that to my car too...

Skapper - I thougth your car had the wrong grilles from the photos that you posted on FB when driving it home, cause couldnt see the chrome edges.
As pointed out above, your car has the correct grilles on it for its spec level :)

I simply sanded mine. I didn't care for the mirror-like finish and went for a "brushed" look. Not bad. But at close inspection it does look pretty poorly done. I'll need to get at it again.

I have a spare lhs in matte black. Tried to sell it before without succes. It is listed on gumtree.
It is brand new.