The Dodge Challenger Message Board

In another forum I had mentioned that I had an early aug 18 69 built 318 car with a black grill. Yes I did say black argent which is wrong but it was mentioned that if it was a rough texture it is a argent silver grill that has been painted.I have looked at it and the headlight surrounds extensively and it sure looks likes they were painted a factory rough textured black.I have talked to the previous owner who was the second owner since 78 and he said he had never touched it.I want to send my grill and headlight rings out to be restored but want to make proof positive that they did not have a rough black pained grill.I actually like it better than the flat black ones I have seen.Could this be an LA plant only thing?Is there anyone who has this same color and textured grill?

It will be interesting to see if more turn up.

Was a textured black paint normally used anywhere else on the cars or on other cars? I can't think of any.

Here is a picture from March 1977 of an LA built Challenger R/T (A66).
When the headlight bezels were replaced in the 80's using Chyrsler replacement parts the argent was not present around the sockets. It came flat black with no texture. The only logical thing to do was to paint the grill flat black to match. It also covered the chips and other flaws.

Maybe others did the same. I would go back to the original argent if it were me.

If you find a good source please let me know.

Jon

No photo. Sorry. "Extension bmp not allowed". What might that mean?