Our paintwork and body resto-modding...
Our paintwork and body resto-modding on this Satellite was nearing completion, but the bright work can be another daunting restoration project on its own. New products, like Goodmark's reproduction metal grille, lighten the load.
It's tough to get a classic Mopar body in shape, working out the wrinkles that inevitably appear on the surface after three-plus decades. Dressing out a restored body can be even more difficult since the required jewelry is getting tougher and tougher to find. Finding things like grilles specific to a particular model and year can represent one of the toughest areas of a restoration, and with the lack of parts, can become a restoration project all its own. Even if the required piece is located, it is nearly certain that a heap of lovin' on that piece is going to be needed before it is worthy of the project.
Our task recently has been a fairly major rebuilding of a '69 Plymouth Satellite. No, it may not be a super-rare Hemi Road Runner or GTX, but even a once lowly 318 Satellite hardtop is now a highly desirable Mopar. The machine is being built into a custom street bruiser, unconstrained by any requirements for originality. One requirement we had was the need to recreate the look of a freshly built machine throughout. We were more than a little excited to discover that Goodmark offers a complete reproduction metal grille for this application, as well as the hard-to-find and often damaged headlamp bezels. No need to scour the swap meets, swim with the sharks online, or pay-up and wait while the original piece is professionally restored. The Goodmark components would allow us to open the box on a nice-as-new look at a reasonable cost.
Goodmark's grille can be purchased...
Goodmark's grille can be purchased as a complete kit including the bezels, which is what we needed. The grille is constructed from anodized aluminum, just like the original, and takes all the factory hardware and clips. The out-of-the-box product has a high-quality look, and we anticipated a trouble-free installation.
Goodmark offers the grille as a complete kit with the center grille and required bezels, or the components are available separately. These grilles are manufactured from aluminum that is highly polished and bright anodized, as were the originals. The components come finished in the OEM paint scheme of argent and black accents, and are ready to bolt-on. When we considered the down time when hunting replacement parts, or the shop time and project delays of reworking what remained of our stock pieces, the availability of a replacement was really appreciated and time effective.
Bolting the new bright-work to the nose of our Satellite was one of those satisfying tasks that make auto restoration such a rewarding pastime. We just opened the box, inspected the components, and bolted on a brand-new look. To make the installation easier, we sought out all new hardware for the installation. Rather than pick up some nuts and bolts and woodscrews from the local builders depot, we went on the prowl for OEM replacement fasteners and clips for an authentic look. While not technically a part of the grille installation, on our list was a headlamp hardware kit, including new adjusters and springs. We found what we were looking for with a telephone call to R/T Specialties for a grille installation hardware kit. R/T specializes in hard-to-find screws, clips, and other OEM-style fasteners, but the variety of resto parts they offer goes much deeper. R/T hooked us with a complete '69 grille hardware kit.
Achieving the factory multicolored...
Achieving the factory multicolored paint scheme can be difficult and time consuming when restoring a grille. Fortunately, the Goodmark piece comes fully finished, including the argent and black accents.
With the required parts on hand, beauty was only a few hours away. Goodmark is known for its commitment to quality and fit, and the new grille didn't disappoint, filling the allotted space with perfect form. were we satisfied with the product? You bet!
Speaking of new hardware,...
Speaking of new hardware, we sourced R/T Specialties for a headlamp hardware kit for a factory fresh look up front. These hard-to-find pieces are available in kit form for most popular Mopar applications.
Just as we were preparing...
Just as we were preparing for the installation of our new goodies, we noticed a damaged headlamp mounting bucket at the outer right location. We briefly considered the alternatives, and then decided to pop the spot-welds and remove the bucket for repair.
The problem was a butchered...
The problem was a butchered outer headlamp adjuster mounting point that had been hacked where the stock adjuster clip had been replaced with a fender nut and bolt.
The metal was straightened...
The metal was straightened with a hammer and dolly, and the missing edges were filled in by gas welding. We followed with a flat needle file to finish the hole to an exactly-sized rectangular hole to accept an OE adjuster. The bucket was plug-welded back in at the original spot weld locations. The repair only took about an hour.
We found the most efficient...
We found the most efficient way to install the adjusters was to fully insert the plastic portion of the piece into the metal retainer, and carefully slam the assembly into the slot with the butt end of a hammer.
The headlamp housings are...
The headlamp housings are factory finished with a galvanized look that keeps corrosion in check. Ours cleaned up almost perfectly, but we gave them a silver hammertone finish to even out the color. The new hardware and nicely finished pieces offered a beautifully detailed look.
When replacing the headlamp...
When replacing the headlamp housings, be aware that each one is different for a specific position on the car. Even though the housings will bolt-up in any of the four positions, the sealed beam bulbs will not end up right-side up or go in at all if the orientation is wrong. Fortunately, they are stamped for identification denoting their position, such as this one marked HI-LO RT-helpful information to know if shopping for used replacements.
We finished the headlamp portion...
We finished the headlamp portion of our install with a new set of Wagner replacement halogen sealed beams. The lights need to be in place before the bezels go in and will help determine the grille alignment.
We still had our bumper valance...
We still had our bumper valance to install before we could proceed with the grille. The panel is hung in place, and then all the body fasteners are started in position. Align the corners with the fender character lines at each end, and tighten all the fasteners to secure the piece.
The right hardware makes all...
The right hardware makes all the difference if the goal is a clean, high-quality look. We were drawn to the aesthetic appeal of all-new clips and fasteners, and, fortunately, R/T Specialties offers kits for most Mopar musclecars with everything required in one bag. This is their grille installation kit for a '69 Satellite.
The metal '69 Satellite grille...
The metal '69 Satellite grille mounts with screws at the top, which thread directly into the hood support header, while at the bottom the valance receives clips to capture the screw. Only the rear row of fastener holes in the valance are utilized for this style grille.
Installing the center grille...
Installing the center grille was the true test of Goodmark's workmanship. The grille bolted in exactly to the factory provisions, and the upper fasteners determined the centerline position.
The finishing touch was the...
The finishing touch was the bezel installation, once again alignment occurred to the factory mounting provisions for a trouble-free installation. The bezels met the grille and overlapped the center grill perfectly. The grille pieces fell into position with an even perimeter around the body opening and headlamps.
We have to give our accolades...
We have to give our accolades to Goodmark. The availability of a new grille for this application had our Satellite on the road to recovery that much sooner, and the look was undeniable.