If you would like a more 'finished' 3 bar grille, (and a lot more work) you can do it like GTOMIKE did his...

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/appearance-modifications-discussions-6/one-bar-wonder-grill-done-13829/

Just another approach, a lot beter, IMO.

Mo

 

Did my grill last night, love it, gotta color my Bowtie asap.

 

Do you guys all take the chrome off first? I don't think I would do that, unless I absolutely HAD to.

Also, do you have problems with paint chips and getting bugs off without damaging the paint? I'm planning to do mine, and I'm just wondering how much maintenance is involved in keeping it looking great.

 

We scuffed our satin finished grill with 400 sand paper and then sprayed it with an adhesion promoter before priming. We have seen non-protected painted grills that take a beating from everyday normal use. To help protect our grill we have the 3m clear bra material applied on our painted grill and seems to be doing well for over a year now!

 

Left mine chrome like the blue one in the link.

 

I sanded my satin finish grille down, then sprayed it with ACID-8 (acid etch primer). Then painted. Holding up great so far.