Since buying my Blazer, I've been wanting to change a few things with it aesthetically. One of those things that had long displeased me was the look of the front end. Someone at some point rattle-canned the entire grille flat black. It didn't look terrible, but it just didn't work for me. I was hoping to find a grille from the local scrap yard and would certainly still welcome a pristine one, but none of them were very nice on my last walkthrough. Interestingly enough, after removal and upon inspection, I discovered that my current grille was already a replacement with markings from the same salvage lot. Shopping online for a grille is also an option, but we're ballin' on a budget with this ride for now. I'll save the big money for my El Camino.
Anyhow, I knew something needed done and made a deal with myself that once my previous car was sold, I could put some funds from that into my new vehicle. From an oil change to some touch up painting, it was time to give the Blazer all sorts of TLC, so I hit up the AutoZone for supplies. I was especially excited to look through the exterior accessories aisle and was perusing the store for inspiration when I came across a product sold as an SUV/truck chrome side-strip, which I guess runs along the bottom of the doors. Regardless of whatever it was meant for, I figured it would be a cheap way for me to do something different with my front emblem, since the original gold bowtie is unfortunately long gone and the alternative chrome spray paint looks gross.
Well, what do you know? It was actually the perfect size for me to do the entire center band of the grille instead of the emblem itself. It took a lot of patience and I'm no professional, but going down the road I think it looks mint! I also used some of the touch up paint I bought to paint the center of the emblem. With a touch of black left around it to break up the chrome band, I think it all works. For just $6, I'm stoked!
Up next is the installation of the black and chrome new old stock Blazer mudflaps I was so lucky to find, and then it's on to some wheels and tires that will go with the theme. The subtle little touches will add up to something great eventually. It's all in due time!