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Thread: Warped Grille Fix?

  1. #1
    Senior Member EdR5150's Avatar
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    Location:  Chicago Suburbs, IL

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    Warped Grille Fix?

    My grille developed some wrinkles during many years of exposure to the Georgia sun. At a cost of $462, I’m looking to avoid replacing it. Here are some pictures:
    DSC_0160.JPGDSC_0162.JPGDSC_0165.JPG
    I was thinking of trying to work out the warpage with a heat gun and a large putty knife. Anyone got any other suggestions? And what is this thing made of, plastic?
    ~Eddie, VIN 16908

  2. #2
    Senior Member Kenny_Z's Avatar
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    Location:  Gulf Shores, Al

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    Cut some wood strips that fit into those grills and smooth them down. Then put the grill back into the sun for a week or two. That should take care of it without the worry of stretching the plastic too much. When I stripped Red's paint I left my grill sitting on my flatbed truck prior to painting it and it sagged. I did the above and it straightened out.
    Red
    VIN 4534
    Born - October 1981
    Brought back to life - July 2011

  3. #3
    One of those purists you keep hearing about. sdg3205's Avatar
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    Warped Grille Fix?

    ... these are funny little cars, aren't they?

    Paint stir sticks are free and you can shim them accordingly.
    Dave

    Here, somewhere.


  4. #4
    Senior Member tommyrich's Avatar
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    My experience is that the square metal inserts on the opposite side cause the warping. They rust and expand inside the rubber. I have had the best results by digging them out and then using epoxy to glue in a proper size Stainless nut. With the pressure off of the front, a few minutes with a heat gun will help straighten it right out.
    Tom

  5. #5
    Senior Member EdR5150's Avatar
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    My inserts do look pretty bad, but I didn't know if I should mess with them. The fascia might be causing some warpage on the grille. The clips that hold the grille could be out of position slightly since my the fascia has experienced significant shrinkage


    Quote Originally Posted by tommyrich View Post
    My experience is that the square metal inserts on the opposite side cause the warping.
    ~Eddie, VIN 16908

  6. #6
    Senior Member Dangermouse's Avatar
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    Dermot
    VIN 2743, B/A, Frame 2227, engine 2320

    I don't always drive cars, but when I do, I prefer DeLoreans

    http://www.will-to-live.org

    No-one is to stone anyone, even, and I want to make this absolutely clear, even if they do say "carburetor"

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