Front grill clips

[Bitsyncmaster]

I have a few broken clips that hold my front grill on. In case you did not know, the grill is held on by 8 ball clips that just push or pull to remove or install the grill. These get rusted and can break the clips the first time you remove the grill. Anyway, I ordered a full set of 8 clips and balls so I could keep that grill held on tight. five of the 8 ball removed no problem but 3 are rusted in. I tried PB blaster, cold freeze, and a soldering iron for heat and nothing has helped. I'm considering trying an impact socket but since the balls are not really that bad I may just leave the old ones in. But I was going to adjust each ball length to get a perfect fit.

Has anyone tried an impact driver on something with an insert held in the plastic?

[DMCMW Dave]

I
Has anyone tried an impact driver on something with an insert held in the plastic?

No, but I suspect you'll rip the inserts out of the plastic.

[protodelorean]

No, but I suspect you'll rip the inserts out of the plastic.

Agree. Since the balls don't wear out, I'd leave the stuck ones, clean them up real good with a scotchbrite pad and maybe put a little anti-seize or grease on it before reinstalling (to inhibit corrosion).

[Bitsyncmaster]

I may try one just to satisfy my curiosity. I can always glue an insert back in.

[Bitsyncmaster]

What killed the cat?

First one came out but the next two snapped the thread off the ball studs. Looks like no damage to the inserts. Time to get out the dremel.