View Full Version : Frame & Body Warped Grille Fix?
EdR5150
04-17-2014, 10:54 PM
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:
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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?
Kenny_Z
04-18-2014, 08:21 AM
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.
sdg3205
04-19-2014, 02:20 AM
... these are funny little cars, aren't they?
Paint stir sticks are free and you can shim them accordingly.
tommyrich
04-19-2014, 07:45 AM
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
EdR5150
04-19-2014, 06:17 PM
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
https://v4s1.yimg.com/sh/45/183831562_608af0cd97.jpg
My experience is that the square metal inserts on the opposite side cause the warping.
Dangermouse
04-19-2014, 07:53 PM
;)
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