1970 Cuda Grill Repair Suggestions

[70_440-6Cuda]

I mentioned I was picking up a supposed NOS grille and finally got by to look at it and went ahead and bought it.

It does have some damage that I think is repairable without too much effort and minimal cosmetic impact.  It does seem like it is slightly "twisted", as the angle of the broken fins does not match up to the grille shell.  i was thinking of clamping it and using maybe a plastic welder?

Any thoughts on how original the grille is, and best way to repair the damage? 

Thanks!

[Lunchbox]

Sorry not related but like how you have an "Extra" Spare     About how I operate. 

[70_440-6Cuda]

Sorry not related but like how you have an "Extra" Spare     About how I operate. 

Yeah, now I have 3 - 1 that was on the car that I think is a repop, another "used" one in really nice shape and this one, which for $700 was a pretty good deal I think!

Now if I can get just ONE usable one I will be in good shape!

[pschlosser]

The lower edge of the grille doesn't look right.  It appears to have a Bezier curve to it.  The chrome trim that snaps onto those protruding nipples is straight, and doesn't bear a curve.  Perhaps, this grill is sagging when the pictures were taken?

despite this optical delusion, this grille indeed looks NOS to me and in great shape.

[70_440-6Cuda]

I do see what you mean about the curve - I did not have a lot of time to really dig into it, so hopefully it is an illusion - I will have to compare it to the others and see - this photo seems a little better to see the whole thing.

Any thoughts on repairing the fins?

[torredcuda]

There are a number of techniques to repair plastic and I tried a few of them. The best one I have found is PlastiFix.

https://www.polyvance.com/products/plastifix-kit-small?srsltid=AfmBOoq-CxN7hhb_xOgY7QmZ_5jrv5-RPHDC2vaM_3lE22Kn9E6jNwlr

[70_440-6Cuda]

Well that was a rabbit hole!!  Some very cool stuff on that site - I had been thinking about getting a plastic welder and I just spent an hour watching all kinds of videos convincing me I need one - thanks a lot @torredcuda 

In all seriousness that product does look pretty amazing to work with so going to def give it a shot - anyone have any idea the type of plastic the grill is made of?  I dont have it at home so cant look for any markings, but I doubt it is going to have any from that vintage

[larry4406]

Scott Smith (Harms) used to post quite a bit of info regarding grill repair.

If I recall he was a plastic injection mold guy so quite knowledgeable. I believe he said the grills were ABS but don't quote me.

At that time (10 years ago +/-) the go to glue was actual shavings from a donor grill that were dissolved in acetone to make a glue/ paste. You should be able to find these posts with some searching.

I need to check my bookmarks on my desk top. I think a lot of Scott's posts were on the defunct Cuda-Challenger site. Sad that resource was flushed.

[mtull]

Scott Smith (Harms) used to post quite a bit of info regarding grill repair.

Is this the one you were referring to: Grill Repair. GREAT SCOTT (Smith)! IT REALLY WORKS!!!

[70_440-6Cuda]

Wow, that is a great reference!  I couldn't get the pics to load, but I get the idea and am going to try that and see what happens, thanks so much for the link, looks like a great solution.

Thinking about the way the grill is broken, and the angle of the fins to where they attach, any thoughts on if I should try to flex the grill to match the fin angle, or just fill it in?  I suppose I should probably have it all mocked up and test fit it before the repair?  Any thoughts?

[pschlosser]

I can confirm the grilles are made of ABS plastic, and the ABS plastic glue used in plumbing applications works quite well to glue it.  Once dry, the seam can be sanded smooth prior to paint.

It isn't hard repairing the cracked and broken grille.  But it CAN be tedious.  Fabricating missing pieces can be a large task, too.  And some grilles become brittle, such that during repair and handling, it cracks further.

[Mr Cuda]

Your grill is going to need heat and time to move the bow out of it.
 Clamp it to something flat and small movements as it relaxes. Small movements or you will break it.
 I have had fox body mustangs ( oh the horror!) And those covers take a set once hit.
 I would toss them out in the scrap pile, and in a year or 2, they would relax back to original shape.
Good thing your in california with some sun.
As far as crack and missing chunks I started a thread here on my repairs.
https://forum.e-bodies.org/body-shop/5/does-anyone-repair-plastic-grills-anymore-and-do-you-want-more/27829/msg311483#msg311483

[mtull]

I have had fox body mustangs

I knew I liked ya  I bought a 1986 Capri 5.0 brand new off the showroom floor, they were fun cars back in the day.  I wish I still had it.

[Mr Cuda]

I have had fox body mustangs

I knew I liked ya  I bought a 1986 Capri 5.0 brand new off the showroom floor, they were fun cars back in the day.  I wish I still had it.

Hate to admit it, but I still have my 88 LX convert.
One of the many non mopar I own.

[torredcuda]

The other method I have used is s variation of the one Scott Smith uses but instead of straight acetone I use Testors glue #3502 which works similar to acetone. I learned that method from fellow slot car guys that restore the plastic bodies (the Aurora ones a lot of us had as kids), they use similar colored plastic from junk bodies to repair the more rare/valuable ones that got modified with cut wheel wells for bigger tires and other mods or damage. I have also used that methaod on grills and various other plastic parts on my old Mopars.