I searched the forums for an answer without success so I must ask, what's the best way to fix one? Is it even worth it?

My '76 F100 has a few cracked areas in the driver's side grill insert. There aren't any chunks gone and I can easily push it back into place.

I'd greatly appreciate any repair tips or recommendations on the best adhesive for the grills for these old trucks.

Thanks

 

Make sure the parts are clean and use the two part epoxies. Another glue I have used with great results is an arrow fletching glue (I can't recall the name). It's like a flexible superglue gel.

 

Seems like the weather really takes a toll on these grill inserts. If you can't get it fixed keep an eye out on ebay. You can buy a new pair of inserts for about $50 on any given day but if you keep an eye out you can get some deals. I've bought 3 sets of inserts all for under $20 per pair.

 

Clean and sand the surfaces. Clean a strip of metal plumbers strap and form it to fit the repair for reinforcement. Use a name brand 2-part Epoxy adhesive.

 

Just because you have a cracked grille or a chunk missing out of one, doesn't mean you have to run out and buy a new one(or half of one). When you remove the damaged grille see how much you can move the crack, probably not much. Just get some duct tape and line up the crack and then tape it straight. Flip the grille over so you can see the back of it, its kinda hollow. You want to buy some fibreglass that you mix up, so you can pour it into that kinda hollow space to fix the crack, but you might want to rough up the surface a little first, and its probably good to use some mesh in there too. Wait for it dry a day or two depending on how much you use(the guy that told me this said he just fills them to the top)and take the duct tape off. If you have an obvious line where the crack was, just sand the crack to open it a little and spread some fibreglass over the area and when dry go ahead and sand it and paint it.

The same applies if you have a chunk misssing from it, just make a little form of cardboard, then duct tape the form to the grille and fill from behind.

This is one guys old post that should work.

 

I have had good luck in fixing grilles, header panels, light bezels, etc. with something called "Amazing Goop" got it at Advance. Don't know why it works, but it does.

 

In the tips and tricks section, four-sixty power posted this: "Just because you have a cracked grille or a chunk missing out of one, doesn't mean you have to run out and buy a new one(or half of one). When you remove the damaged grille see how much you can move the crack, probably not much. Just get some duct tape and line up the crack and then tape it straight. Flip the grille over so you can see the back of it, its kinda hollow. You want to buy some fibreglass that you mix up, so you can pour it into that kinda hollow space to fix the crack, but you might want to rough up the surface a little first, and its probably good to use some mesh in there too. Wait for it dry a day or two depending on how much you use(the guy that told me this said he just fills them to the top)and take the duct tape off. If you have an obvious line where the crack was, just sand the crack to open it a little and spread some fibreglass over the area and when dry go ahead and sand it and paint it.

The same applies if you have a chunk misssing from it, just make a little form of cardboard, then duct tape the form to the grille and fill from behind."

I have not tried it myself, but it does make some sense...
Good luck!
Dak

 

If the crack isn't all the way through already then it will continue to spread no matter how you glue it. What you can and should do is to terminate the crack by either drilling a hole at it's end or even melting a small hole through it at the end. Then apply the epoxy or glue you prefer and smooth before refinishing.

There is a special tool used to weld plastic like these inserts are made of, but I can't recall the exact name of it or the process. The pros use them for repairing irreplaceable items in car restorations when needed.

 

Thanks for all the information guys. I guess I missed that bit in the tips section. This will probably end up being a winter project though. Too many other house related honey-dos to take care of before fall is through.

 

The Original returns! (better late than never)

Thought I'd post the link for anyone new to the site that misses the Tips and Tricks thread and finds this thread when searching:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...ner=&&t=364940

check out post #15, thats the grille one

thanks for the credit dakonthemountain

 

seems like a lot of work for a readily available inexpensive part.

 

i think i have half a 76 -77 insert around here somwhere. i gave away a 73 -75 grill and park light lenses to a fellow ford guy not long ago,he didnt need the other grill insert -billy

 

I work with fiberglas/boats. Clean the grille w/ soap & water - etch the area w/ acitone and fill it with fiberglas WITH a cotton ball or 2 mixed in the mix. It can be painted to match, or just paint both inserts.