Grill Repair

[monza]

Nice lady in a lexus stopped suddenly.

Now my drivers side grill is pushed in. (

I got a travelling bodywork guy to take a look.

Funny - hish vacuum sucker didnt understand my Bronco Grill...

So I figure I gotta learn some panel beating...

Can anyone give me any tips on how to beat the grill back out without destroying it ?

I dnt want to spend $450 for a new one - or $250 for a plastic one...

Thx.

Monza. [-o<

 

[Rons beast]

Getting a grill straight again is tough...very tough even for expert bodymen.

I may have a grill that could fit...what year are you working on? The 75?

 

[Bully Bob]

Ron's would be good..,

If you want to try fixing..., there's a few bolts under fender well, & a few under hood.

Once off., lay it face down on thick blankets & "wack" at it with a rubber mallet., depending on how severe.

 

[monza]

Getting a grill straight again is tough...very tough even for expert bodymen.

I may have a grill that could fit...what year are you working on? The 75?

YES 75 Grill.

 

[monza]

Ron's would be good..,

If you want to try fixing..., there's a few bolts under fender well, & a few under hood.

Once off., lay it face down on thick blankets & "wack" at it with a rubber mallet., depending on how severe.

Ya - got the Grill Off - sneaky bstrd bolts hidden all under the place.

I was thinking to do the Face down and Beat with mallet...

But now I am wondering if there is a way I can immobilize the grill - and use my bottle jack to SLOWLY apply pressure...

hmmm...

 

[Bully Bob]

YEP...!!!

I've done that as well..., I've used wood dowels in the crossbars to keep even pressure., & other sticks as a punch in certain spots.

 

[monza]

Ha!

Grill Straightened. >< <'>

I supported grill on two work horses.

Laid my HD front bumper on top of grill.

Stacked cement blocks on top of bumper.

THEN used Bottle Jack to push up under grill and bend everything back out.

Some small mallet work afterwards - and its almost back to it's previously scarred ugliness.

heres the crazy grill rig pics:

Monza. >-

 

[mikeiam82]

Ha!

Grill Straightened. >< <'>

I supported grill on two work horses.

Laid my HD front bumper on top of grill.

Stacked cement blocks on top of bumper.

THEN used Bottle Jack to push up under grill and bend everything back out.

Some small mallet work afterwards - and its almost back to it's previously scarred ugliness.

heres the crazy grill rig pics:

Monza. >-

Im a Bodyman and i put mine face down on the floor and beat it straight, they arent that strong but also not flimsy so metal working is easy. Actually much easier than todays metals on newer vehicles.