I recently removed my grille to replace it with a unit from another 300D from a salvage yard. My original grille had dents in it, and the new one, well, didn't.

Anyhow - There are a few screws that hold the grille onto the hood. There are two screws that are accessed through holes in the grille and then the hood itself.

I wasn't able to put these two screws in because I don't want them to fall off of the ratchet and into the hood, and it's impossible to get a good enough view point to see any better.

Any advice?

Does anybody know what I'm talking about?

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2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, "Tiffany," - Black/Black Cloth - 75K miles, Jetta #6; my faithful, turbocharged, BBS-adorned sled

SOLD 3/08 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D, "Elise" - Astral Silver/Black M.B. Tex - 217K miles - I miss her everyday; the best-built car I've owned

I use an extension with the proper sized socket on it and start the threads by hand .. I also use for those two holes.. a magnetic craftsman screw driver that has different heads.. I have a 10mm socket for it.. so it holds the screw while I find the hole..

I use scotch tape, push the screw through the sticky side, and tape it to the socket. After it gets started, pull on the socket, and the tape will rip around it. Works for me.

I was just going to suggest the tape idea,lol. I've so far been lucky with a steady hand and a mechanics mirror,and just did the 3rd grille job on my car...1st was to swap in a better grille, 2nd was to replace it after the deer redesigned it, and 3rd was last week after my boss decided to redesign that one with his Silverado.....grrrrr I think it's a 240Dent magnet,lol.

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Chris
64 190D R.I.P.
80 240D W/617 engine -for sale
82 240D -for sale

To all who have replied - I will give all of these a try tomorrow. I'll keep y'all posted.

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2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition, "Tiffany," - Black/Black Cloth - 75K miles, Jetta #6; my faithful, turbocharged, BBS-adorned sled

SOLD 3/08 1981 Mercedes Benz 300D, "Elise" - Astral Silver/Black M.B. Tex - 217K miles - I miss her everyday; the best-built car I've owned

i sometimes pack the end of my socket with wheel bearing grease. It hold the bolt head quite well, plus it leaves a layer of protection on the bolt from corrosion.

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Adam Lumsden
(83) 300D
Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section

I have done this without any of the means described above. Because of the angle (going up) it is easy enough to just do it with gravity holding it together, and a matter of being diligent about making sure things are well aligned before attempting the "place".

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

That didn't help any. Unless you are going to go do it for him. I don't use anything either, but he was asking for help, not for who does it freehand.

Funny, in your previous post you said you use scotch tape.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

For certian things I do. Not in this case. I was just playin. My silver car has an extra bolt in the hood somewhere I dropped and couldn't get out. Wasn't worried.

So have I, only, after the second time doing the job, and a bad lower back, you tend to get tired of leaning backward over the engine to look into the hole as you shoot the moon. I just need to weld up a big brush guard for the thing...1/4" wall 2" pipe oughtta fix it...lol. At least I figured out the trick to the hood ornament removal and install.

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Chris
64 190D R.I.P.
80 240D W/617 engine -for sale
82 240D -for sale

ok, and what is the trick?

If it is not too rusty, you clamp onto the u shaped bracket with a vice grip and pull away and twist 90 degrees. Then (theoretically) it should come out. YOu may have to wiggle it back and forth to get it out. It is a snug fit.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

As Tom said, I have also noticed there are "lands" on the bottom of the ornament, which that bracket is supposed to rest on when in the released position, but the bracket tends to expand and wants to fall alongside the lands, and needs to be squeezed to make it rest on them as you release your hold. If you get them landed right it usually just falls right out. Grab with channelocks or vise grips, pull & twist, hold pulled and squeeze bracket, release pull gently making sure both sides of bracket land properly. -Plop!-

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Chris
64 190D R.I.P.
80 240D W/617 engine -for sale
82 240D -for sale