81 300D grill trim repair\grill cleaning questions
 

I noticed one of the horizontal trim pieces for the grill has gotten really bent up. It's a very soft aluminum, and somehow it's become 'not straight'. I found some in the Performance catalog that showed up the other day, but how do you change these? It looks like they slide over a formed plastic 'T' on the grill section. Before I even start to try to change or remove and repair the one that's on there, I'd like to have the correct procedure. Too many times I've pulled or force a part only to find out when it was off (and sometimes broken) that if I'd only known the simple trick, it would have been a breeze.

One other question, while I'm at it. What's the correct way to clean (renew) the plastic grill section. As I checked the trim, I noticed that when I rubbed my finger on the grey plastic, it came off with a chalky, white dust on it, and left the grill chalky, too. Is there something in particular that can be used to bring it back to life? It's time to do the fall wax and shine, so I might as well do it right. Thanks for any help on these two questions. Lee

0.02
 

I have re-done 2 grilles but it has been a while. IIRC, the plastic grille is held in place by screws in 4 corners, one on top and another one at the bottom . Do not need to remove the frame. The aluminum strip will slide out, remember the position as the length differs a little bit. You may need to wiggle it a bit as the end is crimped slightly. R&R with new one.

I refinished the plastic by spray painting it. I got some gloss ( semi gloss ) gray color paint from Walmart and give it a couple of coating. You need to sand it slightly to get rid of of the plastic powder due to aging. Or wash it down with soap water to degrease it. I skipped the priming. After it is done, it is as good as new, almost.

Hope this help.

I had a couple that were bent and one was sticking out from the center of the grill so...they do slide over the T's and slide toward the center of the grill, the outside end tucks under so you have to kinda bow it and then slide it toward the center. I took a very small hammer and very small anvil and had good results bringing them back to straight enough for me. Now you have to look close to see that they were bent. Try that and if it works spend the money you saved on something else. Thanks

Thanks, guys! I found a grill for less than $30 in the same Performance catalog, but I've always felt that preserving the original is better than putting a new, possibly non-OEM part on. So I will try repairing before I buy new. If anyone knows what the best oxidation remover for that plastic grill is, let me know. I know of stuff used on house paint and metal, but plastic is a new one on me. Thanks again! Lee

The plastic part gets old, faded, dry and brittle. Eventually it will chip and then you'll want a new piece.

Your best bet for now is to paint it to its original color if you want the original look. Clean it up nicely but it's hard to get between the fins. The chrome strips slide in from outside when the plastic insert is removed. Same with the center vertical strip.

But isn't there some sort of revitalizer, for lack of a better word, that I could take off the dried layer of oxidized plastic to rejuvenate it with? It's in really good shape, other than that. Actually, I didn't even think it was bad at all till I rubbed that white junk off with my finger. I'm just going to experiment, since the worst that could happen is to have to order a new one for $30.

I don't think there's much out there that'll rejuvinate the insert. Mine was "sand-blasted" thin from desert living, chipped, and basically ugly. Replaced it with a nice one found in a salvage yard in CA. IMO it's easier, not incredibly expensive, and a better repair, to replace with either a new OEM (Available?), or good used one out of a boneyard. I don't like aftermarket stuff, but in this case it could be a viable consideration. You can basically get the chrome surround, insert, and aluminum trim pieces from a salvage yard for around $30.

Paint the one you've got silver or grey or whatever, and use it until you're able to find a better piece. Vinylex or 303 will keep a good insert looking new for many years.

Throw it in the dishwasher. Put the wheel covers in there while you're at it.