front grill crack repair

zhillzen · Post by **zhillzen** » Wed May 10, 2006 12:16 pm

Hi folks,
What is the best way to repair and reinforce that crack that develops in the front grill by the upper outside corner of the headlight?...I cannot afford to replace the grill so I need to know the best way to repair it

My grill was actually not cracked until yesterday when someone backed into my black XR4Ti while I was at work...they also bent the lower brackets for the grill and bent down a part of the hood but those parts I can fix or have replacements for....and no, they did not leave a note and security for Big Blue where I work evidently doesn't have very much video survelliance of their parking lots as they could not help me identify any possible suspect vehicles, they said

Thanks,
Daniel Matzke
Rochester, MN

86 XR4Ti white 5-speed - awaiting a new trannny
86 XR4Ti black auto - daily driver resurrected after 8 years of grazing in a pasture

Post by **John Brennan** » Wed May 10, 2006 12:23 pm

I've noticed the same thing with my grilles; they tend to crack along the mounting tabs, for me. I going to whip up some JB Weld (no relation) and use that to repair those cracks, as this is a genuine Cossie grille and I'm not going to be replacing it. I'll let you know how it goes. I might take a strip of aluminum or sheet metal and use it as a reinforcing backing plate.

I can't be the only one having chronic problems with this part...

Freejack · Post by **Freejack** » Wed May 10, 2006 12:41 pm

An autobody store should have so kits to repair cracks in polyurethene. I have the same issue, I was going to patch the crack, but also add some fiberglass cloth behind for reenforcement.

Jake

Maurice S · Post by **Maurice S** » Wed May 10, 2006 1:43 pm

They can be had cheap on ebay 40 bucks shipped they average.

merkurmaniac · Post by **merkurmaniac** » Wed May 10, 2006 2:17 pm

John, funny you mention aluminum strip. I repaired/reinforced mine with a snipped off strip of a diet mountain dew soda can and some epoxy. I sanded the aluminum and tried to get some deep grooves for the epoxy to latch onto. It is not visible from the front side at all, is somewhat flexible, and has a lot of strength in tension. Highly recommended for all broken, or yet to be broken merkur front grills.

XR4TIboostedmom · Post by **XR4TIboostedmom** » Wed May 10, 2006 2:21 pm

any pics,as i have this problem also

zhillzen · Post by **zhillzen** » Wed May 10, 2006 2:29 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions....I also posted this at IMON and someone sent me this suggestion which sounds good also:

If it not FG and is the OEM grill, the you can go to your local 'True
Value' store and get a can of 'ABS' glue. The one I got is black and is
used for gluing the black drain pipe. Test on a none visible area. I
also, used pieces of the black 'ABS' cap to strengthen the weak areas.

Post by **John Brennan** » Wed May 10, 2006 4:46 pm

Is that the same stuff that's used for PVC pipe in plumbing and sprinkler systems? I already have that.

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Wed May 10, 2006 11:33 pm

Here's what I posted on IMON..

I used an airless plastic welder to repair mine - it's basically a glorified woodburner with a feed tube for a rod of your plastic du jour - poly propylene in this case (if I recall correctly...) Use a die grinder with a carbide burr to notch out the crack into the shape of a V, then start melting the plastic back together. Use a like piece of plastic (ideally from the SAME piece you're repairing to ensure that it's the correct blend) to fill the groove - just melt the plastic "filler" into the substrate.

I used a Lord-brand Fusor plastic adhesive to finish the repair.

Colin

Post by **John Brennan** » Thu May 11, 2006 12:31 am

Mbopo na kavo tuto, ala den xepo ti les, mope. Esi den katalabevns ti leo, yati evai ellevika.

boostfiend · Post by **boostfiend** » Thu May 11, 2006 1:58 am

John Brennan wrote:Mbopo na kavo tuto, ala den xepo ti les, mope. Esi den katalabevns ti leo, yati evai ellevika.

que lÃngua Ã© aquela?

Post by **John Brennan** » Thu May 11, 2006 11:16 am

It's Greek, in which I'm saying, basically, "whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

boostfiend · Post by **boostfiend** » Thu May 11, 2006 8:06 pm

John Brennan wrote:It's Greek, in which I'm saying, basically, "whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

I just had the thought "I bet that's Greek!" right before I read your reply. I guess I shoulda just left it.

I didn't know the Greek had a work for "whatchoo", but they ARE big Different Strokes fans....

Post by **John Brennan** » Fri May 12, 2006 1:00 am

Huge.

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Fri May 12, 2006 8:24 am

It's all Greek to me.