rickw30

Can anyone advise on the correct screw types and sizes for mounting W30 grills.
The assembly manual (page 118) indicates that the screw in the center that holds the right and left together to be the same as the one that connects the grill to the plastic headlight housing.
Looking at the diagram of both, it clearly shows two different screws with the same part #.
Doesn't seem like a bolt headed screw that is used in the center would fit between headlight chrome bezel.

Thanks

70Post

All three are philips head 1/4" sheet metal thread type screws.

I'll try to dig one out and post a pic, etc.

rickw30

Thanks 70post.
Is there a threaded clip that accepts the screw in the center ?

70Post

The original/factory grills DO NOT use any sort of clips, nuts, etc on the underside....the coarse threaded philips head screws simply formed their own threads in the parts of the GRILL that go under the other grill (at the center) and under the plastic headlight housings.

NOTE: If you have repro grills then you will probably need some sort of flat nut, etc on the underside of the screw. They made the hole in the grill too large and the threads do not "catch" any plastic around the hole to form threads. Not sure on the outboard holes in the grills on the repros but I've seen it numerous times on the center hole.

70Post

Here's a pic of some originals that have been replated....thread length is 3/4".

WTHIRTY1

I have detailed pictures in my resto thread. https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...9/#post1276183

No nut for the middle screw.

rickw30

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the info.
wthirty1, are you saying that the factory could have used either phosphated (black) screws or plated (silver). Either one would be correct.
70post, thanks for info on size. I un packaged a set of grills I had stored ( I wrote the date I stored them on the box 83' ) and the hole is measuring approximately 1/4 inch.
Still wondering if factory could have used either or with respect to the finish of the screw.

WTHIRTY1

While I can't comment on every Lansing car, I can attest to the screws on my grilles being phosphated.

rickw30

Do your screw sizes also measure 1/4 diameter x 3/4 length ?
And also, you mentioned you were working with OEM grills. The left grill overlaps the right, was the self tapping hole only on the right grill and the left had a clear hole (no tap needed) ?

rickw30

Scratch that! Dumb ?
Of course there is a clear hole for adjustment !

WTHIRTY1

I believe that's their size...I never measured but that sounds about right. These were NOS grilles that were identical to the originals. Each screw was removed, cleaned, and placed back in to the location they were pulled from. And you're correct, the portion of the RH grille that is overlapped by the LH grille gets tapped. It's a pretty straight forward process. Also, while the grilles are out, go ahead and screw that self-tapping screw in to the RH grille a bit so you aren't having to crank down on it while it's mounted.

rickw30

This screw detail was bought to my attention by a friend of mine. I currently have the wrong one in there and now it's bothering me. I don't have a perfect car but it is an original W30 and the screw just pops out and slaps you in the face when you open the hood.
It's just a small unknown (to me) detail that's easily fixed.
Thank you again