replacing the grilles
August 9th, 2013, 07:32 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,280
replacing the grilles
I have seen several threads regarding guys changing their grilles for either new ones or repairing the original ones. However, they do not answer the one question that I have. How to remove them!
I finally was able to lay my hands on an original set (no repros are made for a '71) of cutlass supreme grilles. The previous owner had put 442 ones on. Just in case you were going to ask, my girl is a supreme and not a 442 clone and I am very happy about that.
I started working on the passenger side 1st. The problem that I am having is that I removed the 2 screws on the top, the 2 on the bottom and the one on the right (towards the center of the car), but the grille will not come out. It barely wiggles, but I know that there are no more screws holding it to the body. Am I missing something obvious?
I finally was able to lay my hands on an original set (no repros are made for a '71) of cutlass supreme grilles. The previous owner had put 442 ones on. Just in case you were going to ask, my girl is a supreme and not a 442 clone and I am very happy about that.
I started working on the passenger side 1st. The problem that I am having is that I removed the 2 screws on the top, the 2 on the bottom and the one on the right (towards the center of the car), but the grille will not come out. It barely wiggles, but I know that there are no more screws holding it to the body. Am I missing something obvious?
August 9th, 2013, 09:21 AM
#2
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
You need to remove the stone shield. There are 2 vertical tabs the grill slides into a slot at the top center of the stone shield for alignment in addition to securing it.
August 10th, 2013, 05:25 AM
#6
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,280
I managed to get it done yesterday. Took three hours, but it's done. You guys were right. Removing the stone shield at the same time did the trick. I had to remove the bezel around the head lights also to sqeeze it in.
It probably would have been easier if I just took off the bumper to do it, but since I was the only one with hands that were available (the wife took the kids shopping and the dog was no help at all) I had to make due with what I had.
Thanks again for the advice. Anyone want to buy a set of 442 grilles?
It probably would have been easier if I just took off the bumper to do it, but since I was the only one with hands that were available (the wife took the kids shopping and the dog was no help at all) I had to make due with what I had.
Thanks again for the advice. Anyone want to buy a set of 442 grilles?
August 10th, 2013, 07:26 AM
#7
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
Are they OEM grills? If they are please post a pic of them (front and back). Sending you a PM.
Dropping the bumper is tricky if it's only you doing the job. It's a fine balancing act to put it back on too with a lot of adjustments to get just right.
Dropping the bumper is tricky if it's only you doing the job. It's a fine balancing act to put it back on too with a lot of adjustments to get just right.
August 10th, 2013, 01:46 PM
#8
Big Daddy No Bucks
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 891
1 - R&R'ing an entire front bumper assembly as one on a 72 Toro.
(the 4 obvious pieces & then some attached on the backside)
2 - Removing the entire "doghouse" as one on a 78 Electra.
(loaded header - radiator support - hood/hinges - both inner/outer fenders etc)
While the doghouse of the Electra was the much more awkward to handle by myself ...
Twas' probably a toss up on which actually WEIGHED more.
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