Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Body/Appearance/Interior => Topic started by: SeanO on January 06, 2010, 02:36:37 PM

Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: SeanO on January 06, 2010, 02:36:37 PM
I came around a corner and washiznit going about 10 MPH by a truck.  Thankfully, the grille shattered and the bumper got pushed in a little, but no damage to the radiator occurred and the car is fine otherwise.

Can somebody recommend a good solution to covering the hole that is where my grille used to be?  Somebody recommended a bra, but I am afraid it won't cover the grille area and the hole will still be visible.
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: Dansbirds on January 06, 2010, 03:00:26 PM
Not trying to be a smart ass but get another grille.  What year and kind of car are we talking about? I have some and would imagine others on here do as well.

Regardless of that, glad nothing else happened and welcome to the site
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: the_intimidator03 on January 06, 2010, 03:00:54 PM
well... what year and model of car? getting a replacement grill would be cheaper than a bra id bet
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: Chuck W on January 06, 2010, 03:15:07 PM
The ideal solution would be a replacement grille...
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: SeanO on January 06, 2010, 03:17:54 PM
1988 Thunderbird LX, 5.0

Sorry, I put that in my profile and thought it would be visible.

The problem with getting a new grill is that the part the grill attaches to (the body part that goes between the grill and bumper/around the lights on front) is also broken)
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: Chuck W on January 06, 2010, 03:19:13 PM
Then get a replacement header panel.  It just bolts in.
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: vinnietbird on January 06, 2010, 04:43:23 PM
Can you fiberglass the piece that's broken back together?Many time you can.I have an extra grille.
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: the_intimidator03 on January 06, 2010, 05:11:12 PM
if ya need a quick fix if you still have the usable tabs... superglue to the rescue until you can get a new header panel.  if it was a cougar id have a grill but vinnie has ya covered there
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: V8Demon on January 06, 2010, 06:22:19 PM
Quote from: Dansbirds;305313
get another grille


;)
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: 86XR7project on January 06, 2010, 06:44:14 PM
Grille and header panel FTW!
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: vinnietbird on January 06, 2010, 06:44:54 PM
There are 3 screws that hold the grille.Center,and one on each end.
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: SeanO on January 06, 2010, 07:49:39 PM
Where should I get a header panel from?

I can use any header panel from 83-88?  Can I use a Cougar header panel, etc?
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: Thunder Chicken on January 06, 2010, 08:16:15 PM
To use a Cougar header panel you'd need a Cougar bumper cover (the Cougar ones have a scooped out center section to make room for the grille). You can use any header panel from 83-88 (with the bumper from the same style car) but 83-86 will not fit to your fenders properly. It'll bolt on, but it won't match the fenders' shape. 87-88 T-Bird stuff is your only direct "bolt on and look right" choice.

Now might be a good time to consider installing the Turbo Coupe bumper and header panel if you prefer the no-grille look...
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: daminc on January 06, 2010, 08:16:36 PM
87 or 88 bird only. or what Carm just said
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: ThunderInCali on January 06, 2010, 09:07:15 PM
Wire ties and a screw gun !  No, just kidding.  Wish you were closer to me;  I have a header panel and an almost new grille that I took off my "Sport" ( replaced with a turbocoupe header panel).  There must be a junk yard nearby where u can get them cheap.
Title: Ideal solution for broken grille?
Post by: Watchdevil on January 07, 2010, 12:00:29 AM
Oh yeah definitely get another good grille and header panel for the win! If you go to any Pull-A-Part of Pick-A-Part or whatever they sell them complete at a very reasonable price.