Rear Grill Restoration?

srs356 · 12-22-2007, 08:44 PM

Finishing a 66 912. I was wondering if anyone polishes the grill by removing the rivets or repairs them?

carsngolf · carsngolf's Garage

The grill bars are held in place with long studs with acorn nuts at either end and have small diameter aluminum tubes in between the bars and "t" shaped threaded studs which are for mounting. If you decide to take it apart, be very careful as the little tubes are easily lost. The "t" studs are usually badly stripped. New ones used to be available through Stoddards but I'm not sure if they are in stock any longer. If not, they can be fabricated. The "frame" consists of grill bars which hold the perforated metal screen with rivets. They can be drilled out if you wish to replace the screen.

The grill bars might be bent but can be straightened. They can be polished without too much difficulty. They are different length but you will find they are numbered to indicate their position for reassembly. The little tubes can be polished in a "tumbler" with an abrasive such as corn cob.

If you're willing to spend the time, you can end up with a very nice piece at little more cost than the labor. Good luck.

Jerry Weiland

Rich Lambert · Rich Lambert's Garage

I took mine completely apart...there's over 100 pieces. It cleaned up really nice.

Watch out for stuck acorn nuts on the rods. The rods are very small diameter and you can twist the end off under the nut pretty easily. If you're in doubt as to whether one is going to come loose, hit it with some PB Blaster and a heat gun or torch.

al lkosmal · 12-23-2007, 09:35 AM

What did you guys use to polish the bars? I have a very nice example, waiting for me to restore it.

al

Rich Lambert · Rich Lambert's Garage

Mother's Mag Polish, a soft cloth, and a toothbrush.

Al, I just got back from a blast around the neighborhood in the 911. I think the engine is going to be okay.

al lkosmal · 12-23-2007, 12:54 PM

Just got back from my xmas evening bash vino and food run, with a side trip to get more carb cleaner and Mothers polish. trying to get in some quality time with the projects. Rich......grill looks very nice. I'm glad that engine is working out for you. Nice leakdown numbers, but you don't know until you create fire. You are finishing that early car to a very high standard.

I'm trying to fill this space with a griil as nice as yours.