Radiator Grill Attachment

Tim Kay · 09-14-08, 12:15 PM

Suggestions wanted on attaching \ adhering front grill cover to inside front clip to protect the radiator.

If adhering, what product works well on fiberglass with relative little prep. I tried a basic silicone but did not stick well and came off within 100 miles.

John · 09-14-08, 03:38 PM

If you're looking to just protect the radiator, for my Cobra, I built a frame out of 3/4 aluminum angle, and attached some stainless steel mesh to that. The frame attaches to the top and bottom of the radiator mounting flanges, and is held 3/4" away from the radiator. The stainless mesh is from Pegasus Racing, and is the "medium" sized mesh.

Larry · 09-14-08, 11:54 PM

I used stainless steel mesh and attached it with J/B Weld.

Tim Kay · 09-15-08, 12:25 AM

John, nice work. I was looking to something a lot less involved.

Larry, I will consider the JB Weld. Sounds like a simple application. Does it really adhere well to relatively UN-prepped fiberglass (the underside of the front clip) ?

A buddy suggested weather strip adhesive,

??

My original notion was to glass in 6-8 stud bolts to the underside of the front clip so the grill could be secured with nylocs. Just a bit more work than I care to put in right now.

Dimi · 09-15-08, 04:58 AM

I have always held the view that there are two ways to do something.

The quick way. ( That usually doesn't work.)

The right way. ( This usually takes a bit longer but lasts and looks better)
( in the long term).

I fitted stainless mesh into all my grill and vent openings.
The main grill mesh was fitted by glassing alloy strips into the inside of the front clip and screwing into these strips for a secure mount.

The smaller openings that did not require foreseeable removal were epoxied into place.

None of these mesh pieces have or can fall off or rattle.

Given the interest these cars generate they are scrutinised very closely and as such demand a higher level of finish.

Only my humble opinions and thoughts.

Dimi

Tony Hunt · 09-15-08, 07:55 AM

Tim,
Here are pics of the setup that Brian Magee did for me when I replaced my GTD radiator with a Docking and moved the condenser in front of it.
In addition to the grille, which was a very simple affair, held on by 4 screws and nuts, Brian also fabricated baffles below and to either side of the radiator opening, which ducts air through the radiator and and not round the sides or below. It was to these that Brian attached the grille. The whole thing is invisible form the front when the clip is closed.
Tony

SteveB · 09-16-08, 01:49 PM

Tim

I made a simmilar item that fits to the chassis and shields the rad and condenser. It also carries a pair of jack brackets and a center cross bar to mount the registration plate. It is all painted matt black,

Steve

Larry · 09-16-08, 06:13 PM

Tim,
I used the stick JB Weld. It is clay-like and easy to use and dries hard as steel...a quick and effective solution that has held up well (i.e., 2-1/2 years and over 4K miles with no issues).