Grille Issue

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I tried to remove the grille so I could get to the horn and fix up the grille, and a previous moron broke the two bolt holes that go behind the headlight bezel, and there's one broken on top. It's all wiggly, and I guess I have to get a replacement from LMC. Anyways, the remaining bolts just spin and spin. I tried to hold the back, pinch, and turn the bolt, and nothing happened. What do I need to do?

 

[bucket]

Sounds like the PO used the wrong mounting hardware, not caring about the next guy (you). Might have to grind/cut the screws. I don't recommend breaking the grille to remove it, as the lower tabs can easily be repaired (just screw on some little "L" brackets).

 

[Evans Ward]

Can you get a needle nose vice grip on the screw head? If so, you can apply pulling pressure while you spin the screw out.

Don't forget about the salvage yards in a grille replacement too to save some $.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I might be able to try the vice grip. Gosh, it's so annoying. But I'll try to tackle it somehow tomorrow. Thanks for the help, fellas.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Okay, so I was able to get the grille off and fix the tabs on it to where it would be feasible to repair rather than replace, but the little plastic clips that hold the park lights/turn signal lights were brittled and partially broken. What do you guys think is the best way to mount those lights back on there?

 

[bucket]

I have used screws and nuts, but it was a deluxe Chevy grille and the hardware was hidden under the horizontal trim.

 

[Georgeb]

Okay, so I was able to get the grille off and fix the tabs on it to where it would be feasible to repair rather than replace, but the little plastic clips that hold the park lights/turn signal lights were brittled and partially broken. What do you guys think is the best way to mount those lights back on there?

You mean the little plastic studs that the stamped sheetmetal nuts went on?

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

You mean the little plastic studs that the stamped sheetmetal nuts went on?

Yep!

 

[Georgeb]

All I can think of would be to carefully drill those spots and use an 8 or 10 screw in place. Not sure if you could just epoxy the light right to the grill in those spots.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

I was thinking along those lines. See, the studs are still there just stripped thinner. I thought about adhering the nut to what's left of the stud, and spacing it with a washer so I wouldn't get epoxy all over that light housing.