Outer grille fasteners
 

On my 69, the outer grille is attached to the upper/outer mounting brackets by rivets. Would the factory have used rivets or screws? Have to remove the grille to install a new condenser.

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

I'm not understanding. Just unbolt the brackets from the rad support. Leave the brackets riveted to grill surround.

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

Yeah, stupid question I guess! The bracket actually bolts to the fender, and is kind of a PITA to get to. I installed a new grille many years ago and didn't remember having to drill out rivets to use the existing brackets. But that's been a while. I also remember doing it in virtually no time in my driveway. Why was everything so simple to do 30 years ago?

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

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The last 30 years of daily living and aging has brought me to a place where things are most definitely harder to do that they used to be...in my case it's a mental thing. My patience isn't what it used to be and if that's not all of it, I sometimes also get quickly frustrated when things don't go according to plan....also a mental thing.

Hth,

-Kevin

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

the four rivets shown are what came from the factory + two additional rivets around your headlight bucket, per side. they all attach to that bracket that goes to your fender. It seems most people remove the grille without popping those rivets. the three top and three bottom bolts that go into your fender are easy to access (info relates to 1972)

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

Just found a pretty good video on removing/replacing the grille, along with a few helpful tricks and tips. In this case it's a 71 or 72.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15LUCtb3KKU

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

They were installed by the factory with rivets. By First owners advice I installed mine fresh with stainless rivet screws and kep nuts. I think #10 - can double check if needed. Looks at least as nice as factory and you're not banging stuff up with a rivet gun.

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

these rivet-screws are what I used instead of traditional rivets
https://www.classicindustries.com/pr...ts/748598.html

Re: Outer grille fasteners
 

I removed the grille yesterday. There were a total of 8 body bolts -- 2 uppers and 2 lowers on each side. And then a few bolts for the hood latch support.

I also loosened 4 bolts securing the fenders to the rad support on each side, to make sure the grille would slide forward easily, without scraping paint on the fenders. I removed the bumper first, which may not have been necessary. But the bumper bolt threads, washers and nuts are very rusty, so I'll replace them.

Grille bracket upper and lower bolt locations.