Outer grille shell installation tips

[usdabeef]

Like a dummy, I knelt on the grill shell while trying to work on the motor and bent it....ouch. I have a new grille shell ordered for the truck. I know I have to drill out the old rivets, but I would like to install the new one with bolts. Has anyone done it with bolts? Need recommendations please.

[Blue_71]

is that an aftermarket grill?? ive put all my weight on my factory one before and never had a problem

[Ridgeback]

You can buy threaded rivets that make a very clean installation. Check with some parts vendors.

[usdabeef]

To answer the first response....not sure if it's an aftermarket grille shell or not. I do know it's not very heavy duty. It's like a soft aluminum. But then again, I only weigh 295, that would bend most metal...lol
As far as those threaded rivets..where would i find those.
Thanks for the help

[Ridgeback]

The threaded grille rivets are available from any vendor that sells Impala resoration parts. I got mine from Lutty's but I think some of our forum vendors now carry these. Check with Athey, GMC Paul, etc.

[estig70]

Originally Posted by usdabeef

Like a dummy, I knelt on the grill shell while trying to work on the motor and bent it....ouch. I have a new grille shell ordered for the truck. I know I have to drill out the old rivets, but I would like to install the new one with bolts. Has anyone done it with bolts? Need recommendations please.

DUDE!!! If that is a picture of you in your profile, you should be able to flex in front of that grill and "SCARE" it back into shape.

Don't you just hate getting a case of the Dumb@$$ from time to time?

Good luck with your fix.

Eric

[Wreckless_71]

It's kinda stylish... like a cop with a hair lip lol...

[usdabeef]

Thanks for the tip on those threaded rivets. I will definately look into that.

[71 super]

if venders do't have them here there is guy in Fl that sells on ebay ships fast and they are stainless- he gets $11 for 25 or 50 of them. I bought mine from him and will buy the rest of my stainless from him as well, i think he offers several kits for our trucks.

[Olden Days]

I guess I'll be the odd ball and say go with machine screws from your local hardware store. I went and got both Stainless 10-32 and black (to go in the painted area) pan head machine screws that use an allen wrench. They work and look good. Plus it gives you the advantage of getting everything together loosely before you tighten them up. use a little dab of locktite.
I actually bought rivits but decided against them. If you really want to go with rivits then pm me your addy and I will mail them to you. (if I can find them)

repop grill surrounds will bend from just laying your hand on them it seems.