Repairs to centre grill mounting brackets

[Philip Wardle]

The update by Dave1850NZ in “Hardtop quarterlight frame” prompts another question: I’ve salvaged a mounting bracket to replace a missing one on the rear of the centre section of the front grill. I’ve been pondering how best to fix the bracket to the grill. Has anyone tried J-B Weld for this job?

[ramjam2005]

Haven't tried that particular product but decades back when one of mine snapped off I simply used 2 part Araldite to bond it in place.
I'd also be interested to see what alternatives are on offer now, for a more permanent and like original solution.

[sujitroy]

I used JB weld on three anchor points all good so far. i . I think Araldite will work too. I used that back in UK. I'm in USA now and I haven't seen Araldite in years. I glued them down and then applied more glue on top after 24 hours. when attaching back on car, don't over tighten. There are different strengths JB weld over here.

Sujit

[sujitroy]

just to add. 2 anchor points snapped off and rhe I glued them back on. I had to make a another point for a spare grill.
sujit

[Symmo]

alwTs found JB Weld very effective every time I've used it just make sure you follow the instructions especially on the curing time

[Philip Wardle]

Thanks for your advice chaps, I'll give J-B Weld a try. I have had past success with aluminium welding but I'm somewhat risk averse in this case as I only have one piece part to work with !

[Paulfrazer]

The rather random spot welds on those brackets make me imagine a bored operative who spent all his time doing them having done mine at 5 minutes before the end of his shift on a Friday afternoon! I haven't had to use it on those (yet) but another vote for JB Weld. The type that come as a sort of cylinder where you cut off what you need and knead it to activate it are also good. I repaired a broken solder joint on the radiator of a previous classic car with some and it lasted for years until I eventually replaced the radiator. If you use an Araldite-type epoxy adhesive make sure you get the slow curing type. I have never has anything remain stuck with the quick cure type.

[DJT]

If you are not refinishing the front of the grille, then adhesive as mentioned above should last. If you are refinishing the grille, then consider using countersunk pop rivets, as well as adhesive. The centre hole left by the pin can be filled with filler or similar before painting.

[Philip Wardle]

If you are not refinishing the front of the grille, then adhesive as mentioned above should last. If you are refinishing the grille, then consider using countersunk pop rivets, as well as adhesive. The centre hole left by the pin can be filled with filler or similar before painting.

Yes, thanks - it's certainly an option given that I will certainly be refinishing. I had also thought about flush rivets (as in aircraft skins), but I no longer have access to a rivet setting tool. I do have a pop rivet gun though!