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BJ8 grill surround

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Bobbydsport

Senior Member
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Does anyone know a trick for removing & re-installing the chrome oval grille surround on the front of a '67 BJ8 ? Would like to get mine re-chromed but can't figure how to remove it without damaging it. Getting the slated part of the grille out is no problem but the surround is a different story. Thanks for any reply.

Bobbyd
 
It's not easy.
Getting it out is easier than getting it in.
start by lifting the front end and removing the wheels. Then remove the air deflectors.
Remove the slatted grill And then try to remove the oval. You may have to bend the tags to get it out.

I protected the bodywork with masking tape for the re installation.
 
Thanks Jeepster, I kind of figured I'd have to bend the tabs & do a little forcing.Just hope I don't do more harm than good.Masking tape is a great idea on the re-install.

Bobbyd
 
Carefull with force on the tabs, it will lead to dents on the glossy side
It helps installing back if you change the holes in the upper tabs to slots

Inner half of the chrome has silver paint

ChromeOvalSmall.jpg
 
Bobbydsport said:
... I assume by the inner half you mean the back side of the piece opposite of the chrome side.
Click to expand...

Nope, I mean half of the chrome. (as mentioned by Legal Bill in the next post)
I sprayed the inside also, agains rust.

Picture taken from Anderson and Moment
PaintInOval.jpg
 
Last edited:
It's worthwhile to modify the thickness of a 7/16" open-end wrench, for easier access on the *lost bolt*.
I didn't really find removing/replacing the MKIII grill (all three__3__major "grill" pieces, plus assorted ducting behind the shroud) to be that difficult. Certainly not something you'd look forward to, to pass a good time, but not insurmountable either.

IMG_2381.jpg


IMG_2382.jpg


IMG_2383.jpg


IMG_2384.jpg


IMG_2385.jpg


IMG_2387.jpg


*Lost bolt*

IMG_2392.jpg
 
Randy that looks like a job for a harbor freight wrench. Actually my grill had been messed with before & I have the captive nuts on spring loaded steel that slip around the stationary piece & then you use a single headed bolt thru the grill & spacers from the back side & tighten.Thank you so much. Also BigGreen your picture is very helpful as it seems to show the top of the grill surround coming out first, thanks a lot.

Bobbyd
 
Did you try a spray-on paint prep product first? That might be enough to do it for you. Spray on, legit sit, and then wipe off. Otherwise, mask off the outer half of the chrome. Grit your teeth and rub the inner half with oooo steel wool. If you can't bear to do it with wool, try a scotch bright pad. Wipe away the residue and spray the paint quickly so you don't start crying at the sight of the "roughed-up" chrome.
 
+1 prep first. I used a very cheap paint from a rattle can
 
I couldn't get myself to do this to new chrome, correct or not. I am considering getting some of the 3M paint protect film in matte instead, and sticking it on that area.
 
Chris_Masucci said:
I couldn't get myself to do this to new chrome, correct or not. I am considering getting some of the 3M paint protect film in matte instead, and sticking it on that area.
Click to expand...

Same here, newly chromed grill and no intention of adding a dull finish. I'm not too bothered that its not correct. You can see the reflections of the bars but so what?
 
It looks horrible! Just kidding of course. To each their own. My car was restored with close attention to the councours guidelines but I do have two or three exceptions as well.
 
IIRC, the silver of the grille was originally brushed on. Wonder if a brush on paint would help durability? Thought for the day. Did the factory have three workers, one with a silver brush for the grille, one with a red brush for the fan safety shield, and one with a black brush for under the rear shroud, or did the same guy have three brushes? :jester:
 
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