74-76 Gran Torino grill disassembly
Printed From: The Ford Torino Page
Category: Model Specific Forum
Forum Name: Starsky & Hutch
Forum Description: Technical discussion for original and replica S&H Torinos
URL: https://forum.grantorinosport.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=7660
Printed Date: 26-March-2026 at 5:42PM
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: 74-76 Gran Torino grill disassembly
Posted By: TV 2M8O
Subject: 74-76 Gran Torino grill disassembly
Date Posted: 11-July-2012 at 11:45AM
|
Starting to get all my brightwork gathered up to send to Lee Scott at WildCat Garage and was wondering....
How do you remove the aluminum horizontal bars from the grille without damaging the already brittle plastic grille? Looks like they have a boss that sticks thru the grille with a metal retainer holding them in place on the backside.
THANKS!! -------------  TV 2M8O OUT JOE 1976 Gran Torino S&H season 2-4 Clone Project Blog: http://tv2m8o.blogspot.com/ |
Replies:
Posted By: 75GranMan
Date Posted: 11-July-2012 at 2:38PM
|
Joe,if my memory serves me correct,they are push clips thatpushes over the pin on the back side of the horizontal bar.you have to get the clip off the back side.(do not try prying the bar from the front of the grill)your just going to have to get it from the back side,try a long 90 degree seal pick to wiggle the clips off.If im wrong on any of this,someone please chime in.use care as i busted several on my old 74 and had to glue the bars to the grill. ------------- John 75Gran Torino 4spd  |
Posted By: TV 2M8O
Date Posted: 12-July-2012 at 1:38AM
|
John, I believe your memory is correct, they are rectangular, spring steel, push-on retainers. I think there are 2 (maybe three?) per vertical bar (x7 bars), so I will get plenty of practice removing them! Also, isn’t the grill two-toned? The prominent “egg-crate” sections a silver argent and the background a charcoal/dark gray argent? What have others used to accomplish the correct look? As always, my thanks for everyone’s help! ------------- TV 2M8O OUT JOE 1976 Gran Torino S&H season 2-4 Clone Project Blog: http://tv2m8o.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: papadeath
Date Posted: 12-July-2012 at 5:54AM
|
I am pondering a change from the traditional fish mouth. I will most likely fabricate something to go in there, something way cooler. I have looked at the configuration of the grille itself and yes there are little clips on it that look like a PITA to remove, so use patience. I have gotten a couple of ideas from youtube. Good luck.
------------- 75 Ranchero in progress 04 Harley Deuce stage one kit 89 Toyota pickup modded 09 Scion XB (bought for the ol' lady) buy American! (sorry) skateboard 4 bicycles 1 scooter 2 dogs 2 stupid cats |
Posted By: TV 2M8O
Date Posted: 14-July-2012 at 11:05AM
OK, had a closer look at my grill today. The vertical bars have 3 bosses thru the grill and (luckily) FORD only used the top and bottom ones (at least on my car)...
 The bars are held on with an "H" shaped, spring steel keeper that should (hopefully) release easily using a long 90 degree pick as John suggested. Just need to take my time and work gingerly to prevent breakage of the 35+ year old plastic.
 Speaking of breakage, the top center of my grill has broken at some point in the past... what's the best way to repair the crack???
 Thanks for all suggestions.... ------------- TV 2M8O OUT JOE 1976 Gran Torino S&H season 2-4 Clone Project Blog: http://tv2m8o.blogspot.com/ |
Posted By: Zebra 3
Date Posted: 14-July-2012 at 11:14AM
|
....A couple of possible fixes: Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue....better known as Super Glue....test it first to make sure that it does not make the plastic brittle!! CA melts plastic together and when used on some plastics it can cause a very un desired reaction chrystalizing the plastic. Marine GOOP......It's good stuff!!! ------------- "I deeply admire the men who founded this country, and I think we ought to know more about them and how they lived and the force and courage they had. Henry Ford. 1926 Brian Conn '76 Torino |
Posted By: Ranchero Fan
Date Posted: 14-July-2012 at 5:35PM
|
JB Weld or similar epoxy for plastic. I have seen some plastic weld products at my local ACE Hardware. ------------- Brian 1973 Ford Ranchero Big Block. ''THE OTHER WOMAN'' |