When restoring older cars, it is often too expensive to replace a broken grille, and
that is assuming a new grille is available.
In cases where new parts are too expensive, too difficult to find, or impossible to find,
you will need to restore what is already there.
The ABS grille on this 1971 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is a good example; it has cracks and missing pieces.
This video will demonstrate how to recreate the missing piece.
Drop the molding bars into boiling water.
Heat the water in the microwave.
It takes just a few minutes.
Allow enough time for the heat to soften the molding bars all the way through, and remove
the molding bars from the boiling water.
They will be soft and pliable for a short time.
While the molding bars are still soft, press them onto an existing part to create a negative.
Hold it in place until the molding bar cools off.
This will be the pattern that you will use to create the missing piece.
Tape the molding bar into place.
This particular piece has a curve, and we didn't have a curved section to make a pattern with,
so we used aluminum tape to create a pattern for the curved part.
The technique to apply PlastiFix is shown here in slow motion.
Squeeze two or three drops of liquid onto the powder
then use the tip of the needle to stab the ball of the liquid and powder.
The hole of the needle is on the side of the needle, not at the tip.
When you transfer the ball of liquid and powder to the pattern, give the bottle another squeeze.
The liquid will run down the side of the needle and wash off the ball.
Continue using this method until the mold is filled with PlastiFix.
Another technique to apply PlastiFix is to sprinkle a thin layer of powder,
then saturate the powder with drops of liquid.
Keep adding layers until you get the desired thickness.
One more thing - this technique works best on horizontal surfaces.
Allow time for the PlastiFix to cure fully before removing the tape and molding bar.
After you remove the molding bar and tape, you may discover some low spots that need additional PlastiFix.
Use a rotary tool or sandpaper to get the cured PlastiFix to the right shape.
Mix a small amount of Putty Flex with a cream hardener on a mixing board, and apply the
Putty Flex the best that you can with a spreader.
In the curved area, it is easier to apply with your finger.
Sand the Putty Flex with 180 grit sandpaper and finish sanding it with 320 grit sandpaper
to get it really smooth.
Apply primer to the grille, and it will be ready to paint.
Look at the before-and-after shots.
It looks as good as new!