Plastic grille crack fix, weld, glue or ???

[slo town]

Acura wants about $220. The aftermarket piece seems to make sense for this old girl. We bought it new. Been a super car in so many ways.
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I'd replace with OEM. That car is an exceptional looking survivor. It's totally worthy of spending $220 on.

Scott

 

[Nessism1]

OEM used is also an option. eBay is a good source.

When my Civic tail light cracked, I found a replacement on eBay for dirt cheap. Similarly, when I needed a new internal center touch screen, I found that along with the matching audio head unit for less than $200. Just be careful and buy from a shop with good feedback. On the tail light mentioned, there was a scuff that didn't show in the photo. When notified, the seller refunded my money. I was able to fix the scuff myself using polish, and notified the seller, saying they went too far in refunding me, but they insisted.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

This would work. I"ve done similar on motorcycle side covers before. Key is cleaning and roughing up the surface. A strip of fiberglass cloth across the crack, and a reinforcement bar on top. Bury in epoxy. That said, I'd investigate a cheap aftermarket grill first.

I've had the epoxy / mesh method last for years.

 

[JohnnyG]

I'd use Epoxy, but add a strip of fiberglass matt on the back, or a strong cloth.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Such a beater... I noticed the original passenger side inner axle boot was torn. Probably swap both.

 

[JRay’07]

I just noticed an imperfection on my grille thanks to your post. What’s with the Model 3 license plate frame?

 

[TomYoung]

I used JB weld plastic and it is the best for my eye glasses since it flexes at the frame crack. Every night, I wash my glasses with soap and it does not degrade like JB epoxy. I also used it to repair the interior Lexus light len ears that cracked during led conversion.

View attachment 286817

View attachment 286818

That repair is not really a victory

 

[TomYoung]

I'd replace with OEM. That car is an exceptional looking survivor. It's totally worthy of spending $220 on.

Scott

I would say that the aftermarket offering at $50 is the right way to go for most folks, but do find the idea of 100 percent OEM compelling.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I just noticed an imperfection on my grille thanks to your post. What’s with the Model 3 license plate frame?

It came on our '18 Model 3. I snagged it when I traded it in on the new car.
You have a sharp eye! Well done!

 

[Nukeman7]

You can always justify the need for a new tool...especially for only $20!

 

[tblt44]

JB from the back side

 

[SaberOne]

Yep that's what I figured. Ordered and on the way. Upon inspeaction, I noticed another, smaller crack at the bottom v area.
If my dear brother were alive, he had the touch and could fix it. Me, not so much.

I love this TSX, but she's an old girl. I do try to do the job right, but let's see what the cheapo one looks like. It doesn't have to turn out like my ghetto ride Vette.
View attachment 286877

Never been much of a Corvette guy, but if I was, this would be the one for me…

 

[Donald]

Email Chris Fox at JB Weld and ask him. [email protected]

Include picture.

Why is there a gap? A lot of glues are very strong at glueing two surfaces together that are clamped tight together but not strong as a gap filler.

 

[willbur]

Acura wants about $220. The aftermarket piece seems to make sense for this old girl. We bought it new. Been a super car in so many ways.
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Beautiful car- that CA weather helps a lot

 

[Nessism1]

@JeffKeryk

How is that Amazon grill? Fix to your liking?

 

[JeffKeryk]

@JeffKeryk

How is that Amazon grill? Fix to your liking?

In all honestly I have not replaced the trim as yet. I will get to it soon and post my results.
From the quick visual, it looks pretty good, but "the proof is in the pudding", as they say.

 

[Owen Lucas]

You can always justify the need for a new tool...especially for only $20!

View attachment 287695

Plastic welder is the way to go. Reinforce the crack and let the glue do the rest.

I did this to a crack on my bumper, but with heated staples of all things, then glued over them. They've been holding for over 10 years now.

 

[JeffKeryk]

@JeffKeryk

How is that Amazon grill? Fix to your liking?

It wasn't too bad; all push pin connectors and small Phillips for the actual trim. And from late 2006 the pins and grille both are gonna be brittle. I did not take off the bumper, but installation would be a snap if you did. The old grille trim piece was quite brittle; there is little chance of saving it during removal and reinstallation.
The fit is OK; more than fair for the price. A little off on the passenger side lower area. It is possible that 1 pass side lower push pin is not installed perfectly; access would be better if the bumper was removed. The rest is fine.
Be sure and trim excess slag(?) from the grille plastic chrome screw holes.
@slo town advice for the new Acura piece is good advice if you want the best. I kinda wish I had bit the bullet, but this works for this old girl.

Good.

Not as good...

Ya caint hardly tell, right?

 

[Nessism1]

Looks good to me. Considering the price, it looks GREAT!

 

[50yr Street Mech]

Take off the grill. Squirt in some gorilla glue on both sides of the crack. Squeeze grill together till it grabs. Wipe off excess. Wait 24hrs. Re-install. Good as new ! YAY Note: May take 2 people to help accomplish squeezing the grill and waiting for grab.