So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either. At my work they are remodeling and redoing everything (new owners) so maybe something happened there. There's not damage to the bumper itself or the shutters or radiator behind it. So anyway I could replace the grill but I think that requires removing the bumper cover. Not a huge deal really but I'd prefer to not remove my front bumper if I can avoid it. I've read a little about mesh grill inserts and things of that nature. Anyone have experience or knowledge about them? You can't see the hole in the grill unless your laying on the ground pretty much the license plate bracket helps hide it. All opinions and advice are welcome.
Replacing grill
- Thread starter ram_man
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I've changed the grill on my BMW, I don't know about your car but it takes about a grand total of 5 minutes to remove the bumper. But of course there's no guarantee that tomorrow the new grill isn't going to be hit again.
If you can't see it then I'd just leave it.
If you can't see it then I'd just leave it.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either.
I noticed some Wives have a tenancy to not tell the truth on this (or are oblivious to the damage)
So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either.
I noticed some Wives have a tenancy to not tell the truth on this (or are oblivious to the damage)
Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: ram_man
So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either.
I noticed some Wives have a tenancy to not tell the truth on this (or are oblivious to the damage)
Well this was kind of my thinking but idk for sure . It would be hard to hit it not scratch the paint and there be no evidence right behind the grill or anything . It was at the dealer maybe they rolled something into it. I'm kinda sol since I can't prove how it happened. I just have to fix it and hope it doesn't happen again.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either.
I noticed some Wives have a tenancy to not tell the truth on this (or are oblivious to the damage)
Well this was kind of my thinking but idk for sure . It would be hard to hit it not scratch the paint and there be no evidence right behind the grill or anything . It was at the dealer maybe they rolled something into it. I'm kinda sol since I can't prove how it happened. I just have to fix it and hope it doesn't happen again.
Originally Posted By: Rand
Originally Posted By: ram_man
So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either.
I noticed some Wives have a tenancy to not tell the truth on this (or are oblivious to the damage)
I kinda sorta recently wasn't paying attention and lowered my wife's Camry onto a jackstand--crushing a rocker in the process (didn't realize I hadn't moved it far enough away while lowering).
I also have kinda sorta not told her yet about it... It goes both ways.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
So I noticed last night that something had hit my plastic honey comb grill on my dart. The lower section. There's a hole about 3in long and 2in tall. I've not hit anything and my wife said she hasn't either.
I noticed some Wives have a tenancy to not tell the truth on this (or are oblivious to the damage)
I kinda sorta recently wasn't paying attention and lowered my wife's Camry onto a jackstand--crushing a rocker in the process (didn't realize I hadn't moved it far enough away while lowering).
I also have kinda sorta not told her yet about it... It goes both ways.
Home Depot should have some good deals on grills right now.
If you're referring to a grille on the front of the car, let me know and I'll give you some ideas.
If you're referring to a grille on the front of the car, let me know and I'll give you some ideas.
Kestas
Staff member
Is the missing piece available? If it's a brittle fracture you may be able to cleanly glue it back together.
Originally Posted By: ram_man
So anyway I could replace the grill but I think that requires removing the bumper cover. Not a huge deal really but I'd prefer to not remove my front bumper if I can avoid it.
You can't see the hole in the grill unless your laying on the ground pretty much the license plate bracket helps hide it.
My opinion: ignore it. Too much work to replace, you can't see it, and in two years time it's "expected wear and tear" so no one would knock money off for it even if they could see it. Five years from now you won't even remember it.
So anyway I could replace the grill but I think that requires removing the bumper cover. Not a huge deal really but I'd prefer to not remove my front bumper if I can avoid it.
You can't see the hole in the grill unless your laying on the ground pretty much the license plate bracket helps hide it.
My opinion: ignore it. Too much work to replace, you can't see it, and in two years time it's "expected wear and tear" so no one would knock money off for it even if they could see it. Five years from now you won't even remember it.
as far as mesh inserts go, pretty much, Mesh is mesh. use the stuff they sell for Gutters, and you can trim to shape with a set of snips, and paint it whatever color you want.(you could even color match the existing stuff!!)
Roll of Gutter Mesh, and a rattle can of matte black is going to cost less than the replacement part from the dealership.
a lot less i would imagine...
Roll of Gutter Mesh, and a rattle can of matte black is going to cost less than the replacement part from the dealership.
a lot less i would imagine...
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
It's a brand new car. Gutter mesh & rattle can? Based on the OP's posts about mods and such he won't be happy unless it's OEM or aftermarket upgrade. Me too.
This part?: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Grilles-/33645/i.html?_vxp=mtr&_nkw=2015+Dodge+Dart
Looks like OEM $41 and up
This part?: http://www.ebay.com/sch/Grilles-/33645/i.html?_vxp=mtr&_nkw=2015+Dodge+Dart
Looks like OEM $41 and up
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
Seem to remember grill shutters help mileage.
Originally Posted By: chad8
My body shop charges about $30 to take a bumper cover off.
probably $100 or less to change out a grill.
Why worry, pay to have it done right.
I can do it right I've done them plenty of times. I'll probably buy a pack of new clips when I do it because lord knows you always get atleast one clip that won't cooperate a second time. I found a grille on a dart page I am on the lady that owns it is upgrading and said she would sell it to me once she does it. She's in Illinois so I'll just meet her and get it when the time comes. I can probably have the cover off in 20 minutes or so I looked it up it doesn't look bad at all.
My body shop charges about $30 to take a bumper cover off.
probably $100 or less to change out a grill.
Why worry, pay to have it done right.
I can do it right I've done them plenty of times. I'll probably buy a pack of new clips when I do it because lord knows you always get atleast one clip that won't cooperate a second time. I found a grille on a dart page I am on the lady that owns it is upgrading and said she would sell it to me once she does it. She's in Illinois so I'll just meet her and get it when the time comes. I can probably have the cover off in 20 minutes or so I looked it up it doesn't look bad at all.
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