16 replies to this topic

[jonlad]

Hi all

I have a 92 sprite shell and wish to fit a late model cooper grille and surround. The front panel is new and none has been fitted before.

 

I know the standard fitment would be self tapping screws, but i dont like the solution and am looking to improve.

 

Initial thoughts are use rivnuts and screws in place of the self tappers, but I wonder if grille buttons could be a simpler solution?

 

I have been looking for info on grille buttons but can't find what I need. 

Can grille buttons be used on their own?  - on a youtube video on the topic, extra self tappers are used for "extra security" and additional plates are required to put the grille buttons in a suitable place (not on extreme edge

 

Whats best? whats tried and tested please?

 

Many thanks

Jon

[maccers]

I use both, Grille Buttons and 2 self tappers that go into the body, just so the grille cant be removed by the buttons alone, small bit of security. 

[slidehammer]

One neat solution people on here have used is fitting stainless steel rivnuts inserts to the front panel and then using threaded screws to secure the grill. The only downside is you need a rivnut tool and the inserts. But we all like an excuses to buy a new tool!

[coopertaz]

someone in our club just has grille buttons, eay to work on but, in my opinion, look naff. far neater to use rivnuts just always grease bolts when fitting and don't overtighten. you'll struggle like hell if the rivnuts start to spin

[DeadSquare]

I have a centrally positioned  "hook",  attached by the rear alternator bracket bolts, and use a 'Bungee'.

[imack]

I filed all the screw holes in the front panel square and fitted the plastic inserts the clubman uses to fit the grille screws into. Has worked well for over 35 years for me.

https://www.minispar...px|Back to shop

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Edited by imack, 23 February 2023 - 06:09 PM.

[Midas Mk1]

Pair of grille buttons and that it, no need to complicate things.

If someone wants it, a couple of self tappers aint going to stop them.

[sonscar]

I have grille buttons.I fitted them.They look hideous.Others might think differently.Steve..

[bikewiz]

I did mine with stainless rivnuts and stainless button head screws. I don't find it particually difficult to remove a few fasteners to remove the grill.

Self tappers work for a while but eventually end up not holding when the hole wears. 

I found with grill buttons the edges of the grill rattled and I don't really like the way they look, but I suppose it's to each his own.

[jonlad]

Superb responses as always, thank you all

 

I particularly like the plastic inserts Imack, I hadnt considered something like that.  Less chance of them 1) seizing and 2) spinning   

 

Thanks all for the inspiration

[Ethel]

Superb responses as always, thank you all

 

I particularly like the plastic inserts Imack, I hadnt considered something like that.  Less chance of them 1) seizing and 2) spinning   

 

Thanks all for the inspiration

They'll also provide a bit of stand off & vibration damping, both good for reducing rattles & rust.

 

...don't think I'd have totally removed the bonnet catch brace though. I've seen a few split where they  join the inner wing.

[GraemeC]

On a previous car I've fitted grille buttons backwards (although I used wing nuts instead of buttons), the wing nuts were in the engine bay and the grille just had two small button head allen bolts nestled between the slats (almost invisible and could even be painted). 

[Podman]

I did mine with stainless rivnuts and stainless button head screws. I don't find it particually difficult to remove a few fasteners to remove the grill.

Self tappers work for a while but eventually end up not holding when the hole wears. 

I found with grill buttons the edges of the grill rattled and I don't really like the way they look, but I suppose it's to each his own.

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, what size rivnut did you go with? My grille isn't really tightening up, and its time to rivnut it i think. is 5mm big enough/too big?

[alex-95]

 

I did mine with stainless rivnuts and stainless button head screws. I don't find it particually difficult to remove a few fasteners to remove the grill.

Self tappers work for a while but eventually end up not holding when the hole wears. 

I found with grill buttons the edges of the grill rattled and I don't really like the way they look, but I suppose it's to each his own.

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, what size rivnut did you go with? My grille isn't really tightening up, and its time to rivnut it i think. is 5mm big enough/too big?

 

I used M4 on mine, M5 would be a bit on the large side.

[bikewiz]

 

I did mine with stainless rivnuts and stainless button head screws. I don't find it particually difficult to remove a few fasteners to remove the grill.

Self tappers work for a while but eventually end up not holding when the hole wears. 

I found with grill buttons the edges of the grill rattled and I don't really like the way they look, but I suppose it's to each his own.

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, what size rivnut did you go with? My grille isn't really tightening up, and its time to rivnut it i think. is 5mm big enough/too big?

 

I used 5mm with button head screws. If you look at the size of the sheet metal screws they use a 5mm button head is similar.