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MG MGF Technical - SILVER GRILLE SET> WORTH THE £?

Hi guys!

Is it really worth £55-£65?
can't you just spray the black standard ones with silver spray paint, and still get the same effect? Anyone tried?

CHeers!

Phil
Fubu_box

Yep, Andy tried on SF, gets chipped easily was conclusion.

The silver mesh looks better because it is diamond shaped rather than square.
Will Munns

Yes, you can spray the originals and get a very satisfactory result.

Problem is longevity. The paint will chip off.

A better option is powder coating, which is a much more robust finish.

However, given that silver grille sets can be had for 50-60 quid (http://www.mgcars.org.uk/ah/ ), I reckon they're worth the investment.

Had mine for 3-4 years now, and they look as new :o)
Shame the same can't be said for the surrounding paintwork... :o(
Rob Bell

I had a look in halfords the other day, and they sell sheets of stainless steel mesh by rip-speed for £30. They also do some cheaper ali stuff for £20. I think it will be enough to cover the front and side grilles (although I need to get my tape measure out).

Once bought it would simply be a case of cutting to size with a pair of wire cutters (using the old grilles as a template), and you've got yourself a set of half price SS grilles.

Jim
Jim Hosking

Fubu_box,

Chrome mesh does look the dogs.

I sprayed mine with Halfords Chrome spray and clear laquer, but plan to invest in the real McCoy some time.

Photo under "bits and bobs" at

http://www.csmgf.dsl.pipex.com/darkside/darkside_index.htm

It's the BRG reg SAM 323

Sam


Sam Murray

Thanks for the pics guys.

I went to newton commercial store..
http://www.newtoncomm.co.uk
they have honeycomb pattern as well as normal grilles. I wonder which one....
However, do you have to dismantle the whole front of the car to change them?
Fubu_box


You do need to remove the front bumper. This is pretty easy to do though.

(a) remove the screws just under the lip of the bonnet.
(b) remove the front indicators by gently prising out with a flat bladed screwdriver, then removing the bolt behind each (you'll need an extension socket for this)
(c) Screws behind each wheel arch liner.

Will be obvious once the bumper is off how to change the grilles.

The side grilles are a piece of piddle - simply unscrew the retaining screws, pull out, remove the old grilles, and attach the new ones (you can use a dab or two of silicone for this.)

HTH,
Jim
Jim Hosking

Tim has written up some instructions on how to remove the bumper (http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/DIY/headlamp_replacement/instructions.htm) as has Andy on the Save SF site (http://www.sfforever.co.uk)

As Jim says, the remaining grilles are all easy to remove and replace. :o)
Rob Bell

>Once bought it would simply be a case of cutting to size with a pair of wire cutters (using the old grilles as a template), and you've got yourself a set of half price SS grilles.

Dont you meen ali grills?
You can get ali in several finishes & patterns from B&Q for less than the Halfrauds stuff.
Steve White

The B&Q stuff goes rusty.

I discovered this when I made up some grilles for the boot vent.

I had them powder coated to maintain their shine.

Sam
Sam Murray

>>Dont you meen ali grills?<<

Nope, they definitely sell stainless steel mesh. I see where you're going though - there's bound to be somewhere that charges less than £30 a sheet, just because it's marketed by Rip-speed.

Any suggestions gratefully received, as I'll be making my own set as soon as I get a free weekend.

Jim
Jim Hosking

This thread was discussed on 04/06/2003

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.