Reattaching grill slats???

[Steve76063]

Looking for a suggestion...l

How to securely attach a grill slat back to the grill? I tried j-b-Weld, but it let go from the aluminum after 6-8 months :(.

Is there something that adheres better to aluminum than j-b-Weld?

 

Cross-posting in Facebook 2002 groups

[steve k.]

That works, but you need to back that up with something. A tooth pick or a nail without a head. That creates a much larger surface area for adhesive. 

 

Steve 

[Steve76063]

Thanks Steve but I did back it up with some small aluminum stock...the jb weld looks like it didn't 'stick' to the grill frame, but it did (so far) to the slat itself.

 

Whatever I try next, I'm going to rough up the surface as much as I can to try and get a better grip.

Edited November 18, 2022 by Steve76063

[steve k.]

Yes, roughing the surface is a must. You can try a different epoxy designed for aluminum 

 

Steve 

[visionaut]

No experience with the grille slats  - but would doubled-sided 3M Molding tape (or Exterior Attachments tape) work for this application?  or would it be too thick between the slat and grille faces?

[jimk]

This stuff is tough but flexible.  Sold a Walmart.  Cost is around $6 a tube.

Edited November 18, 2022 by jimk

[Mike Self]

Are you reattaching a broken grille slat to the grille itself, or a black anodized applique to the silver-colored grille slat.  If the latter, use contact cement (what the factory used).  If the former...

 

I used a short piece of brass brazing rod on the back side of the slat to provide more holding area and used (I think...it was a long time ago) some JB Weld.  You can use aluminum rod--I just happened to have a couple of short pieces of brazing rod handy.

 

I did a column about grille repairs some years ago...PM me if you'd like a copy.

 

Cheers

mike

[Schon '02]

I used 3M Molding Tape and it’s held up for the past three years. I would also consider “Goop” or “Shoe-Glue” if  an adhesive is preferred.

[Steve76063]

10 hours ago, Mike Self said:

Are you reattaching a broken grille slat to the grille itself, or a black anodized applique to the silver-colored grille slat.  If the latter, use contact cement (what the factory used).  If the former...

 

I used a short piece of brass brazing rod on the back side of the slat to provide more holding area and used (I think...it was a long time ago) some JB Weld.  You can use aluminum rod--I just happened to have a couple of short pieces of brazing rod handy.

 

I did a column about grille repairs some years ago...PM me if you'd like a copy.

 

Cheers

mike

Thanks Mike...the actual aluminum slat broke free.  I backed it up with some short aluminum stock and used jb weld, but didn't scuff up/sand the contact surfaces-I'm sure that's why it let go.  I'm going to roughen them up this time and either use jb weld again, or try some Loctite Epoxy Weld which specifically says it works on Aluminum (and other metals).