W11X grille clips

[col320ce]

What's the technique for getting these back?

[wwheeler]

Wasn’t super easy, but they went on. It has been too long since I did it to remember exactly what I did. I can go out and take some pics and maybe that will help.

[wwheeler]

Got lucky and found pics I took back when. Should help.

[col320ce]

Hi Wallace
Your grill looks different to mine... I think my clips are slightly different too. I can see how they were on originally but the springs are so strong that I can't work out how to get them back on.
The photo attached is the same as my clips..

[col320ce]

This is my 'before' picture

[ja17]

I use a Vice Grip tool to hold the clips in the center by their sides first. Start the small end in the grille screen opening first. Start the chrome grille surround end of the clip at an angle and "twist" (rotate) the clip into final position under the chrome grille surround.

[col320ce]

Thanks Joe... I'll try that!

[wwheeler]

Looking at my grille clips, they are a bit different than yours. The reason is because the grille inserts are different. The earlier cars used a grill that had smaller squares and was basically flat on the backside (similar to my Ponton grille). My '68 W111 grille insert has reinforcing ribs side to side on the back side. So my clips actually fit on these ribs and have a narrow slot for that. It looks like your clips have a tab that fit into the square hole.

Joe's idea sounds good and I just remember it wasn't as easy as it looked.

[col320ce]

Here is Joe's technique in pictures .... worked a treat.