Lower Grill and Fog Lights

[D2Beetle]

Well I finally got around to putting in the lower grill and fog lights on the wife's NB this past weekend. This body work was the result of a deer strike last winter. The only body parts that I did not replace were the hood and lower nose and that was due to budget reasons and as the damage is minimal. Now its time for wash, wax and pics.

Here are the pics old and new; it was all held together by duct tape...

[AndrewC]

Great to see the before and after. I need to do the same thing with a 2000. Did you have to take the whole bumper/fender 'clip' off or did you figure out another way?

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by AndrewC

Great to see the before and after. I need to do the same thing with a 2000. Did you have to take the whole bumper/fender 'clip' off or did you figure out another way?

Figured out another way... seeing how all of the lower grill just snaps in; I snapped in the outer piece first, then the black mesh, then the fog lights, which took several minutes to determine the best way without breaking anything and last but not least the fog light covers.

There is only one thing I did not like, the top two mounting points for the fog lights. The way it is designed the nose has to be removed to get to them. I'm currently working on another mounting procedure; I'll post my results at some point. As it is right now, only the bottom mounting screw is in place and they are snug in place.

[vwgary]

I just installed OE fogs on my non fog 98. Bought all the grille/valance bits separately and assembled as one unit. My non fog valance was just snapped in so there wasn't any disassembly to do. I installed the new parts and wired the fogs to either side parking light and snapped the valance/grille into place. I pre drilled corresponding holes on either side on the lower portion of the grille and used heavy duty zip ties to secure it. Can't tell it isn't factory unless you get under the car.

[D2Beetle]

Nice...

[vwgary]

I didn't intend to hijack your thread But since someone else was in the same situation I thought I'd add my experiences.

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by vwgary

I didn't intend to hijack your thread But since someone else was in the same situation I thought I'd add my experiences.

No, problemo... as long as it is a similar thing, the more ideas, the better.

[daughtersbeetle]

If you have fog lights, you do not have to remove the whole front end.
1) assemble the valance/grille/fogs as one unit
2) line up with bumper and Cut the two slots where the fog lights are on top - both sides. I used a cut off tool.
3) Press whole assembly into bumper- Fits snug as a glove

Time - 15 minutes

[Punchbuggybluenoreturns!!]

Originally Posted by D2Beetle

There is only one thing I did not like, the top two mounting points for the fog lights. The way it is designed the nose has to be removed to get to them. I'm currently working on another mounting procedure; I'll post my results at some point. As it is right now, only the bottom mounting screw is in place and they are snug in place.

Did you eventually find another way to mount the fogs?

[Greenstripedzbra]

I have a 98 beetle, and I'm new here (first post) it has a lot of issues. One of them is the grille pops out a little on one side, but no matter how hard I shove it back in, it won't clip back into place. Where can I get an aftermarket one? My beetle doesn't have fogs.

[Oh Randi]

How much did it run you for the lower valence?

And how about the fog lights?

I would only need one fog light.. lol.

[sullyTDI]

Originally Posted by Oh Randi

How much did it run you for the lower valence?

And how about the fog lights?

I would only need one fog light.. lol.

Lower Spoiler - w/fog $44
Lower Grill - w/fog $24
Left Fog - $54
Right Fog - $54
from pershingauto.com

Lower Fog Trim - $25
from Partstrain.com

[D2Beetle]

Originally Posted by Punchbuggybluenoreturns!!

Did you eventually find another way to mount the fogs?

Tried vwgary's method, zip ties for the top two...

[elpasoty]

m

[warren]

Frank, Sully, and Gary,

thanks for the tips...finally ordered the parts tonight to do this fix...long, long overdue.

i trashed the lower valance in March 2008 in Michigan's scenic, snowy Upper Peninsula, and it's been held together with zip ties ever since.

Lisa found a parking lot "stopper" a few weeks ago that took care of the lower mounting points for both fog lights.

oops.

[AbuNigel]

Originally Posted by Greenstripedzbra

I have a 98 beetle, and I'm new here (first post) it has a lot of issues. One of them is the grille pops out a little on one side, but no matter how hard I shove it back in, it won't clip back into place. Where can I get an aftermarket one? My beetle doesn't have fogs.

seconded, i just got a new grill and it's not that noticeable but i can tell there is at least one clip in the left corner that isn't quite in all the way. I push it as hard as i can but it wont snap in there. Definitely doesn't help that the actual bumper just flexes with the push >_<
Also, what's the deal with those three screws at the bottom? Doesn't seem anybody has mentioned them. They are like plastic rivets or something, are the necessary?

[sleeper bug]

Originally Posted by AbuNigel

seconded, i just got a new grill and it's not that noticeable but i can tell there is at least one clip in the left corner that isn't quite in all the way. I push it as hard as i can but it wont snap in there. Definitely doesn't help that the actual bumper just flexes with the push >_<
Also, what's the deal with those three screws at the bottom? Doesn't seem anybody has mentioned them. They are like plastic rivets or something, are the necessary?

if i can remember correctly. it should be for the skid plate

[missouri_vert]

What is the name of the plastic rivets that hold the lower part of the valance to the steel structure under the car? Mt Mom hit an armadillo and broke the rivet things off.. She wants me to fix it but the parts guy just looked at me like I was crazy.

[Toad]

Originally Posted by missouri_vert

What is the name of the plastic rivets that hold the lower part of the valance to the steel structure under the car? Mt Mom hit an armadillo and broke the rivet things off.. She wants me to fix it but the parts guy just looked at me like I was crazy.

I dunno, but when i replaced my lower grill a long time ago.

I just went to my vw dealer, told the parts guy to open etka to the front bumper, i pointed to the clip pictured, and told him to get me three of those clips. It was the easiest way instead of trying to describe it to someone.

[njmikeb]

Hey aLl.
Just had the timing belt/waterpump done on my daughters 01.
I let it go till 133K crazy but I made it. Cost a Grand..
Anyway now that it's cool again I want to fix the lower valance.
I can't seem to find the 2001 Valance with Fog lights.
One site shows it as a oval trim ring looking piece.
I'd want the one with the round fog holders or do they snap off from the old one?
My side clips are broken & the middle is snapped.
I might be able to use the mesh but If anyone knows a good
site please let me know. the 2001 seems to be the odd year.

Thanks.
Mike..