Front grille dilemma- Please read!

[kellyyysayss]

I recently purchased a 2000 New Beetle (rather, I got one for my birthday). Apparently, the front grille was ghetto-rigged.


Inside, duct tape (red at least) was holding it to the front bumper, and my own personal damage of a parking spot brick broke the bottom piece.



My question is, I'm looking to buy a replacement part. All OEM websites/shops have this part in three separate pieces, granted, is not a problem. The problem is, they're all missing the casing part (that attaches to the bumper), seen here.


The casing is dragging the whole thing down. Hits a lot of stuff. Here's a zoomed out view of the problem side.



I need to know where to get this part (either with the rest of the grille or separately), so I can replace it. I can't find it cheap anywhere. I'm not looking to pay $200 for a new one. I appreciate anyone's help/advice/assistance! If you need more photos, or larger ones, please let me know.

Thanks,
Kelly

[Blugg]

Hi and Welcome

Do you have a photo of the whole bumper in one shot

Would make it easier to determine if you need a whole new bumper/plastic welding/ or just a patch

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by Blugg

Hi and Welcome

Do you have a photo of the whole bumper in one shot

Would make it easier to determine if you need a whole new bumper/plastic welding/ or just a patch

Certainly, apologies, it's getting dark here!



Personally, because it's falling out at the top right, due to broken clips, I believe it's a new piece I'll be needing.

[intrudn86]

I would say, rather than spending the money on stock pieces purchase an aftermarket setup. It'll add a aportier look and probably cost about the same as the bone stock setup. (at least that's what I would do)

[Blugg]

Don't think you need a new bumper, just looks like the fog grille is twisted. New grille. Or take off the broken one and see if patching up the broken piece rectifies the twist. Hopefully more people will reply today and give their opinions on it

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by intrudn86

I would say, rather than spending the money on stock pieces purchase an aftermarket setup. It'll add a aportier look and probably cost about the same as the bone stock setup. (at least that's what I would do)

Sorry, I'm rather new to VW body, ask me anything about Ford though and I'm your girl! What's this set-up look like, and how much does it cost, etc.? For aftermarket put-together pieces it's around $60. And I'm not sure anyone sells the casing (bumper-to-grille) anyway.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by intrudn86

I would say, rather than spending the money on stock pieces purchase an aftermarket setup. It'll add a aportier look and probably cost about the same as the bone stock setup. (at least that's what I would do)

WTF? That makes no sense. Anyway drill a small hole on either side of the crack on the bottom left and attach it back together with a red ziptie like you're giving it stitches. You'll probably be able to find a way to drill a small hole on the backside of the bumper and the grille frame and ziptie it into place so you'd never be able to tell.

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by Blugg

Should look like this



Don't think you need a new bumper, just looks like the fog grille is twisted. New grille. Or take off the broken one and see if patching up the broken piece rectifies the twist. Hopefully more people will reply today and give their opinions on it

If I take it off, it will never go back on. It's seriously half-jammed on the right side by the previous owner to stay in. I don't know how I'd fix the broken piece(s) without fiberglass. Suggestions where to get the grille?

[kellyyysayss]

Originally Posted by SMG

WTF? That makes no sense. Anyway drill a small hole on either side of the crack on the bottom left and attach it back together with a red ziptie like you're giving it stitches. You'll probably be able to find a way to drill a small hole on the backside of the bumper and the grille frame and ziptie it into place so you'd never be able to tell.

The right side is already ghetto-rigged (rather, what you're suggesting with being zip-tied and whatnot). It won't hold tight. :\

[Blugg]

Originally Posted by kellyyysayss

If I take it off, it will never go back on. It's seriously half-jammed on the right side by the previous owner to stay in. I don't know how I'd fix the broken piece(s) without fiberglass. Suggestions where to get the grille?

Originally Posted by SMG

Drill a small hole on either side of the crack on the bottom left and attach it back together with a red ziptie like you're giving it stitches. You'll probably be able to find a way to drill a small hole on the backside of the bumper and the grille frame and ziptie it into place so you'd never be able to tell.

I'd agree with above. A quick simple fix and easy to do

[Blugg]

See the White dots

Drill on the underside of the lower left crack. So you can't see it and use a Zip Tie. They will hold strong. If you want to go a bit further use bondo over the crack. Let it dry and paint with your red

With the higher White dots. Drill just under the grill corner and the top edge of the grill and use a red ZipTie. It will hold too.

If you don't want to do Ghetto repair, just buy a new Fog Grille. Make sure it is the right one. Goto a VW Dealership and ask for the stock number. Then use ebay or google to find it using the number to search

[Wingnut_rb]

Sorry, I don't have any input on the grill problem, But I'm a Ford guy, I've been rebuilding a Galaxie for 3 years. You should post a pic or 2 of the Comet. OK, sorry, I'll let you get back to the grill issue. Spalding Auto Parts - Home of Quality New and Used Parts has a brand new one for $31. I'm pretty sure they ship stuff. It's just the grill surround i believe but thats all you need right?

[Wingnut_rb]

Nevermind, just noticed your from UK. Shipping would kill ya!

[intrudn86]

Originally Posted by SMG

WTF? That makes no sense. Anyway drill a small hole on either side of the crack on the bottom left and attach it back together with a red ziptie like you're giving it stitches. You'll probably be able to find a way to drill a small hole on the backside of the bumper and the grille frame and ziptie it into place so you'd never be able to tell.

WTF... how getto can we get. Just use a bit of bubble-gum and a few Zipties and it'll be good as new. Dang dude. Hell... IMO you would be better off just pulling the whole thing off and going without rather than CHeeeze it out with ZipTies. Sure... I know... you can get red ZipTies and it'd look awesome.

[SMG]

Why not link to all of these awesome aftermarket grille setups that are going to save her a bunch of money...

Take it from someone who owns two older NB's. Her car definitely has bigger problems than a few well-placed zipties. If that seems weird to you you obviously haven't been part of the VW scene for very long.

[intrudn86]

Originally Posted by SMG

Why not link to all of these awesome aftermarket grille setups that are going to save her a bunch of money...

Take it from someone who owns two older NB's. Her car definitely has bigger problems than a few well-placed zipties. If that seems weird to you you obviously haven't been part of the VW scene for very long.

I was not trying to imply that going with an aftermarket grille setup was going to save a bunch of money. My thought is just that "Instead" of purchasing the overpriced stock assembly she should consider going with something a little more stylish.

As a new owner of an older NB I would not even consider "Fixing" a car with zipties. It lowers the car's value and gives a bad impression of other NB owners. It's "Fixes" like these that create a "Junk" appeal for an entire line of cars.
My NB was purchased for my daughter as a first vehicle. Yet, like all my other vehicles, I have a certain amount of pride in how things look and whether they are fixed correctly. I've put WAY too much into this vehicle for her, much of it in fixing the PO's neglect. The last thing I would want to find when getting this car would be zipties holding something on.

I would also have to agree with the point that these cars have WAY more issues than their bodywork and pieces. In the same breath, why not fix things right when finding them. Maybe it's just me... and that's okay, to each there own. Get out the Hubba-Bubba, ZipTies and RattleCan... and have a day.

[SMG]

I'm still waiting for a link to these "more stylish options" that are going to be cheaper than a stock grille.

[intrudn86]

Originally Posted by SMG

I'm still waiting for a link to these "more stylish options" that are going to be cheaper than a stock grille.

Damn dude... what don't you get. DID I SAY CHEAPER???? Don't THINK So. Maybe you should try and READ the posts.

[SMG]

Alright, you said the same but you're still wrong.

[peanutsmom]

Ok all, stop arguing and let's try to help her.. I don't like zippie ties but I do have some holding the bottom of my bra on because I can't afford a new one because I am too busy trying to fix the other issues the PO ignored.. So for now, I have zippie ties.. The bra has to stay on because the front of the car is so scratched and dented.. I dunno what they did to smurfette but little by little I am fixing her.. Just got her rotors and brakes in mail today.. But I will help you look around for a good but not pricy fix to your nB bumper issues.. Ok? Let's all help her