How to fit the Chrome Grill

[james_tiger_woo]

Hi,

I didn't receive instructions for the chrome grills (I knew this already) and they're overly complicated anyway, so I'll do some screenshots of how to do them.

This is what you'll have:



You will need - a stanley knife, SHARP scissors, measuring tape, patience and, in case of emergency, superglue.

Firstly, wash the grills and clean off any crap, properly - use a alcohol wipe to clean them up properly - make sure that the grills and the tiny slats (have a close look, you'll see what I mean) are free of any water. I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure there's no water there - I used some tissue to blot out any water (not that that was completely effective, but there you go....)

Ensure that you fit the grills somewhere dry. Then wash and clean your hands - but DON'T wear gloves.

Arrange the bits somewhere close to hand and try to line them up as best you can with the strips that are an appropriate length - you'll find that they're pre cut to a length, but you will need to re-trim them anyway. Ensure that all the sections are there first!

I'd reccomend you do this away from the car and then line them up either on the bonnet or somewhere close to hand, I put the 3 long ones to one side to start with and then the shorter pieces (that go around the badge) in size ascending order:



Measure the strips, a pair at a time and cut them to length at the appropriate angle, ensuring that you aren't cutting any more than you have to - ie don't pick the longest "around the badge" pieces and trim them to fit the shortest piece - you'll be in a world of hurt then.

I can't say for sure what the best way to get the angle right is, you'll have to rely on your own judgement I'm afraid, but I used the stanley knife to LIGHTLY score a guide section to cut - ensure that if you do this, you don't cut it short....

To actually fit them, you'll find that on the back of the strip is a 3M adhesive strip. For the top grill, I stuck the grill piece at the side furthest away from the badge and fed the grill piece to it. Peel off a small piece and stick that to the side furthest away - peel away about 3-4 inches and feed that onto the grill as flat/straight as you can - by doing this a small section at a time, if you're not quite level, you can peel it off - perception and steadiness is key....

I did the top grill first as that was easier.



Do the lower grill in exactly the same way - it's slightly more complex as it's longer.



Wine is optional.

In the event that the right or left edge isn't right, peel off a small amount of the trim and cut it, carefully, with the scissors. If, like me, you missed some water and the strip doesn't stick, you may need to use the superglue to stick the edge down.

I think that covers it, comments/corrections welcome - good luck

I offer no advice on the side grill pieces as I didn't do them and didn't feel that it was needed - but the theory, I believe, is the same - as for if you want to do the side pieces AND you have fog lights - Again, I think the theory would be the same with the added complication of probably needing to trim smaller chrome pieces....

[buckspassat]

Hi James
Did you 'lacquer' the freshly cut ends when you did yours?. I had instructions with mine & it said to do this. Luckily I had some in a 3 part paint touch up kit, so just used this to protect the ends a bit. I guess some tarnish could set in over time if the ends are not protected. Very pleased with mine, just took an hour or so & is pretty straightforward.

[james_tiger_woo]

Hmmm... I missed that one on mine...

[Quatrelle]

There was no mention of varnishing the ends in my instructions, but it does seem a good idea. If water starts to creep in they will go cloudy. I'll be looking for a very small paint brush tomorrow because I fitted them very close to the surround.

[wh431]

Finally done with the chrome grill (just did the upper center grilll). Wasnt too bad.. Just the Lacquer bit was a litlle odd, as there wasnt much space on the edges and the damn lacquer was coming on the main grill. My car is balck and IMO Silver looks good on Black.

Now my Passat is a Hybrid b/w Sport and SEL.. (not really i know)