Front Grille - Cracking

CHEVROLET NUMBER: 87-T-48

SECTION: 10 - Body Section

DATE: January, 1987

SUBJECT: FRONT GRILLE CRACKING

MODELS: 1985-87 M VANS

Figure No. 1 - Front Grille Cracks:

Some 1985 - early 1987 M vans are experiencing cracks in the grille assembly at the upper left and/or right attaching tabs (Figure No. 1). This condition is due in part to a misalignment between the grille tabs and the radiator support attaching holes. Insufficient hood to grille clearance resulting from loose hood bumper-stop bolts also contributes to grille tab cracking.

REPAIR

A new grille assembly has been released to repair this condition. The new grille assembly outer tab thickness has been increased and the upper left (driver's side) tab attachment hole has been changed to a 5 x 10 mm slot Hood bumper-stop bolt retention can be improved with the following procedure.

^ Adjust bumper bolts to achieve the proper hood to fender alignment.

^ Note the number of threads exposed at each bumper bolt.

^ Remove and clean the threads on the bumper bolt and the threads in the radiator support.

^ Apply Loctite Black Max (R) or equivalent to the bolt threads.

^ Reinstall and adjust each bumper bolt to its predetermined position as noted above.

PARTS INFORMATION

New grille assemblies are available under current part numbers. Unmodified grille assemblies have been purged from stock New grille assemblies were incorporated into production beginning with the following VIN breakpoints:

GMC HB506385 CHEVROLET HB125469