Help with 358 grill insert....

[crashcrawford]

Looking for help. I don't want to cause harm.

Would you please tell me a good way? The cheaper the better!
What is the recommended method of cleaning and renewing this insert?
And what type of paint to preserve?

Thanks for your advice.

[crashcrawford]

Oh! And will screw holes ever hold again? or do I fill them with something?

[Scranton 761]

Chad, from the looks of the pics it's already brittle. I would carefully clean it with a 3M ScotchBrite pad and some purple cleaner (Castrol Super Clean, Purple Power, etc.). Cracks can be bridged with fiberglass mesh and epoxy (PC-7) from the backside. Screw holes can be filled and redrilled. I wouldn't get too aggressive with sanding... Instead I would use flat or satin Krylon Fusion to help lessen the imperfections.

I did this wall hanger in my shop the same way with flat paint.... It was in multiple pieces.

Call me if you have any other questions.

[crashcrawford]

Thank you Sir. I'll try to get to it before the weekend and post a pic. Thanks again.

[crashcrawford]

Not certain but I think it's SLIGHTLY better after cleaning. Letting it dry over night. Might hit it with a fresh dry scotchbrite tomorrow. Then wash it again. Hope to paint it Fri or Sat depending on weather.

[Scranton 761]

After cleaning I see some of those holes are cracked and completely through. You can cut a 1" square of fiberglass mesh and glue it to the backside as tight as possible with a bondo spreader. You can pretty much use any fiberglass filler or plastics epoxy (the clear fast dry stuff is usually not as strong).

When that's set you could fill the front side flush. When that's done cooking you can re-drill, then you'll have a solid bolt hole. It all just takes a little time, with little expense.