Front V brace removal through grill

[Jamesgofast]

Hi everyone,

I've noticed one side of my brace seen through the grill has started shedding paint to reveal bare metal. I assume this is aluminium?



Anyway, looks daft. Need to paint it.
I don't fancy removing the bumper quite yet... not got confidence yet to undertake such a task.

Is it possible to remove the brace through the grill once that is removed?
If so, what tools do I need for the job? I understand there are only four bolts that need to be removed to release the brace. Once done, can the brace be fed through the grill for sanding n painting?

Thanks.

Attacking small jobs first to get a feel for this mechanical shiz. Already done the sound generator mod n managed to shed blood. One screw!!!!

 

[bigwinn]

Hi James

I'd say its not very removable, purely as I dont think you will have much room to get tools onto corroded screws. After that if you can get it free I dont think you will be able to get it in a position to remove via the grille holes

Suggest you pop the grilles off and paint in situ?

 

[curvature]

I've just repainted the slam panel to the bonnet and looked at the cross brace on my E86.

Taking the grills out will give you more access but to get the brace out I think the easiest way is to take the plastic radiator cover off at the top under the bonnet and pull it out from there.

You might also want to spray the bolts with some penetrating oil first as they do corrode. The nuts on the back are captive nuts welded in place so it's the Torx head bolts that you remove.

 

[jock156]

It can be done through the grills

 

[enuff_zed]

I've never encountered the corroded screws though I know bigwinn has.
I always just pop the grilles and get in there with a 1/4 drive ratchet.

Can't remember who it was, but someone on here removed theirs and used heat-shrink plastic tubing to cover it instead.

 

[Jamesgofast]

Taking the grills out will give you more access but to get the brace out I think the easiest way is to take the plastic radiator cover off at the top under the bonnet and pull it out from there.

Cool, what is involved in doing that?

Cheers everyone for guidance.

 

[Jamesgofast]

Suggest you pop the grilles off and paint in situ?

Don't trust myself to have paint anywhere near the Z4

 

[Zedebee]

Yes, you can paint all the visible bits in situ through the grilles, but once the paint starts flaking off it’s better to take the brace out, give it a good rub down and re-paint.

It can be a bi*ch to get the torx bolts undone if they’ve not been undone before, as they get corroded and space is very tight. It’s much easier with the bumper off as you have a direct line of sight to the bolts.

Don’t be scared of removing the front bumper, it’s a simple task although easier with a second pair of hands. There so much more to look at / inspect / repair with the bumper off, it’s worth knowing how to do it.

 

[Jamesgofast]

Don’t be scared of removing the front bumper, it’s a simple task although easier with a second pair of hands. There so much more to look at / inspect / repair with the bumper off, it’s worth knowing how to do it.

Yes, you are right of course. I'm just nervous I'm going to irreparably damage something by doing something wrong.

I need all the tools.

 

[Jon2215]

I've never encountered the corroded screws though I know bigwinn has.
I always just pop the grilles and get in there with a 1/4 drive ratchet.

Can't remember who it was, but someone on here removed theirs and used heat-shrink plastic tubing to cover it instead.

As above,easily removed when grills out plus you can get the brace out of the grill apertures

 

[Thrustyjust]

Bit fiddly but removeable through the grilles. I painted mine with Plastikote black and seems to be holding. Personally my local powder coater would have done it for a little more than the paint I bought, so hindsight meant I should have got him to do it with the engine braces.
In paint in my high tech paint booth

 

[Jamesgofast]

Nice. Through the grills it is then. Ill save the adventure of removing the bumper for another day.

 

[jock156]

I had all mine powder coated

 

[chemical.equal277]

Nice… think we got sum extra pics 4 free :rofl:

 

[enuff_zed]

Nice… think we got sum extra pics 4 free :rofl:

Yup, he SHARED the SHARD. :rofl:

 

[jock156]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

 

[jock156]

Just received an update from the body shop so I thought I’d post a pic in here to give you an idea

 

[Joshuahjfox]

Hi just joined today, on topic but of topic
Does anyone have the part number for the v brace?
I've searched all over
Mine is an e85
Tia

 

[enuff_zed]

Hi just joined today, on topic but of topic
Does anyone have the part number for the v brace?
I've searched all over
Mine is an e85
Tia

Welcome to the madhouse.
Do you need a replacement then? Yours beyond salvage?
Part number is: 51717063833
Called a 'Rod'
On Realoem, look under Vehicle Trim - Front Bumper.

I have a spare here if you want one to paint up.
Another option that someone on here previously highlighted is to cover it in plastic heat-shrink tubing. Multitude of colours to choose from.

 

[Joshuahjfox]

Hi yes I believe the person I bought the car of didn't disclose that it has been in an accident as 1 side of the brace is sheared of and a fair bit of bumper damage so is currently a bit of a running project, totally fault should of looked more into the car but was just to exited to get 1!