58 replies to this topic

[CALYPSO_VXT]

I'm at the point where I am now fed up with looking at the stupid 'V' on my front grill and need to remove it as a matter of urgency. Removing the Clam fills me with dread so I was wondering if there was a different approach. I understand the V is held on with six retaining screws. Can you get to them from the front by drilling into the plastic of even using a very sharpe chisel to break into the plastic to access the screws from the front or is it solid ? I really am reluctant to take the clam off and the Garage will charge abouit £300 Any thoughts, advise etc ?

[TJR]

I saw a silver 52 reg na on Saturday with the V and badge removed and I can't say I'm convinced, but that's just my own POV. My car already had the V painted in body colour and I think it looks better, as it takes away the visual impact. I would think that this could be done in situ with a spray can and some masking tape - might be cheaper and if you don't like it you can always resort to plan B and remove it. You could probably even use photshop to edit a picture of your car and see what it would look like. See what you think of my car, it's in the gallery under tjr. AIMHO.

Edited by TJR, 17 June 2003 - 05:40 PM.

[speedyK]

Calypso.

I did exactly that on my Speedster as soon as I got it home. It is similarly attached with screws. The outer two are very near the clam, so I put a couple of layers of masking tape over the paint there in case the drill chuck made contact. Took my heart in my hands and set about my brand new car!

Happily, I got it off without damage. You'll need a magnet-on-a-stick type tool to retrieve the screws. Also, if you haven't done the stocking air filter mod yet, watch out for shards of plastic blowing through to the cabin afterwards.

It's so much better without that gawky Vauxhall or Opel cr@p - notice how they've done away with the awful multi-layer cross-strut on the Speedster Turbo for a more purposeful look. Here's a pic I've borrowed from Gisou's site:myspeedster.ch.

Attached Files

•  Genf23.jpg   119.2KB   0 downloads

[CALYPSO_VXT]

cheers Speedy. Just the answer I was hoping for Can anyone advise roughly where the screws are located so I can limit the drilling required. Also is the Vauxhall plastic made of similar material to the speedster and of the same thickness ? <_< TJR, thanks for your advise and actualy yours looks excellent. I thnk because its a darker paint than red it really suits your car. The cross part of the V actually looks like part of the bonnet and takes away most of the problem. However I tried paintshop on mine and it didn't appeal to me in red. Although removing isn't perfect its better than it is now. If anyone can post a picy of the V with screw points marked I will owe you a beer. cheers

Edited by CALYPSO_VXT, 17 June 2003 - 06:10 PM.

[streetboy]

I'd take the clam off. It may seem an intimidating task at first, but there’s no better way of getting to know your car than taking it to bits. You’re more like to damage it by attacking it with a drill. Plus you might find a few rattles disappear after you put it all back together again.

[Chuck]

Take the clam off, it's real easy. I did mine and refitted in about 3hrs.

[CALYPSO_VXT]

Chuck, How much effort was it really and how much help did you need ? My concern is damage to the paintwork whilst lifting off and refitting the clam. I'll go back to the guide and read it again but I confess I feel happier with a drill than a spanner.

[Ricky2772]

If anyone can post a picy of the V with screw points marked I will owe you a beer.

cheers

You rather need a pic of the "V" from somebody that removed it, pictured from behind so that you can see the screw....I'd happily display my logo, but it's the Opel one...

[CALYPSO_VXT]

Ricky, I'd really appreciate your opinion on this. As a novice should I remove the clam and do it properlly or drill it off carefully ? I think I know your answer but I'd respect your thoughts cheers

Edited by CALYPSO_VXT, 17 June 2003 - 06:24 PM.

[R1 nur]

Take some photo's please so we can take note. Might DIY if I know where the screws are etc..... Good luck! Have not even contemplated taking the front bit off........

[PaulCP]

Anybody thought of painting the V black???????

[streetboy]

Hmmmmmm? <_< I don't like that very much. It's better colour coded:



Or better still - take the hideous thing off and burn it!

[rasputin]

you owe me beer calypso :drink the silver discs are whashers :

Attached Files

•  P6160002.JPG   30.92KB   0 downloads

Edited by rasputin, 17 June 2003 - 08:26 PM.

[CALYPSO_VXT]

you owe me beer calypso :drink

That I do Rasputin and when we meet I will honour it.

2 questions if I can.

Is that a screw in the middle of the Griffin ?

Is it solid or hollow ?

cheers

[rasputin]

that would be no. and its hollow. cheers cheers

[TangoAlpha]

[BrianDrought]

Not seen them colour coded before... much prefer that to removing them. Looks gorgeous ! If you really want to remove the badge, then remove the clam. If its anything like the Elise, it's not hard at all ! (also you can fit some airhorns while yer at it.....)

[NoEscape]

Not sure what you mean by Clam, can someone explain? Also, if you remove the V as mentioned, whats left behind it, does it have that mesh through-out or is there just a horrible hole behind the V. If it has mesh, why do ppl go to the bother of buying the 350quid steinmetz grill???

[VEX]

I am sure Goofballs did his with an angle grinder? How Goofy? Chuck, want to earn a few . As I feel a little visit to MK coming on. However what I also plan to do is to shape a little griffin badge to crease that runs up the middle of the front clam and fit it on the nose. IMO that will look far better than the V and GRIFFFFFFFFFFFFFIN on steroids badge. Wheel badges will come off soon to.

[Chuck]

When the V is removed the only hole left is where the towing eye screws. You can see no trace of the badge where the Vauxhall V was. Really guys, this is no big deal to remove the front of the car, I read the instructions as per Rockstar's excellent advice and these were spot on. If you take your time undo each nut etc carefully the front really does just lift off. The only extra advice I would say is to put some tape around the front of the doors just to protect them when re-fitting. The only Vauxhall badge on mine is the steering wheel and I'm getting a non airbag one soon