The raccoon I ran into was BIG !

[Graphite_GT_305]

I had no chance to swerve around it, i basically slammed the brakes and reduced the impact speed to maybe 25 mph. Coon went flying about 20 feet. It actually kept running but I'm sure it had no more than 10 minutes of life left.

The lower grill of my Stinger got pushed in, separating from the bumper. I think a tab or two may be broken.

What's the best way to repair this?

 

[MerlintheMad]

Lucky! You, not the coon. That could have been so much worse.

Last year, @Salman pushed his Stinger to the max top speed, and his lower grill separated much like that just from the air pressure (and vibration?). So, I don't think it necessarily involves broken tabs; but it might still be an incorrect fitment issue.

 

[DiabloStinger]

There are two screws (one on each side) that hold it tight... the tabs are there as well. I'd check to see maybe you broke the mount to those screws or just popped it out. Worst case scenario, you can buy the whole lower grille, but I'd bet you can get it back in there. If the mounts to the screws are broken it is a bigger deal. Nothing a little epoxy can't fix though.

 

[westcoastGT]

I had no chance to swerve around it, i basically slammed the brakes and reduced the impact speed to maybe 25 mph. Coon went flying about 20 feet. It actually kept running but I'm sure it had no more than 10 minutes of life left.

The lower grill of my Stinger got pushed in, separating from the bumper. I think a tab or two may be broken.

What's the best way to repair this?

the tabs look aligned so give it a few solid pushes and see if they snap back into place

 

[Graphite_GT_305]

There are two screws (one on each side) that hold it tight....

Thanks for the info. Would you happen to know where exactly those screws are? ....and from what direction they're more easily accessed ?

 

[Graphite_GT_305]

the tabs look aligned so give it a few solid pushes and see if they snap back into place

That pic shows the separation after i pushed the two pieces together. I guess i could have tried to push harder but didn't know what damage i could be doing. Before that the gap was wider, and i was too upset to take a pic. lol.

 

[robz32]

Remove the front splash shield and you will be able to access the mounting points of the lower grill.
Removal is easy, six plastic clips and six 10mm screws.

 

[westcoastGT]

I've taken the front fascia and rear diffuser off and I can assure you the tabs need a real push to snap into place , I suggest starting on one side and working your way across

 

[Graphite_GT_305]

Thanks guys i'll try that and report back.

 

[cncBilly]

Not the best pictures but I agree with my Stinger-Winger WestcoastGT give it a good push. You will know when the tab clicks in. From what I can see the tabs look in tacked. Good luck with it.

 

[DiabloStinger]

Thanks for the info. Would you happen to know where exactly those screws are? ....and from what direction they're more easily accessed ?

They are accessed from underneath and behind the lower lip, towards the corners. At one time I had a drawing of where they were, but I cannot find it. If you ramp it or lift it, you can remove the lower panel and see them.

EDIT... found something that will help. 2018-2019 Kia Stinger Lower Grille 86560-J5600 | Kia Parts Direct

 

[Graphite_GT_305]

They are accessed from underneath and behind the lower lip, towards the corners. At one time I had a drawing of where they were, but I cannot find it. If you ramp it or lift it, you can remove the lower panel and see them.

EDIT... found something that will help. 2018-2019 Kia Stinger Lower Grille 86560-J5600 | Kia Parts Direct

Very helpful, thank you.

 

[StingerLover]

You're very lucky. The raccoon I hit Friday at interstate speeds (minus braking) did over $2200 damage! Insurance covered, but I'm without it for a week and a half.

 

[jabs]

The only raccoon I've hit cleared both my axles, poor guy was probably already hit and dazed walking parallel dead center of the lane. The Elantra survived; he went head-over-heels. 1000 ft from the Mackinac Bridge.

A turkey almost killed my dad in the same car, though. Right through the passenger's side of the windshield.

 

[Graphite_GT_305]

You're very lucky. The raccoon I hit Friday at interstate speeds (minus braking) did over $2200 damage! Insurance covered, but I'm without it for a week and a half.

Oh damn. What part of the front end took damage?

 

[StingerLover]

Oh damn. What part of the front end took damage?

Intercooler, grill, plastic underneath, engine shield. Whole nose is being replaced!