What is the best way to re-fix the grille near the wipers?

[volvojj]

First let me thank all of you for the replies.

The feedback received helped me make the decision to start this project myself, instead of taking it to the shop. As a result, I have managed to:

i. remove cowl screen (access panel) and clean it
ii. thoroughly clean the area where the wipers motors are (from leafs and other organic dirt)
iii. fix the grille on the panel (using double sided tape)
iv. re-install the cowl screen

What follows is description of this process using photos from two days ago. I will put each step in separate posts in order to attach more photos:

[volvojj]

After removing the wipers few days ago (like in the videos in previous posts), I have marked them (left / right wiper – like in photo 1). I have read that they are not the same and if you mix them up, they will not work properly. To remove the wipers first your need to un-clip the plastic covers that are covering the wipers’ bolt nuts (photo 2). Be careful as the plastic might break. Then unscrew the nuts that are holding the wipers (13mm-but they are not on the photo) and then remove the wipers. Finally remove the two rubbers covering the cowl / panel above the wipers motors ends (photo 2).

[volvojj]

Prior to starting, I was mostly worried how will I remove the cowl screen/panel without braking anything (clips or smth else). The panel was tightly attached and did not feel loose even without the three screws.

The first step that made the cowl/panel release pressure, move slightly and become a bit loose was by applying force on the point where the two end-screws are located (prior to this all three screws/bolts must be removed; two on each side and one in the middle). With small plastic tool placed between the metal sheet of the panel and the one below (I started on the right side; photo 3) I managed to separate the two metals and immediately it felt that the cowl is moving a bit. I pulled the cowl about 1-2 centimeters back towards myself and the panel freed even more (photo 4). I did the same thing on the other end (left side-photo 5) and the cowl was even looser. Next I lowered the car bonnet/hood at ~30-degree angle, so I could pool back the cowl even more (when the hood is up - two hoses that bring water for the windshield sprinklers block the cowl). Then by pulling back the cowl it releases itself from the clips that are located below the windshield (photo 6) and from the two handles on both ends of the cowl just below the windscreen (photo 7). Once released from the clips and the handles the cowl/panel was fully released and can be raised above the windshield and removed (photo 7).

[volvojj]

From photos 8, 9 and 10 it can be seen that the grille was de-attached and that there were a lot of leafs and other dirt in the cowl compartment, including within the ventilation rotor which is located at the right end of the compartment protected with plastic cover and another smaller grille (photo 11) . To access the rotor, I removed the plastic cover that was holding on a piece of black mist (photos 11 – 12).

[volvojj]

Photos 13, 14 and 15 show the cleaning of the cowl compartment. I used vacuum cleaner to collect leafs and dirt and cleaning wipes for the dust that has accumulated on the windscreen end, as well as on the metal and plastic parts. For cleaning the cowl/panel I have used cleaning wipes but first I have removed the old black mist (photos 16 and 17).

[volvojj]

I have decided to re-attach the grille on the cowl/panel using double sided duct tape (photos 18 and 19). I also managed to put one side of the grille under one of the plastics of the cowl (photo 20). I used the remaining tape to fix the smaller grille near the rotor as well as to fix the rotor cover (photo 21).

Afterwards I have reinstalled the cowl in the reverse order. It helps if someone can help you to hold the cowl on your opposite side. That way it’s easier to correctly connect it to the clips. Unfortunately after attaching the two end screws I lost a lot of time trying to attach the middle bolt. After more than half an hour I gave up and used another bolt with wider thread (photo 22).

[bob12]

Glad you fixed it. While you are there don't forget to make sure that the 2 rubber drains seen low down on the bulkhead each side in the engine bay are not blocked. You can make sure they are clear by poking something up them! Sorry not a very good photo.

[mister grimsdale]

Emboldened by this account, I took the opportunity to do mine today whilst the windscreen was being replaced (got too close to a lorry carrying a digger on the M1 and got a sodding great stone chip right in the driver's eyeline). Getting the cowl off was trouble free -- a bit reluctant to unstick on one side, but a bit of wiggling was all that was needed. Whilst I was at it I took all the windscreen trims off as well and only broke two of the clips, which felt like a win. The wiper arms also came free without hassle.
One minor thing that I haven't seen mentioned is that the rubber boots under the wiper arms have a slot that locates over a peg lower down on the casing. When I tried to pull the first one off, I had the uncomfortable feeling of pulling against a spring, and the boot tore slightly as it came off. On the second one I used a small screwdriver to stretch it over the peg. The torn one is still perfectly serviceable, but I repaired it with a drop of superglue anyway.
As per Forrest's suggestion, I'll use Tiger Seal to reattach the grille. It's previously been held by cable ties, but they do get brittle and fail in a few years.

Now, in spite of good advice against doing so, I removed the weatherstrip along the rear edge of the cowl (the one that sits against the windscreen). It came off really easily, but it is indeed proving to be a pig to get it back on. Anyone got a good trick for this? Perhaps something creative with string...