DIY custom grill

[LGT4ME]

so after looking through all the galleries at everyone sweet looking cars i got a little jelous at the custom grills. so i looked up how much they would be to get for my car, 250-300 is a little too much to spend for me if it doesnt make my car go faster. so i got up from the computer still with that feeling of jelousy lingering and i went out to look at my car. it started with the thought "if i did get a new grill how tough would it be to take the old one off. so of coarse i decided to do some tinkering... i got it off (very simple) and decided to give it a whirl... i got some bondo, blue painters tape, sand paper, my angle grinder, a hack saw (in hindsight should have used the dremel) and some spray paint.
i did it all for 36 bucks and about 2 nights!! :beer:

What do you think?

[havanisda]

I think u did a nice job on it. IMO it would look better w/some kinda mesh behind it and the surround painted 2 match your body color, which is BSM looks like, but if your happy w/the way it looks now thats all that matters.
:tup:

[LGT4ME]

i actually did paint it silver the same as the car and didnt like it, i like the darker color because it makes the opening look bigger... i actually did put some mesh behind the unit its hard to tell from the last picture but its a 1/8" mesh, tough to secure, i ended using 5 minute epoxy and that worked great but i felt like my hands were gonna fall off before it dried all the way because i didnt have any clamps! haha. but im also thinking about using that accent color on the bottom scoop below the grill..... just a thought.

[TSi+WRX]

Looks great! :)

[cl162]

466

So you all got me hooked on the DIY mods, so I decided to paint my grill. I didnt want to just start cutting, so I just painted it..... so here it is.

[LGT4ME]

hey that looks great!!! it looks like almost the same paint i used! really sharp!

[urabus]

what color paint is it, what brand name.

[cl162]

I used the Rustoleum Metallic black night....... picked it up at Lowes.

[Dookie]

Looks good without the chrome.:tup:

[john]

Looks good without the chrome.:tup:

Agreed. The 'chrome' is what turned me off to my stock grill in the first place.

Nice job lgt4me.

[rtbrjason]

466

So you all got me hooked on the DIY mods, so I decided to paint my grill. I didnt want to just start cutting, so I just painted it..... so here it is.

That looks great. Been wanting to do something similar with mine. Did you just paint the chrome pieces separately from the whole grill?

[cl162]

I taped over the emblem leaving the chrome exposed. Used some high grade sand paper to rough it up, then primed and painted it.

[Dookie]

Here's my before and after with the chrome.

With chrome...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7d731b3127ccec2414ac759f600000010O00AZtHDZo1bt2 IPbz4S/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


After Chrome...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7d731b3127ccec2408ea6f88900000010O00AZtHDZo1bt2 IPbz4S/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/


Side view with my new "bling...bling" lights...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8dd10b3127ccec3ea367678fc00000010O00AZtHDZo1bt2 IPbz4S/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[cl162]

how long did it take you to clear your lights?

[Dookie]

Depends on which way you do it. I used a heat gun, which is faster for me. Took me about 15 mins each.

The baking in the oven works too, it takes 10 mins to heat up, 5 mins to take out the amber, and 10 mins to reheat and reseal. 25 - 30 mins this way.

[LGT4ME]

do you have a step by step process thread posted for clearing your lights? and did you have to buy yellow lights for your blinkers or just left them? very interested!!! looks awesome!!!!!!:tup:

[Dookie]

Thanks.

We don't have a step by step thread for clearing headlights, but here are some simple steps.

1. Remove bumper, mostly popits and a few bolts.
2. Remove brackets under headlights
3. Disconnect harnesses and remove bulbs.
4. Remove the few screws holding the two pieces together on the housing.
5. Heat the edge either using heat gun or oven (250 degrees for 10 mins).
6. Pry the the two housings apart, it may require some grunting.
7. Remove the 4 screws holding the chrome reflector.
8. Carefully snap off the amber reflector, to much force and you can crack it.
9. Replace the remaining parts
10. Press the housing back together and reheat. Once heated press firmly around the edges and replace screws to secure the housing.


This is the bulb I used for the turn signal. Turns amber when it lights up.
http://autolumination.com/1156_1157.htm

http://superlumination.com/images/auto_bulbs/1156_chrome_wm.jpg (http://superlumination.com/images/auto_bulbs/1156_chrome_wm.jpg)

[rtbrjason]

Way to consolidate those instructions! I'm wanting to clear mine but don't want to end up buying new lights when I screw them up.. I'm also really concerned with condensation in the lenses after reassembly.

On step 8.. you say "snap off amber reflector". Does it need to be broken off, or is it clipped/fastened in?

[ih8vtec13]

I think it is clipped in but its lot like you are gonna take it appart and put it back in

[Dookie]

Way to consolidate those instructions! I'm wanting to clear mine but don't want to end up buying new lights when I screw them up.. I'm also really concerned with condensation in the lenses after reassembly.

On step 8.. you say "snap off amber reflector". Does it need to be broken off, or is it clipped/fastened in?

They are clipped in, it's best to use a flat head screw driver and slide it in between the reflector and it's housing. This should pop it out without cracking it.

If you don't care to put it back in, then you can just yank it out.:lol:

[brownrice]

Thinking about doing a DIY grill......:devil:

[Dookie]

Cool, just let me know if you need any help. It's a fun little project.

[brownrice]

Thats on the backburner of projects...i need to see one in person to decide if i should try it. Currently im trying to knock out my 60k services and prepare for the dreaded CA smog check. Un-install of UP,DP&AP. Got my gaskets, and a new Invidia UP!

[Dookie]

I might be doing the same this year, at least I only have to take off the UP. Awww phuck......I still have to take off the DP to get to the UP.:mad: :lol:

Next meet we have, come check out my grill since I'm the only one in fresno with a custom one. Hmoob has an after market on his.

[brownrice]

What? Thats a DIY grill?

[mcnamaraz]

What type of mesh is best for the backing of the grill? I am thinking about doing this, but want to be confident I can find mesh that will actually look good and not like a screen door.

Anyone know where some mesh back that looks nice could be purchased?

:tup::):tup:

[rtbrjason]

I wanted to get the chrome off my grill, but didn't want to hack it up with a dremmel. I pulled the grill off, and separated the chrome trim pieces, and they're currently being painted flat black. I will get a pic up when it's done, right now I'm trying to get the fog surrounds off without much luck. I may end up pulling the bumper and clearing my headlights and hopefully getting the fog surrounds off then.

[rtbrjason]

So I got the fog surrounds off no problem, but I can't seem to get the bumper off. It looks like there are screw coming in from the bumper side holding it into the car. There is no way I can get a screwdriver (even a stubby) on that screw. The rest of the clips seem to be off but it's still on there tight.

[Dookie]

When taking off the bumper, you'll have to pull back part of the wheel well shield to get to the screw that attaches to the fender. Don't forget to take the grille off first since there's 2 screws that attaches to the bumper. The rest are on the bottom of the bumper.

[Dookie]

What? Thats a DIY grill?

Yes sir. Only cost me $35 bucks from Home Depot, and about 4 hrs of labor.:D

[rtbrjason]

When taking off the bumper, you'll have to pull back part of the wheel well shield to get to the screw that attaches to the fender. Don't forget to take the grille off first since there's 2 screws that attaches to the bumper. The rest are on the bottom of the bumper.
I think I see the screws near the clips I took out in the wheel well, but they seem like they're be impossible to get even the smallest of screw driver on. I even tried a ratchet with a phillips bit on it. I'm not sure they are the right screws..

Edit: Attached is a pic of what the screw is going into. This was taken from the area where my airbox sits looking into the fender. The front of the screw has maybe half an inch of clearance so there seems to be no way to get a screw driver or anything on it.

[brownrice]

#1 remove the grill (2 bolts i think 12mm IFIRC and 4 pop clips on the top of grill)
#2 remove bumber by removing about 8 or 10 nylon rivets ("pop-its"). All of these rivets are accessed out side of the car. None are accessed inside the engine bay.
So, remove the grill. Close your hood. Then look for the rivets that attach under the bumber. remove them all just to be sure. Place something under each side of your bumber at 3"~4" tall to catch your bumber so it doesnt fall. Turn steering wheel all the way left or right. Go to your wheel wells, notice the plastic peice that is slipped just under your fender. There is a space to slip in a screw driver....pry it back about 2 or 3 inches and you will find one more rivet. remove it. Turn steering wheel the opposite direction. do the other wheel well. Bumber will now drop. Disconnect foglights.
Done

[brownrice]

Ill take a pic of the wheel wells pop-it when i get a chance this week if you havent still cant find it.
FYI..im not a 'wrench' guy but... DOOKIE showed me how to drop the bumber last year and i have done it a few times since then. Not once did i ever have to actually remove any screws...unless you count the two bolts that hold the grill in.

[rtbrjason]

#1 remove the grill (2 bolts i think 12mm IFIRC and 4 pop clips on the top of grill)
#2 remove bumber by removing about 8 or 10 nylon rivets ("pop-its"). All of these rivets are accessed out side of the car. None are accessed inside the engine bay.
So, remove the grill. Close your hood. Then look for the rivets that attach under the bumber. remove them all just to be sure. Place something under each side of your bumber at 3"~4" tall to catch your bumber so it doesnt fall. Turn steering wheel all the way left or right. Go to your wheel wells, notice the plastic peice that is slipped just under your fender. There is a space to slip in a screw driver....pry it back about 2 or 3 inches and you will find one more rivet. remove it. Turn steering wheel the opposite direction. do the other wheel well. Bumber will now drop. Disconnect foglights.
Done

Well I have the grill completely off. There were 6 screws that had to be removed to get that off as well as 2 pop-its and 4 clips across the top. I then removed the 2 pop-its on top near the grilll holding the bumper in. I removed 7 pop-its from under the car holding the bumper in. From here I pulled back both wheel liners, and removed one pop-it from each side holding the bumper to the fender. Still in there pretty good at this point.

[rtbrjason]

Well here are a few pics of my grill and painted fog surrounds.. No luck on the bumper cover for now..

[brownrice]

That looks good. Sorry i couldnt help with the bumber. Next time you try again, pull the bumber straight outward, not down.

[rtbrjason]

That looks good. Sorry i couldnt help with the bumber. Next time you try again, pull the bumber straight outward, not down.

I will I guess, it's not hard to get back to the point I was at, but I spent a couple hours after all the clips were removed and something was definitely still holding it. How many clips are in the wheel well area?

I removed:

The grill which was 6 screws, 4 clips and 2 pop-its
2 pop-its on top near where the grill pop-its were
7 pop-its total along the bottom
2 pop-its total holding fender to bumper (1 on each side)

So a total of 11 pop-its came out not including the 2 for the grill itself. Am I missing one on each side still further into the fender? I guess the question is how many pop-its are holding the bumper to the fender on each side in the fender well area? I've only found the one on each side.

[brownrice]

I have an 05 and there is just one pop-its in each fender area.

[Dookie]

Your painted grille looks good.:tup: It looks alot nicer without the chrome.

Since you have MY'08, I'm not sure if they have added additional hardware to the bumper. I know for the '05-'07 there are

Grille = 2-bolts & 2 pop-its
Bottom Bumper = 7-8 pop its
Wheel Well = 1 pop it on each side

Sometimes you have to give it some love to slide it off.

[rtbrjason]

Your painted grille looks good.:tup: It looks alot nicer without the chrome.

Since you have MY'08, I'm not sure if they have added additional hardware to the bumper. I know for the '05-'07 there are

Grille = 2-bolts & 2 pop-its
Bottom Bumper = 7-8 pop its
Wheel Well = 1 pop it on each side

Sometimes you have to give it some love to slide it off.

Man.. that sounds like everything other than the extra screws on the 08 grill.. I will try it again..

[rtbrjason]

Your painted grille looks good.:tup: It looks alot nicer without the chrome.

Thanks! Between the painted grill and the fog surrounds, I don't dislike the front end at all anymore..

[Dookie]

Next you'll have to update your avatar.;)

[urabus]

Well here are a few pics of my grill and painted fog surrounds.. No luck on the bumper cover for now..


WOW!

i just baught the metalic black, but then i saw your flat black and that looks sexy.. Guess ill try this and if i dont like it ill do the flat black.

Ill take some pics when im done.

[ScoobyDoobie]

painted grill FTW

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/133/diygrill13.jpg
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/3466/summer01.jpg

(krylon fusion satin black)

[kagenmateer]

Until reading this thread, I thought I was the only one that left the chrome shiny! I prefer it that way.

[TSi+WRX]

^ I left mine with a chrome "surround" oval, but blacked-out the winglet inserts. :)

[urabus]

I prefer it black for a couple reasons.

1. there is no chrome on the entire car(except grill), think black compliments the rest of the car.

2.To be honest tho, the main reason for me painting my grill was from being bored. Had nothing 2 do and all day 2 do it.

[TSi+WRX]

^ Yep, me too. :lol:

[rtbrjason]

Looks really good. Problem is they seem to chip fairly easily. Mine has many (10 or so) good coats of flat black on it as well as 4 or 5 coats of matte clear coating on it, and it still likes to chip. I really like the look of it with the chrome blacked out but I'm almost considering getting an aftermarket piece here so that I'm not painting it every couple of months.

[urabus]

Looks really good. Problem is they seem to chip fairly easily. Mine has many (10 or so) good coats of flat black on it as well as 4 or 5 coats of matte clear coating on it, and it still likes to chip. I really like the look of it with the chrome blacked out but I'm almost considering getting an aftermarket piece here so that I'm not painting it every couple of months.

What brand of paint are you using. i just painted mine so im not sure if mine will chip or not but, maybe you should try a different brand of paint.

[TSi+WRX]

I'm a low-mileage guy, so I've got no chips to speak of..... :o - but mine has been on for a while now. DupliColor Metallic.

[havanisda]

You're DQ'd Allen, u haven't even had yours out on the highway yet. :lol:

[kagenmateer]

Looks really good. Problem is they seem to chip fairly easily. Mine has many (10 or so) good coats of flat black on it as well as 4 or 5 coats of matte clear coating on it, and it still likes to chip. I really like the look of it with the chrome blacked out but I'm almost considering getting an aftermarket piece here so that I'm not painting it every couple of months.

For this, I've found a sharpy pen very useful for touchup.

[urabus]

For this, I've found a sharpy pen very useful for touchup.


+1:tup:

[TSi+WRX]

You're DQ'd Allen, u haven't even had yours out on the highway yet. :lol:

^ Hey now, hey now, I resemble that remark! :p

[Dookie]

I tend to re-paint (touch-up) mine once a year, due to all the chip marks and bug stains. Highway driving FTL!

[urabus]

CAR BRA!! lol

[john]

/SLAP urabus. :)

[blk2.5GT]

I have a 2005 LGT with Black Osbian paint (did I spell that right?)...anyway...clearing mine would look sweet as well! Sucks that you have to take the bumper off...but it would be well worth it! Awesome job!

[havanisda]

Obsidian Black Pearl.

[urabus]

Dont have 2 take the bumper off 2 take the grill off.

[havanisda]

I think it's just 2 10mm bolts & 2 pop-its, then just lift it out.

[blk2.5GT]

http://japanparts.com has clear head lights as per posts on page one of this thread...kinda costly though...:eek:

[blk2.5GT]

and these are pretty sweet to...