E-073: DIY Custom grill mod cutting the "A" and adding the Grill Mesh LOTS OF PICS!
03-29-2010, 07:30 PM
#82
One on the right for me
Was out all weekend and didn't have time to snap any pictures.
I still need to redo the large piece of vinyl. Some rough spots I want to smooth out. I'm also going to get a better mesh piece for the grill - probably the same one off ebay as the OP.
I still need to redo the large piece of vinyl. Some rough spots I want to smooth out. I'm also going to get a better mesh piece for the grill - probably the same one off ebay as the OP.
09-28-2010, 01:04 PM
#85
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Not true! Yes it can be bought but it doesn't fit like a custom made one. I have seen this grill on other cars in person but you have that ugly bar that goes on top bending down for the grill handle and it just doesn't look right.
11-22-2010, 09:39 PM
#94
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I am going to tackle this project in a couple days. I'm also interested in adding mesh grill to the 2 lower grills. Should this be simple, I haven't been able to find a DIY on the lowers. Any suggestions?
05-16-2011, 01:27 PM
#100
Drifting
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I just completed this mod last weekend. Many thanks to Jon and others for the inspiration and effort to document this DIY---it was immensely helpful.
I switched a few things up from how Jon did it originally:
I used JB Quik Weld epoxy instead of Bondo Hair. This stuff sets in about 4 minutes, so you have to be quick with it, but you basically just build it up in layers, sanding between each layer (it is ready to be sanded after 30min setup).
To mount the mesh, I ditched the OEM screws and used some longer screws and washers.
To set the emblem, I did the same procedure as the DIY, but I wrapped the black piece in 3M Di-Noc CF vinyl. I used my existing Black Chrome Heeltoe emblem with the Ampd Emblems LEDs. The whole unit is held in place by a single screw/washer combination from the rear (there is a single screw hole available on the back of the black cup piece) and more epoxy to hold it in place.
Here are a couple of pics:
You can see its not perfect--it took a LOT more sanding than I expected and I never did get it perfect, but it is good enough to be wrapped in vinyl, which is my plan for the future. I also had enough mesh left over to do the lower grilles, but that project is waiting on some additional components!
I switched a few things up from how Jon did it originally:
I used JB Quik Weld epoxy instead of Bondo Hair. This stuff sets in about 4 minutes, so you have to be quick with it, but you basically just build it up in layers, sanding between each layer (it is ready to be sanded after 30min setup).
To mount the mesh, I ditched the OEM screws and used some longer screws and washers.
To set the emblem, I did the same procedure as the DIY, but I wrapped the black piece in 3M Di-Noc CF vinyl. I used my existing Black Chrome Heeltoe emblem with the Ampd Emblems LEDs. The whole unit is held in place by a single screw/washer combination from the rear (there is a single screw hole available on the back of the black cup piece) and more epoxy to hold it in place.
Here are a couple of pics:
You can see its not perfect--it took a LOT more sanding than I expected and I never did get it perfect, but it is good enough to be wrapped in vinyl, which is my plan for the future. I also had enough mesh left over to do the lower grilles, but that project is waiting on some additional components!
05-16-2011, 02:01 PM
#101
Racer
looks good. I did this a while back and mine wasnt perfect either. its so hard to get it to look flawless. I also started on the lower grilles, one down and just one to go!
09-18-2011, 02:21 PM
#104
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AyFeltaTL (06-26-2012)
09-28-2011, 07:48 PM
#113
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Glad my threads are still helping my peeps out. Just did a mod on my GS today... She has just hit 100k. I bough it last year in September with just over 40k. Here she is....
She has been just as reliable as the TL was as I expected it to be.
Here is my new mod!
IPAD2 mounted with a Ram mount (what the police use to mount the laptops) wired into the stereo with full controls intergration from a Vaistech ML+ unit. Full internet access with streaming Pandora radio and internet.
She has been just as reliable as the TL was as I expected it to be.
Here is my new mod!
IPAD2 mounted with a Ram mount (what the police use to mount the laptops) wired into the stereo with full controls intergration from a Vaistech ML+ unit. Full internet access with streaming Pandora radio and internet.
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jhumbo (09-28-2011)
09-28-2011, 09:46 PM
#114
takin care of Business in
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I am thinking about doing this in the TL....just thinking what sound processor I will be using. Also I will be integrating it into the dash, so it will be a kinda different install
Care to shine some light on the sound processor/connection you used for the ipad2 (please provide links to the products if possible)
09-28-2011, 10:21 PM
#115
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Jon (mmade), it's good to see you haven't forgotten us! At least you've got Robin Meade from HLN on the screen.
09-28-2011, 11:03 PM
#116
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Great update Jon!
01-19-2012, 07:43 PM
#118
^^^He didn't like it either, that's why he traded in the TL. 
Wow, how did I miss that you moved on from your TL? Glad to see you in a great car though...we had a 3G guy selling those wheels in 20's on here at one point. VERY nice on that body style Lexus.
J.
Wow, how did I miss that you moved on from your TL? Glad to see you in a great car though...we had a 3G guy selling those wheels in 20's on here at one point. VERY nice on that body style Lexus.
J.
