3G Lower Grille Mod***pics***
 

OK all...I finally took the plunge and decided to mod my grille. Took me about 3 hours and cost $6.95 for mesh (have 3 pieces leftover), $3.99 for glue, and $2.99 for spray paint. Tell me what you all think.
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[IMG]http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...n/DSC00004.jpg[/IMG]
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...n/DSC00006.jpg
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eh...

what part did you spray? it may start to chip if ur not careful

I sprayed the grille after I cut the ribs out and sanded it. I used satin black specifically for plastic. If it does chip I'll re-do it.

That looks very sharp! Nice job. Is that the same mesh as the other posts (gutter guard from a home improvement store)?

I forgot, I payed $2.99 for the door strip.

Yes it is. I got 5x 3' pieces for $6.95. Its galvenized.

I like how it looks. Good work.

did they have mesh that had bigger holes?

wow...I think it looks great!! :thumbsup:

Now that I have the A-spec lip is on it is much more difficult to remove the grilles, so I did the exact mod except I clear coated the galvanized mesh so it would maintain its finish. Not sure what you used the glue for as you do not need to glue the mesh to the frame as the frame sandwiches the mesh securely into the bumper.

As far as larger holes in the mesh go......check out McNichols.com for all your mesh needs. The product that we all used....Gutter Guard works nicely because the dimension that you need to cut it to in order for it to fit happens to fall directly on a full module of the mesh so there are not any sharp legs of metal protruding. I have also cut a piece that fits nicely in the A-spec rear underbodyspoiler but I have been to chicken to cut out the opening for it.

I didin't see any, but then I wasn't looking for that. They had some plastic mesh also but the holes looked the same.

You are right, I didn't think about that. It does sandwich between the grille and bumper. I glue ewelded the mesh to the grille after I emoved the ribs. It makes the grille rigid after cutting out the ribs. Post a picture of yours.

So the plastic frame was spray painted black and the gutter guard was just left as is?

Yes, I spray painted the grille (to cover the sanding after cutting) and left the gutter guard as is. The bumper guard was left as is too.

Another question:

How did u cut the grill and with what tool(s)?

I'd like to do this mod... looks pretty slick :thumbsup:

I used tin snips, or aviation shears whatever you wish to call em.

Krylon makes a special paint called "fusion" it is intended to be used on outdoor plastic products. Use some spot putty and some sanding and the satin black finish comes out looking very good.

Got any pics of it in the daylight? Did you pull the front bumper or did you just squeeze the grilles out without removing the bumper?

Looks good.....

Another gold TL...... :thumbsup:

I used tin snips at first to cut it out. After I put it on the grille I realized I could make it fit perfectly so there were no fitting issues and I used some needle nose wire cutters I had laying around. With this however, you can only cut one at a time. Then I used a tiny 8" hammer I had and tapped around the edges as it layed on the grille and it fit perfectly.

I out of town till next weekend but I can take some pictures then. No, I didn't pull the front bumper off. It was surprisingly easy to take off through the front bumper. You can reach all the holding clips except for the last two with your hands. When you release the other clips, those two aren't a problem and it comes right out with a little jiggling. I also tried a long thin flatheat srewdriver on the other side and it works as well.

looks about 4000x times better. I am a big fan of this mod, waiting till spring to clear the headlights, mesh the lower and main grill all at once.

I plan on doing this to my TL as well. Do you all think this combo (silver mesh with chrome molding) would look good on the nighthawk black (NBP) TL or should I stick with black mesh with chrome molding?

SlimTL, On my RRP I am not a fan of the galvanized mesh with the chrome center strip. I initially started with blacked out mesh but it looked pretty much like stock to the untrained eye. I wanted more contrast so I went to the galvanized mesh and just the black framework. I wasnt feeling the chrome in front of the galvinized finish. The trim around the center grille is not chrome, so I think the galvanized mesh matches up with that better and the chrome was somewhat of a distraction. It looks fine on the black mesh. :2cents:

I think the chrome on black would make the lower grill the center of attention and draw attention away from everything else. I would have to see it to be sure though.

Looks good man... i think it looks best on the silver cars. :thumbsup:

Oh man, nice work! That looks really sharp.

nice job. can't wait for some more daylight pics.

Looks sharp, man. Excellent job for virtually no money.

I give the official neuronbob™ :thumbsup: .

Here are couple daylight shots of my RRP with the clear coated galvanized mesh.
This mesh is just sandwiched in, there is no epoxy used.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/2940/p1020026ug2.jpg

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/5462/p1020036on5.jpg

where did you guys purchase the mesh?

lowes or home depot will have it in the rain gutter section as "gutter guard"

If you have NBP, I'd say paint the mesh black. I've seen it done both ways and black definitely looks hot, unless you have some kind of black/silver theme on the exterior going on.

If you have NBP, I'd say paint the mesh black. I've seen it done both ways and black definitely looks hot, unless you have some kind of black/silver theme on the exterior going on.

Yeah, I just completed this mod on my NBP and painted the mesh black. I'm really pleased with the outcome. I think the silver would have stood out too much and clashed...

Great. I'll try with just the black mesh first. I'll also do a sample with the silver just to see how it looks. I liked the silver mesh because I thought it would fit good with the silver color stock wheels and the centerpiece Acura aluminum grill.

Anyone else have pictures of the whole front end with this mod?

Well the car is black, but the only other colors on the exterior are the aluminum wheels and grill, silver muffler tips, gray insert in rear body kit, rear aluminum trim, and the red tailights (which will be replaced by the '07 type-S lights).

So the theme is kinda black and silver. Just wonder if the silver mesh would blend in with the car's theme or just use black mesh with silver strip trim. Wish there were more pics out there. :wish:

Can you zoom out and post a pic of the whole front?

Got mine at Lowes. Think it was $6.75

I actually thing its inexpensive enough for you to try both. Since you don't have to glue it (enless you want to) you can try em both and see which one works for you.

Pohljm, I gotta tell you that your mod was spot on. Looks like you took your time. Well done!