E-073: DIY Custom grill mod cutting the "A" and adding the Grill Mesh LOTS OF PICS!
Soon I will have
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 6
From: Charlotte, NC
Dam Jon!! I really can't wait to see this badass grill in person, you have outdone your self once again. I remember talking to you on the phone when you were elbow deep in cutting the grill and saying this is "ALOT of work". Well after seeing the pics and the DIY instructions you weren't kidding. The grill looks clean and perfect, just like every mod that you do and complete. Great Job!!!
One on the right for me
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,914
Likes: 272
From: Bay Area, CA
That looks great. I am considering doing this b/c I had the front pieces painted and they are peeling/chipping and it is a pain in the ass to touch them up. This seems like it involves less maintenance and looks a ton better
Thread Starter
200,000 mile club
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 37
From: Charlotte, NC
My thoughts exactly. I love it and a few cars that passed me today had passengers with rubber necks. They are loving the grill!
Here is the link....https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-photograph-gallery-96/swapped-ronjons-specs-gunmetal-735266/
Another Memorial Day baby? Nice! Have one for me on your next birthday and I will make sure to have six for you
Steven, still waiting for you to do a road trip to NC and join the crew here on one of our meets. You have made friends all over the USA on this site.. Thanks!
I called Speed Styles and they said they could wrap it with no warranty because of faiding for over 200 or do a 3mm clear bra over it and give it a 1 year for 350. I passed and said, for that price, I will get it painted.
Dam Jon!! I really can't wait to see this badass grill in person, you have outdone your self once again. I remember talking to you on the phone when you were elbow deep in cutting the grill and saying this is "ALOT of work". Well after seeing the pics and the DIY instructions you weren't kidding. The grill looks clean and perfect, just like every mod that you do and complete. Great Job!!!
It's a great mod....Clean and perfect???? No, but who's perfect? I will have it painted come summer and have the body shop fill in the edges and make everything smooth and clean. I can't wait to see your new wheels tomorrow.
Thanks again to everyone else for the nice comments. Glad I could help out.
WOW MAN!! GREAT DIY WRITEUP!!!
I am totally impressed. Do you know I did almost everything exactly as you did. I have spent years writing to others how to do this. Do you know how hard it is to explain this entire process?....typing, typing, typing........A picture is worth a 1000 words and now finally everyone can see with these awesome pictures how it is done. Everyone will be directed here.....3GTL Garage it damnit! I concur, balls are needed. I always say the same. It is the #1 reason you don't see many people even try the mod. As your car gets older and if you don't owe money on it/or if it is not leased it feels good. Feels a lil more natural to start doing surgery on it. I have hacked my rear bumper, my headrests, my center console, side sills, etc. etc. hahaha people think I am crazy.
The only differences I did with my install is I used Bondo's bumper repair. I was going to do fiberglass but I have no experience with that. My concern was flexibility and durability so I didn't touch the Bondo bodyfiller stuff of course; that stuff will crack. My bumper has been holding up well for 2 years now. I had the intention of using real carbon fiber sheets like PPLAPW and not vinyl. It is VERY hard to get cuts right. You used that white plastic to back the hole up. That is a good idea. I used a piece of real carbon fiber and used the bondo bumper filler to fill and bond the area. I overlayed this with cut carbon fiber. As well as I cut it, it was nearly impossible to get perfectly by hand. It had to be cut into 4 pieces. I ended up with 3 joints and didn't like the look. I overlayed it with the carbon fiber vinyl and thats what finished it off. This explains why my grill has a more broad and flatter look to it than most of the other meshed grilles out there.
It looked really good for awhile but the vinyl started to fade from UV. I just redid it a couple weeks back. The CF is more grey this time and matches the car really well. Looks great but this time I got bubbles etc. under it. Surface prep is key. You can't have any dust, residue etc. underneath. Be careful not to lay out the vinyl too long (dust will collect on the sticky side) or let it touch anything. That's what I did wrong. The first time around the vinyl looked perfect but this time I also have bubbles like you. You don't see them unless you close so it doesn't bother me. The mistake I did was remove the old layer of vinyl. It was VERY hard to remove. It wouldn't come off in one piece and had to peeled off in little slivers. Then I had to get the residue of the old glue off. I should have just left it and vinyled over the first layer, it would have been fine. When I redo do it, I am going to do it the wet method, similar to applying tint. I hope the vinyl doesn't fade easily again.
Definitely glad I did this mod. It is a rare and original looking mod that really injects some testosterone into the look of the car.
I am totally impressed. Do you know I did almost everything exactly as you did. I have spent years writing to others how to do this. Do you know how hard it is to explain this entire process?....typing, typing, typing........A picture is worth a 1000 words and now finally everyone can see with these awesome pictures how it is done. Everyone will be directed here.....3GTL Garage it damnit! I concur, balls are needed. I always say the same. It is the #1 reason you don't see many people even try the mod. As your car gets older and if you don't owe money on it/or if it is not leased it feels good. Feels a lil more natural to start doing surgery on it. I have hacked my rear bumper, my headrests, my center console, side sills, etc. etc. hahaha people think I am crazy.
The only differences I did with my install is I used Bondo's bumper repair. I was going to do fiberglass but I have no experience with that. My concern was flexibility and durability so I didn't touch the Bondo bodyfiller stuff of course; that stuff will crack. My bumper has been holding up well for 2 years now. I had the intention of using real carbon fiber sheets like PPLAPW and not vinyl. It is VERY hard to get cuts right. You used that white plastic to back the hole up. That is a good idea. I used a piece of real carbon fiber and used the bondo bumper filler to fill and bond the area. I overlayed this with cut carbon fiber. As well as I cut it, it was nearly impossible to get perfectly by hand. It had to be cut into 4 pieces. I ended up with 3 joints and didn't like the look. I overlayed it with the carbon fiber vinyl and thats what finished it off. This explains why my grill has a more broad and flatter look to it than most of the other meshed grilles out there.
It looked really good for awhile but the vinyl started to fade from UV. I just redid it a couple weeks back. The CF is more grey this time and matches the car really well. Looks great but this time I got bubbles etc. under it. Surface prep is key. You can't have any dust, residue etc. underneath. Be careful not to lay out the vinyl too long (dust will collect on the sticky side) or let it touch anything. That's what I did wrong. The first time around the vinyl looked perfect but this time I also have bubbles like you. You don't see them unless you close so it doesn't bother me. The mistake I did was remove the old layer of vinyl. It was VERY hard to remove. It wouldn't come off in one piece and had to peeled off in little slivers. Then I had to get the residue of the old glue off. I should have just left it and vinyled over the first layer, it would have been fine. When I redo do it, I am going to do it the wet method, similar to applying tint. I hope the vinyl doesn't fade easily again.
Definitely glad I did this mod. It is a rare and original looking mod that really injects some testosterone into the look of the car.
Last edited by rockyfeller; Oct 21, 2009 at 03:30 PM.
Thread Starter
200,000 mile club
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 37
From: Charlotte, NC
Of course I did, just not as good as I could have.....Use the bondo bumper fill like rockyfeller used if you are worried. I will do a better job when I get the bumper painted.
Check the meet section....You would be crazy to drive that distance but it would be great to meet you in person. December 5th is Cars and coffee in Charlotte. A lot of fun and a great chance to see the best cars Charlotte has to offer.
Rockyfeller, well put brother. A mad amount of respect goes out to you man and I am glad you are on here doing great things for this site. Keep it up and I am glad this thread can help out all the guys who have questions about this mod!
WOW MAN!! GREAT DIY WRITEUP!!!
I am totally impressed. Do you know I did almost everything exactly as you did. I have spent years writing to others how to do this. Do you know how hard it is to explain this entire process?....typing, typing, typing........A picture is worth a 1000 words and now finally everyone can see with these awesome pictures how it is done. Everyone will be directed here.....3GTL Garage it damnit! I concur, balls are needed. I always say the same. It is the #1 reason you don't see many people even try the mod. As your car gets older and if you don't owe money on it/or if it is not leased it feels good. Feels a lil more natural to start doing surgery on it. I have hacked my rear bumper, my headrests, my center console, side sills, etc. etc. hahaha people think I am crazy.
The only differences I did with my install is I used Bondo's bumper repair. I was going to do fiberglass but I have no experience with that. My concern was flexibility and durability so I didn't touch the Bondo bodyfiller stuff of course; that stuff will crack. My bumper has been holding up well for 2 years now. I had the intention of using real carbon fiber sheets like PPLAPW and not vinyl. It is VERY hard to get cuts right. You used that white plastic to back the hole up. That is a good idea. I used a piece of real carbon fiber and used the bondo bumper filler to fill and bond the area. I overlayed this with cut carbon fiber. As well as I cut it, it was nearly impossible to get perfectly by hand. It had to be cut into 4 pieces. I ended up with 3 joints and didn't like the look. I overlayed it with the carbon fiber vinyl and thats what finished it off. This explains why my grill has a more broad and flatter look to it than most of the other meshed grilles out there.
It looked really good for awhile but the vinyl started to fade from UV. I just redid it a couple weeks back. The CF is more grey this time and matches the car really well. Looks great but this time I got bubbles etc. under it. Surface prep is key. You can't have any dust, residue etc. underneath. Be careful not to lay out the vinyl too long (dust will collect on the sticky side) or let it touch anything. That's what I did wrong. The first time around the vinyl looked perfect but this time I also have bubbles like you. You don't see them unless you close so it doesn't bother me. The mistake I did was remove the old layer of vinyl. It was VERY hard to remove. It wouldn't come off in one piece and had to peeled off in little slivers. Then I had to get the residue of the old glue off. I should have just left it and vinyled over the first layer, it would have been fine. When I redo do it, I am going to do it the wet method, similar to applying tint. I hope the vinyl doesn't fade easily again.
Definitely glad I did this mod. It is a rare and original looking mod that really injects some testosterone into the look of the car.
I am totally impressed. Do you know I did almost everything exactly as you did. I have spent years writing to others how to do this. Do you know how hard it is to explain this entire process?....typing, typing, typing........A picture is worth a 1000 words and now finally everyone can see with these awesome pictures how it is done. Everyone will be directed here.....3GTL Garage it damnit! I concur, balls are needed. I always say the same. It is the #1 reason you don't see many people even try the mod. As your car gets older and if you don't owe money on it/or if it is not leased it feels good. Feels a lil more natural to start doing surgery on it. I have hacked my rear bumper, my headrests, my center console, side sills, etc. etc. hahaha people think I am crazy.
The only differences I did with my install is I used Bondo's bumper repair. I was going to do fiberglass but I have no experience with that. My concern was flexibility and durability so I didn't touch the Bondo bodyfiller stuff of course; that stuff will crack. My bumper has been holding up well for 2 years now. I had the intention of using real carbon fiber sheets like PPLAPW and not vinyl. It is VERY hard to get cuts right. You used that white plastic to back the hole up. That is a good idea. I used a piece of real carbon fiber and used the bondo bumper filler to fill and bond the area. I overlayed this with cut carbon fiber. As well as I cut it, it was nearly impossible to get perfectly by hand. It had to be cut into 4 pieces. I ended up with 3 joints and didn't like the look. I overlayed it with the carbon fiber vinyl and thats what finished it off. This explains why my grill has a more broad and flatter look to it than most of the other meshed grilles out there.
It looked really good for awhile but the vinyl started to fade from UV. I just redid it a couple weeks back. The CF is more grey this time and matches the car really well. Looks great but this time I got bubbles etc. under it. Surface prep is key. You can't have any dust, residue etc. underneath. Be careful not to lay out the vinyl too long (dust will collect on the sticky side) or let it touch anything. That's what I did wrong. The first time around the vinyl looked perfect but this time I also have bubbles like you. You don't see them unless you close so it doesn't bother me. The mistake I did was remove the old layer of vinyl. It was VERY hard to remove. It wouldn't come off in one piece and had to peeled off in little slivers. Then I had to get the residue of the old glue off. I should have just left it and vinyled over the first layer, it would have been fine. When I redo do it, I am going to do it the wet method, similar to applying tint. I hope the vinyl doesn't fade easily again.
Definitely glad I did this mod. It is a rare and original looking mod that really injects some testosterone into the look of the car.
Thread Starter
200,000 mile club
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 37
From: Charlotte, NC
^^ Thanks Ron! Coming from you, that means a lot. Had you made a new grill for this generation, you would have cashed in but I understand why you backed off. I am just so glad you have made a new grill for the fourth generation as that car needs it.
Now that I have seen your grill for the new TL, I now am considering that car when it comes time to retire my current one. I have a couple of years but it's good to know you stepped up and helped Acura out!
Now that I have seen your grill for the new TL, I now am considering that car when it comes time to retire my current one. I have a couple of years but it's good to know you stepped up and helped Acura out!
Cruisin'
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
if I was to buy this grill would it save me from having to do all that cutting and using bondo? doesnt look as shiny as yours but i guess I could just wrap it with that black foil
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories
if I was to buy this grill would it save me from having to do all that cutting and using bondo? doesnt look as shiny as yours but i guess I could just wrap it with that black foil
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Acura...Q5fAccessories
"To install this grille,
it is required to remove the horizontal bar
behind the Acura emblem in the middle.
The molding must be cut out from the front bumper.
It is optional to replace the stock chrome hood trim
with this hood trim and have it painted
to match the body color."
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,096
Likes: 414
From: Scarborough, Ontario
It's been a while... I'm surprised it's not in the garage yet!
I've noticed some other threads get garaged rather quickly too.... I guess the mods are busy.
Totally agree with Rocky. Not a lot of people are willing to attempt this mod. A lot of people are scared to hack up their front bumper. I suppose the fear of messing up and having it come out poor gets to them... aside from the fact that you can't quite go back. And it totally does get a bit tough to explain with only text when people ask!
I've at first used bondo body filler... That lasted me half a year until it cracked after bringing it to the dealership. I then took out all the bondo that I could and drove around with the two 'holes' in my grille for a few months.
I then attempted to make a mold out of fiber glass [my first time using it too] of the grille and fabricate it out of that. However, that went terribly wrong...
After getting used to fiber glass, I attempted to make a one-piece complicated mold... It turned out relatively good... Unfortunately it was thrown out [along with my failed attempts] by my cousin who was cleaning out the garage.
I was very close to making this grille for AZiners... as a second alternative to the eBay one [the eBay one looks chunky due to the "V-insert-mabob"].
I eventually gave up and filled the holes using fiberglass. It's strong and durable.
The first time I secured the mesh into the bumper just like you did... but also metal-zip-tied it to the first layer of bondo [which was then covered up with the other layers of bondo].
Now I have L brackets fabricated to the bumper and the mesh is attached to the brackets.
I'm thinking of doing a Type-S front bumper swap in the near future and making a CF grille. It'll be my first time working with CF if I do. The ideas and what not are already in my head. =]
Hopefully it will come out fine when the time comes for me to attempt this.
I've noticed some other threads get garaged rather quickly too.... I guess the mods are busy.
Totally agree with Rocky. Not a lot of people are willing to attempt this mod. A lot of people are scared to hack up their front bumper. I suppose the fear of messing up and having it come out poor gets to them... aside from the fact that you can't quite go back. And it totally does get a bit tough to explain with only text when people ask!
I've at first used bondo body filler... That lasted me half a year until it cracked after bringing it to the dealership. I then took out all the bondo that I could and drove around with the two 'holes' in my grille for a few months.
I then attempted to make a mold out of fiber glass [my first time using it too] of the grille and fabricate it out of that. However, that went terribly wrong...
After getting used to fiber glass, I attempted to make a one-piece complicated mold... It turned out relatively good... Unfortunately it was thrown out [along with my failed attempts] by my cousin who was cleaning out the garage.
I was very close to making this grille for AZiners... as a second alternative to the eBay one [the eBay one looks chunky due to the "V-insert-mabob"].
I eventually gave up and filled the holes using fiberglass. It's strong and durable.
The first time I secured the mesh into the bumper just like you did... but also metal-zip-tied it to the first layer of bondo [which was then covered up with the other layers of bondo].
Now I have L brackets fabricated to the bumper and the mesh is attached to the brackets.
I'm thinking of doing a Type-S front bumper swap in the near future and making a CF grille. It'll be my first time working with CF if I do. The ideas and what not are already in my head. =]
Hopefully it will come out fine when the time comes for me to attempt this.
Last edited by o4Komodo; Oct 27, 2009 at 11:08 PM.
Phmbm12
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 740
Likes: 26
From: West Valley City, UT
Thread Starter
200,000 mile club
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 37
From: Charlotte, NC
^^^ True, they are blacked out but he might have ment tint my headlights but that is just asking for trouble. Not to mention, I need all the light I can get on NC dark roads.
Phmbm12
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 740
Likes: 26
From: West Valley City, UT