Chop chop

[shazapple]

It has begun!
http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/1074/grillchop2ga.jpg

Although, im not sure how to go about cutting the top middle piece. It appears to have what I assume is screws holding on a piece of reinforcing plastic. Anybody else ever done this before?

[Pwise2326]

This JDMizing of the USDM BD grille was done by a member on the old forum before it crashed, was an excellent write up as well, I think he left the bottom one and cut out the top, used a lot of sandpaper and bondo, repainted everything and it looked great. Unfortunately I don't remember what he said about that center piece, nor who it was even, so alas this post isn't much help to you. Good luck!

[Reason]

You can cut both top and bottom. I just looked at mine and you are all clear :wink:

[shazapple]

http://img378.imageshack.us/img378/669/grillchop22pj.jpg

Gotta add some reinforcement though. Ill just stick some light metal bars in horizontally to strengthen it up. Not to mention the fiberglass and bondo will help as well.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Very nice look :)

Be sure to show us the finished product :D

[shazapple]

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/5238/grillchop37yt.jpg

Got it all bodyfilled and such. I took a piece of tape and wrapped it around the openings, then I used a putty knife to fill in the hole. Some of them turned out great, but some had a few dips and bumps which I had to sand and fill. I should have used more epoxy to fill some of the larger dips but i didnt have any around while away from home. Instead I just used some spot putty, which worked out fine (so far!)

I also stuck in some aluminum rods, which help strengthen it. I put them in while the epoxy/fiberglass was drying so theyre not moving

I still have to sand it down some more, then paint it a few times. Ill be painting it black (white would just look weird)

[badbasser98]

looking good, excellent job so far.

-BB98

[shazapple]

All done. Its not as perfect as I would like it to be. If I were to do it all over again id sand down the plastic more, apply a second coat of fiberglass, then use the putty. Then I would use primer to find all the smaller dips. Also, Id take more time painting it.

Of course, yo dont really notice these flaws unless you look at a certain angle. Ill have to get a shot of it on the car later

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/4404/grilldone6fm.jpg

[Wiscon_Mark]

That's pretty hot, Lee :smt023

Congrats! :D

[phi11]

The best way to do-it is, do-it-yourself!!!
way cool.

[shazapple]

Heres the best picture I have. Its been raining for the past few days so I havent had a chance to get the car out. plus now its covered in tape :S

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9639/cargrill8mc.jpg

[norma_jean]

nice job love those projects that take a lot of time and effort but no money.

[Lemanschamp]

im half way through this right now and it's going really well. if you actually cut those vertical pieces cleanly, you can chop them up and shape them, then actually flip them over and re-glue them into your new rectangular gaps. I chose to do that, and i've used about half of the filler that i would have otherwise, and it also saves wicked time on sanding and grunt work.


I'd say I have about 3 1/2 hours into the thing and im just about ready to do a guide coat of primer, so i'd say i have another hour-two hours left of work until I can bolt it back on.


I'd definately recommend this to anyone who's bored, has no money, and wants something a little different.

[Wiscon_Mark]

I did this as well.

No bars though.

[2.5GT]

nice :P

[losdiosdeverde86]

I did this as well.

No bars though.

do you have the taller grill?

[Wiscon_Mark]

Not with my L bumper.

[Lemanschamp]

I haven't added any bars or anything. Im really happy with the way mine came out, although it's not quite perfect. Once i start on the other body mods i'll take this back out and fine tune it, including alot of wetsanding and clearcoating.

but heres how it came out:


https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/100_0013-3.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2006/05/100_0016-3.jpg

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/images/imported/2008/08/100_0017-1.jpg

[shazapple]

Looks great! same way that mine came out (not quite perfect). Does it buzz when you close the hood? :lol:

I opted to keep the chrome though

[Lemanschamp]

i never had any chrome on mine, but i like it.

no buzzing