Custom Grill Experiment: Turning this in to that

[Jay2Cor517]

I was looking around and trying to find some ideas for a new grille. I checked all the usual places, LMC, Ebay, Craigslist and of course on here. Nothing really caught my eye so I got to thinking and this is what I came up with. I took my '86 grille from this:



And turned it in to that



Here's a different view

[Jeramy]

i like it

[nonstop]

That looks good, and I'm not normally a fan of modified grilles!

[J Knight]

Very nice

[SkinnyG]

Excellent!

Needs more "how I did this awesome grill so you can copy me."

[05duramaxhd]

I like it

[Gordonr1973]

pretty cool!

[Jay2Cor517]

Thanks Guys for all of the positive feedback. I was just blessed with an idea and ran with it.

Originally Posted by SkinnyG

Excellent!

Needs more "how I did this awesome grill so you can copy me."

And SkinnyG, for all the info that I've gotten from the good people on this site, I will definitely post some pics and notes on how I did it. I'm just enjoying a day off with the family but took a few minutes to check in here. In the mean time here's a pic of some of the mesh I used.

[KQQL IT]

Would like to do this on a 74 gmc grille

[Jay2Cor517]

If it has plastic bars like the ones on the '86, it should be fairly easy. Like a lot of stuff we do to things it aint bad once you get the concept down

[Jay2Cor517]

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Would like to do this on a 74 gmc grille

If it has plastic bars like the ones on the '86, it should be fairly easy. Like a lot of stuff we do to things it aint bad once you get the concept down (sorry about the double post everybody, was trying to reply to KQQL IT with his quote)

[kikkegek]

Cool. Subscribing. Love these custom touches (y)
Posted via Mobile Device

[daddyjeep]

Still no how to? This is very similar to what has been rattling around in my head. I have ideas on how I would make it, but would love to see how you did it.

[andrewmp6]

Cut the bars out so you only have a surround and either glue in the mesh or glue in bolts you can shove the mesh over and put a washer and nut on.

[Jay2Cor517]

daddyjeep, my bad. Life kicked in. I hustled last year just to get my truck, "Obadiah", finished (somewhat, LOL) to drive to Turkey Rod Run in Daytona. Then the rest of everything else, dads, husbands,employees, homeowners face seemed to happen. But, my goal is to finish what I promised and present a "How To". Basically, andrewmp6 has it right. I used a Harbor Freight variable speed oscillating multi-tool and cut out the bars. I then used Gorilla glue to hold the steel mesh from the air filter in place. But be careful with the GG, it expands as it dries. This is a good thing on one hand because it makes up the difference in the holes in the mesh. But it can be too much and you have to trim it later. I hope to get back to this project soon and post a good plan. Thanks for the interest--Jay

[daddyjeep]

I was more interested in how you formed the mesh. It looks like it has a nice consistent radius.

[Jay2Cor517]

I formed the mesh by bending it over a 1x4, using the free wooden paint stick cut down to 2 to 3 inches or so, depending upon what I needed. I would clamp and or use bricks, to hold the 1x4s down over the mesh at the end of my work bench and then slowly mold the screen. You will also need to cut some of the edges a little so that the box-shape can be made. One other quick note, none of the rectangles are the same size. Right out the gate, the middle section by design is actually smaller than those on the outside. And because of age or quality control, each opening has very slightly different measurements. My point is, all of the openings had to be custom fitted--so bring your patience. However, now that you ask, molding it over a wooden dowel may have been better. Dang it! Oh well...