New custom grille

[matroe11]

So I was messing around the other weekend and picked up some lathe from home depot to build a custom "grille". It's really just a backing I put on the stock upper and lower grilles. It took me a little while to conform the top and to cut out the correct notches for the bottom, but I think it adds a very nice subtle accent to the grille area. I also spray painted it with silver paint and clear coated a couple of time for protection.

Let me know what you think

 

[Tego]

Looks good!

Some daytime shots would be nice though.

 

[matroe11]

Thanks....i'll get some tomorrow if the weather permits

 

[Arcking]

I've been considering doing that, except in black. Do you have any pics of how you have it attached?

 

[matroe11]

Here is a profile-ish shot of the top cut out.

I've circled where I attached zip ties on either side as each side is almost a mirror image of the other. Having just two ties on each side, it is an extremely taut and stable installation. it's raining right now, but I will check tomorrow to see if I added another zip tie on the top for added stability. They are completely hidden from the front (as you can see).

As for the bottom, that is the hardest part to customize and put in unless you can take the bumper off....I tried for about an hour to remove it, but to no avail. I basically had to drive up on ramps and crawl up in between the bumper and the radiator to make the snips and zip tie it. There really isn't anywhere to anchor it w/o taking the bumper off. So, behind the UNC front plate, I have it zip tied where the stock license holes are at the top and tucked in at the bottom. It's not very sturdy on the outsides, but no one is going to notice anyway.

 

[matroe11]

A little dirty, but you can see where I put the ties in these pictures

Here's a front view during the daylight, but it was rainy all day, so it's a horrible picture. You can also see where I took off the skid plate and sprayed on rubberized undercoating and also painted the mesh with the same color I painted the lathe.

 

[purrfactor]

that looks really good!

 

[SLED]

Looks good! :yesyes:

 

[G.I.G.]

Looks great! I like cheap mods! :biggrin2:

Do you happen to know if it is stainless? My only concern would be long-term issues with corrosion.

 

[matroe11]

Looks great! I like cheap mods! :biggrin2:

Do you happen to know if it is stainless? My only concern would be long-term issues with corrosion.

thanks guys...i like cheap mods also

the lathe is generally used for stuff like covering gutters, etc...so its pretty durable. it is stainess to a point, but stock, it would fade pretty quickly...def wont rust or corrode for quite a while. thats why i put two coats of paint and a couple of coats of clear coat on it...i figure ill cut the zips in a year or so and repaint and clear coat...plus, if that doesnt work ill have enough left over to make 3-4 more...cant beat it!!! if anyone would like direction as to how to begin, pm me and ill help out

 

[MaliciousClout]

No offense, but is that chicken wire?

 

[beastrunner]

Looks sweet man. I might have to try this on mine. I have some left over from a custom mod on my truck.

 

[JAC]

Looks great and it also protects your radiator , but I like it more on the outside...like mine.....take a look...I'll try to post a pic...I'm new here .

Own a Gold 04 4runner SR5

 

[JAC]

another shot!

 

[matroe11]

No offense, but is that chicken wire?

Metal lath, a mesh formed by expanding a perforated metal sheet, is made in a variety of forms (diamond-mesh, flat-ribbed, and wire lath). The sheets of metal are slit and drawn out to form numerous openings, creating an irregular surface for the keying of the plaster. It is often used in bathrooms and kitchens, where ceramic tile is applied over a plaster base.

 

[JAC]

and another image of my babyrunner customized grill..

 

[matroe11]

another shot!

Welcome! That looks awesome! If I had more chrome on my truck, I would def. do something like that. Can you take another shot from a little farther away? I would like to see how it looks on the whole front. also, What material is that?

 

[JAC]

Welcome! That looks awesome! If I had more chrome on my truck, I would def. do something like that. Can you take another shot from a little farther away? I would like to see how it looks on the whole front. also, What material is that?

Sure...just let me look for it.....if I can't find it I'll just take another one and post it later...

 

[JAC]

Welcome! That looks awesome! If I had more chrome on my truck, I would def. do something like that. Can you take another shot from a little farther away? I would like to see how it looks on the whole front. also, What material is that?

This is the only one I found...it was taken with a cell phone and it is a little blury..

 

[JAC]

Welcome! That looks awesome! If I had more chrome on my truck, I would def. do something like that. Can you take another shot from a little farther away? I would like to see how it looks on the whole front. also, What material is that?

Here is another cellphone shot without the upper piece....

I'll take some pics today with my digital camera and post them so you can have a better view...