After loosing the center grille 2 times due to unforeseen road debris striking the front of my car, I decided to make my own center mesh grille. The first time the entire front bumper cover and AC condenser was replaced by insurance. The second time, a piece of metal that was kicked around on the freeway ultimately stuck the lower center of my front bumper. The center grille was then lost and I still have a gouge in the lower lip. At a cost of $300 for a '06 grille (early years are less expensive), I decided to try to make my own.
Goals:
Grille must be removable
No new holes need to be drilled (foam 2-sided tape, plastic L brackets and black oxide trim screws used) screws used only in the bracket
Totally reversable if I find a factory grille for a good price
Note: If you don't care to have the grille removable, you can just take the grille material and create rough cut behind the opening and fasten with epoxy and/or small screws.
1. Poster board and foam board for pattern forming:
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3. Pep boys grille material:
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6. Cut with Super Sheers and tape as you go around the new shape:
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8. Grille cut out, trimmed with automotive door trim and painted with VHT epoxy paint:
9. HID fog lights behind the grille, made grille to be removable to access lights later:
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
