If those pics are hard to see, they're also at my page below:
http://journals.aol.com/goodbrakegang/MyElement/

Can't see the pics and the link isnt working...

 

you have to view as a guest. worked for me

-tom

 

Huh, that looks pretty good. Very clean, matches the upper very well. Nice job!

 

Way to 'think outside the box'! Great job and it really looks nice! What a wonderful match to already existing grill!

 

GREAT Job LMNT!!!

I also thought about this modification, however, was not willing to paint the Drop Ceiling Louvers. Whenever you hit a rock, or any type of deris, you will need to repaint/replace it.

From my research, you can obtain one already in Black, or chrome from Lowes. Home Depot sell the chrome and white...NO Black!!

Also, it might be a good idea to back it up with fine mesh screen for additional protection. The louvers are NOT strong plastic, and very brittle in nature. I suspect when a deris hits it, you will have more damage from the plastic pieces coming off and goin into your AC condenser.

 

looks really good. I like it a lot. It way still let a lot of stones in but is better than stock. Anyhow, it's the best looking grill protector I have seen. I painted my gutter guard with Duplicolor texture paint. It is blackish gray with a light metal flake

http://dupli-color.com/products/metallic.html

not sure which color it was that I bought, it's a good match to the plastic panels though and gives it texture.

Also agree with bluecivic, These louvers are made out of polystrene and tend to shatter when you drop them. Or as another example, the way red and white Keg cups split when you fall on them during a viscous game of beer pong.

 

Wow. That does look really good. I would also be concerned
about the strength of such material. I'm gonna go check it
out at Lowe's and see what I think.

Is there any type of material with this pattern that may be
stronger? (Although the stronger the material, the harder to cut.)

Excellent job, though. Again, looks great! Thanks for the post.

 

Wow! That really does look factory!

Great job!

 

I, too, was a little concerned with the strenth of the material. However, since you are only dealing with a strip aprox. 3 inches wide and it is braced from behind by the vertical portions of the stock front end, there is not a lot of flex going on. That's one reason I mounted it from the front. (Besides being lazy.) If a large object were to strike it, I believe it would be sufficient to deflect it enough so that it would protect the 'vital organs' of my E.
I did this project for protection but I also wanted to make sure I didn't adversely affect the airflow/engine performance. The summers can get pretty warm here and I didn't want to chance any problems with engine temperature and warranty issues.
I will have to check out if I can find any of the same material in black. But, if I have to take it off occasionally to repair or repaint, no biggie. Heck, I could probably repaint it in place... like I said, I can be pretty lazy.

 

Well, I just came from Lowe's and the material is quite a bit more
stiff than I thought it would be. I expect it should provide pretty
good protection and I can't get over how good it looks. Great job.

I couldn't find the black, though. Certainly would make things easier/quicker.
I'd even order black online if I can find it. Haven't looked yet but I will.

 

L-M-N-T It looks great. I have been thinking about doing something like that.
You did a great job and can't wait to see your finish product. Keep up the good work!

Aloha!
5th

 

I'm giving it a shot! Thanks L-M-N-T for the inspiration.

My first try with a dremel. I have the first piece cut and primed.
We'll see what happens!

 

Well, I finished my insert today. I'm really happy with the look. I'll have to see how it works over the long term.

I also put them on my home page.
http://journals.aol.com/goodbrakegang/MyElement/

 

L-M-N-T It looks great! You did a great job.

Aloha,
5th

 

Yeah, I have to say...I was a little concerned with the strength of the material, but if its as strong as you guys seem to think it is, that is one awesome mod. It looks completely OEM. All the angles of the diamonds are exactly the same as the upper OEM grill. Great work!

 

I'm giving it a shot! Thanks L-M-N-T for the inspiration.

My first try with a dremel. I have the first piece cut and primed.
We'll see what happens!

Do you always work on your element in the buff?

:lol:

 

Do you always work on your element in the buff?

:lol:

Yes.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

BTW, I should have the bottom part of my grille on tomorrow morning.
I showed a friend, who is a Honda mechanic, and he did a double-take.
He was impressed and will use some of my leftover material to do his own.

Kudos again to L-M-N-T!

 

Here's mine. Once again...thanks L-M-N-T!

 

Yog-E,
Your grill looks great! I think I might steal the idea of the reflectors in the 'bat-caves', too.
I've only had the inserts on for a short time, but I really love the look. The only thing I've noticed is that it takes a lot longer to dry that area when I wash it.

 

Yog-E,
Your grill looks great! I think I might steal the idea of the reflectors in the 'bat-caves', too.
I've only had the inserts on for a short time, but I really love the look. The only thing I've noticed is that it takes a lot longer to dry that area when I wash it.

Thanks! Ya know, I hadn't considered the drying part yet. I think it's still worth it because it looks so 'stock'.

And yea, I saw the reflector idea somewhere else on this site. It really fills up that area nice and cheaply. $2 a reflector! Besides, it only fogs up in Austin a couple times a year and since I run Silver Stars I don't really need any extra driving lights.