Finally, a permanant write-up for the popular Mesh Grille DIY modification. It's a great little project, adding a whole new look for the front profile of the car.
You will need:
[*]A very short Phillip's-head screwdriver (or Phillip's-head drill bit, held by pliers)
[*]A regular Phillip's-head screwdriver
[*]Gutter Guard (bought at Lowe's for like $4)
[*]Wire cutters to cut the mesh
Locate and take out these 8 screws that hold the grille assembly to the bumper:
(from the top):
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(bottom 2):
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(2 on right side):
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(2 on left side):
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At this point, the entire grille assembly should just fall out. I don't have pictures from before I took the painted grille off of the black backing, but there are some 6-8 little gold screws holding the painted grille on to the black backing (unscrew them from the back of the black backing). After all of these screws are out, slowly (but firmly) press the tabs holding the painted grille on through down the length of the grille, and carefully and gradually work your hand down the length of the grille assembly, between the 2 pieces. If you do it right, it's actually pretty easy to separate the 2 pieces.
Ok so I went to Home Depot and found rolls of Gutter Guard, but they only had one size: 6"x20'...so that's the stuff I bought.
This stuff:
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Here's some layout pictures:
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![]()
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Flip the grille piece over and lay it out over a cut length of mesh. Then, holding everything straight and still with one hand, use your other hand to tightly fold one end of the mesh over the end of the grille piece. Cut small holes in the mesh for the original screw posts (do this well and tight, as this will hold the mesh on in the end).
![]()
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Fold the other end of the mesh over just like the first end, slightly stretching it before folding it.
Now, take either end of the now-folded-over mesh, and really stretch the stuff. Fold around again, and cut new holes for the screw posts.
![]()
![]()
When you're all folded and secured, trim the top of the mesh, and fold back the bottom edge of the mesh as well as possible.
Put the entire thing back on, stand back, and love your car's new look!
![]()
[Edited by attist178 on Jul 12, 2006 10:31 PM]
You will need:
[*]A very short Phillip's-head screwdriver (or Phillip's-head drill bit, held by pliers)
[*]A regular Phillip's-head screwdriver
[*]Gutter Guard (bought at Lowe's for like $4)
[*]Wire cutters to cut the mesh
Locate and take out these 8 screws that hold the grille assembly to the bumper:
(from the top):
(bottom 2):
(2 on right side):
(2 on left side):
At this point, the entire grille assembly should just fall out. I don't have pictures from before I took the painted grille off of the black backing, but there are some 6-8 little gold screws holding the painted grille on to the black backing (unscrew them from the back of the black backing). After all of these screws are out, slowly (but firmly) press the tabs holding the painted grille on through down the length of the grille, and carefully and gradually work your hand down the length of the grille assembly, between the 2 pieces. If you do it right, it's actually pretty easy to separate the 2 pieces.
Ok so I went to Home Depot and found rolls of Gutter Guard, but they only had one size: 6"x20'...so that's the stuff I bought.
This stuff:
Here's some layout pictures:
Flip the grille piece over and lay it out over a cut length of mesh. Then, holding everything straight and still with one hand, use your other hand to tightly fold one end of the mesh over the end of the grille piece. Cut small holes in the mesh for the original screw posts (do this well and tight, as this will hold the mesh on in the end).
Fold the other end of the mesh over just like the first end, slightly stretching it before folding it.
Now, take either end of the now-folded-over mesh, and really stretch the stuff. Fold around again, and cut new holes for the screw posts.
When you're all folded and secured, trim the top of the mesh, and fold back the bottom edge of the mesh as well as possible.
Put the entire thing back on, stand back, and love your car's new look!
[Edited by attist178 on Jul 12, 2006 10:31 PM]
