More Front Grill Questions

[ManyMods]

I read all the threads about changing the grill on the '05 - '07 models. I know the '08 grill won't work unless you replace the entire front bumper cover with the '08 cover.

I do not like the billet or mesh grills. I was considering a contrasting '05 grill (black/chrome on a beige car) but am not sure how that will look. When I emailed my parts guy to get a price, here is his response:

53101-AC030-C0 black painted grille is $156.86
53101-07040-C0 for the sports model black painted grille is $171.52

What is the 'sports model black painted grille'?

My parts guy is on vacation, so I cannot get an answer from him for another week.

- Peter

[Tom in Tacoma]

I've never heard of a 'sports' model. But I've considered doing just what you're suggesting - swap out the factory grill (gray in my case) with black. I was looking at what it would take to paint it myself with a flat black just yesterday.

...still might do that...

[00avxls]

I changed my grille out with the e&g mesh grille. I have a black limited grille just laying in my garage now and I don't plan on changing it back out if anyone wants it.

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by 00avxls

I changed my grille out with the e&g mesh grille. I have a black limited grille just laying in my garage now and I don't plan on changing it back out if anyone wants it.

I am interested. Please tell me how much you want for it.

- Peter

[00avxls]

does $50 plus shipping sound fair?

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by 00avxls

does $50 plus shipping sound fair?

Yes it does, but can you email me off-list so we can discuss it briefly and arrange the details?

You can also email me at BuyersOnly@SplitRockRE.com

THX, Peter

[Tom in Tacoma]

Crap - you guys on the east coast get up waaaay too early for me to get in on these deals!

[ManyMods]

My black grille is installed.

[Tom in Tacoma]

That looks great! Can you post a larger picture or perhaps email it to me - tcolegrove at gmail dot com?

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

That looks great! Can you post a larger picture or perhaps email it to me - tcolegrove at gmail dot com?

Tom,
Thanks for the compliment. I am pretty happy about it. Check your inbox.
- Peter

[Tom in Tacoma]

Got 'em! The car looks great with the black grill. I think you're right about going with a flat black. That's what I was envisioning for mine anyway.

Thanks for sending the pics!

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

Got 'em! The car looks great with the black grill. I think you're right about going with a flat black. That's what I was envisioning for mine anyway.

Thanks for sending the pics!

You are welcome.

Yes, I am thinking matte black or trim black. I was also going to dremel cutout around the chrome emblem like the '08, but there is too much structural support structure behind it I would rather not see.

- Peter

[00avxls]

Peter,

I'm glad you're happy with your grille.

[ManyMods]

Originally Posted by 00avxls

I'm glad you're happy with your grille.

Forgive me if I seem unappreciative by not acknowledging your contribution. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

I spent a lot of time today prepping the grille and painting it with OEM matte black trim paint. The most chlallenging part of the job was removing the three chrome trim strips prior to prep and painting. The claw tabs are very difficult to release and the plastic is rigid and delicate. I was successful but have to think about a better way to do it. The matte finish is very close in sheen to the OE black gloss paint, and to most people they would not notice the difference. But I do and I think it is necessary to make the adjustment.

I am now waiting for the 4" straight cut double wall Magnaflow exhaust tips to complete this phase of the appearance mods. What I want is for people to look at this car and think it is a limited factory option. I have done this before and it is fun.

- Peter

[ManyMods]

Here is a big photo of my new grille and lower grille blackout.