Anyone have one of these or a similar grill on their daily driver?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-05...49221945QQrdZ1

I'm kind of concerned about all the rain, dirt, snow, salt, etc that would go through the upper grill and all over the engine. I like to keep that baby clean. Anyone use one with something behind it and get it to look decent?

 

I have the GrilleCraft grills that are similar design. The top grill came with a backing plate that keeps most of the gunk out. Doesn't look like that set has one, but you could easily make something.

 

ScionicMan, thanks for the quick reply. Where did you pick up your grill? Have pics?

 

my friend bough that grill, and the fit wasn't that great. The top was decent, but the bottom two had like inch gaps on both sides of the grill. He e-mailed the seller about it, and he said that they are aware of the problem, have fixed it, and are sending him out a new set. Sounds like they have good customer service, but haven't seen teh replacement set yet.

 

I'd be interested to know if the replacement is any better. I wonder also if they offer a backing plate. I think i'll shoot them an email to ask.

 

I got them from NAMotorSports:

http://www.namotorsports.net/listing...t=12&subcat=69

Great fitment.

 

You can buy the mesh at allmost any aout parts store or Home Depot. It's alot chaeper than buying the grill.
Just remove your stock grill and emblem, fold the mesh around, cut and your done.
I think you might spend $15 in material for mesh and clips for the bottom.

 

home depot grille is ALOT thinner than the figure mesh is.

as for holding up on a daily driver, a buddy of mine just put his 3pc figure grille set on last week. monday he was cruising down the highway behind a dump truck. the truck hit a bump and lots of gravel popped out. unofortunately he couldnt swerve so all the gravel his the front of the xB. the bumper needs a repaint now, but there is not 1 rock chip on any of the grilles.

 

I have never seen these grills in person, but I know you can buy a goo quality mesh at pepboy's. It's pretty cheap and it's so much more rewarding to make things yourself.
I've seen alot of aftermarket body kits with the mesh from PB and it looks nice.

 

I eouldn't trust them too much. I once went grille-less and the bugs were horrible. so I'm thinking this mesh will keep some out. But if you want to keep it clean, then i say no.

 

I agree it could be messy but they just look so cool. Anyone make a back plate to work with one of these? I am asking the seller of the auction if he sells one.

 

seller does not offer backing plate . . .

 

We can get the backing plate for the billet grilles. Call us toll free at 1-877-NAMOTORS and we can get you pricing. We are open from 10AM to 7PM EST!

 

I have fig grills on my daily driver.... powder coated black.... gravel truck lost some load infront of me.... chipped the hell out of my bumper.... grills were fine... not a scratch.... Love them to death. they also good at catching bugs and lowered the overall engine temp by ten degrees on average at 70 mph....

 

minks, does driving in the rain really dirty up your engine? I guess I'm not as concerned about the rain as the salt during winter. I think I'll give Nick a call about backing plates. I love the look of the fig grill and need to get one.

 

it hasnt rained since he installed them ^^

 

I have this grill. I made a blanking plate for the upper grille. Quality was pretty good and I was able to mount with little trouble. I'm pleased.

 

SuperTech, what did you make backing plate out of? Where/how did you fasten it in place?

 

I'll shoot some detail shots this evening. I made it out of some fiberglass circuitboard material I had laying around. Painted gray to match. I'll post pics tonight.

 

This is the material I used to make the blanking plate. I used two pieces held by one bolt in the center. The picture also shows how I used black door edge protector to cover the sharp edges of the grill material. The protector is made by Bell available at Walmart.

This shot shows the plate on the outside edge.

This shot is from the backside showing the single bolt drilled thru the center support brace. The dimensions are pretty much a field fit. The little black stick-on hooks for the cable ties used to hold the grill in place suck so I advise you go ahead and drill holes and lace the cable ties thru. Holler if you need some more info.