How To:New Front Grill (long)

[Yahnozha]

I finally got the urge to fill the large gaping holes in my front bumper after the mods I did to it when Installing the WW lip.

So I went to the local home depot and picked up two 1/2" X 12" X 24" expanded metal lathe sheets, you know the stuff for barbeques and began hacking away.

First off, it really helps to have a good industrial belt sander, tin snips, a welder, and about 8 hours of time to kill.

To make the lower portion I had to fabricate a mounting bracket that bolts onto the lower frame of the car. There are some convenient holes there that I hd to re-tap to accomodate some screws I had (1/4-20). You can see the bracket and front fillers that are there hanging waiting for the paint to dry. I rough cut the metal oversize and bent it to shape, then welded on some tabs to mount to the bracket. There is an image of the assembly out of the car.

http://www.g20.net/gallery/data/3056/45Grill_01.jpg
http://www.g20.net/gallery/data/3056/45Grill_02.jpg
http://www.g20.net/gallery/data/3056/45Grill_03.jpg
http://www.g20.net/gallery/data/3056/45Grill_04.jpg


The front grille was a pain in the @$$!! Lots of sanding/grinding to get it fitting right and figuring out how to mount it. I finally got it to fit good, and luckily the existing mounting tabs happend to be inline to weld some long screws onto the back of the grille. I also had to weld some tabs on the top to keep it in and put in a set screw right behind the hood latch to keep it in place. Not to mention the minor hood mods I had to do to get it to stay in place. Trust me, a lot of work but well worth it.


http://www.g20.net/gallery/data/3056/45Grill_05.jpg

So far it looks solid and Ill check in a couple of days to see if the screws loosen.

[G20 SpoRt 2002]

Cool... I think I might try that.. =)

[G-Forces]

Man that's nice! I like how it sits somewhat flush to the rest of the hood! Very good job. :cool:

["G"-sus!]

Smooth! I agree w/ G-Forces- I like how it's flush. I was gonna make one and put a rubber gasket around the grille, now I like it how you did it.

Glad to see you FINALLY got your lip/front painted! I must say I ~REALLY~ like how your "smoothed over" fog light housing came out, especially after the paint job!!! PROPS, got any "xtreme" close ups of your foglight?

Very nice job!

[Yahnozha]

Thanks for the props guys, its always good to get positive feed back on things...

I also repainted the grill and bottom section silver just for shits and giggles. I dont have a font on shot of it but let me know which you like better...Im unsure...and BTW ill be getting some white rims for your info..

Oh yeah, Ill be selling the stock grill minus the emblem for $75 if anyone wants it. Look in the
classifieds.. first one to email me gets it...

http://www.g20.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=2606#post2606

[Cue-Ball]

I tried to do this exact same thing this weekend but couldn't find any mesh that i liked. All i could find at the Home Depot was chicken-wire type stuff. I'll have to go back again tonight and look again. The mesh grille looks really nice. I think i like the recessed fit better, but your car looks great with the flush as well. Great job, man!

BTW> I couldn't get the first pic to work. Is it just me?

[trbobrk]

Originally posted by Cue-Ball
BTW> I couldn't get the first pic to work. Is it just me?
Yep.

[Yahnozha]

Edit by me

[Dakine=^_^=]

wow, i like how you have it flush, thats great.... yea, it takes a long time to make huh. thats what im saying... jeesh, but good work!!~

[Wallys99]

I had a similar problem with my Home Depot. I went to two different Home Depots in my area and neither had the heavier stuff like Yahnozha and Dakine used. Am I looking in the wrong section? All I could find was the cheap thin stuff that rusts with any moisture at all. Is there any where else I can get this stuff? Thanks and nice job with your grills.

[Yahnozha]

Okay, seems like there is some trouble finding the particular mesh.

I found it at Home Depot in the section that carries the raw materials. You know the angle iron and aluminium barstock. It was right next to the wire and rope section. If not Ive included a photo of the stuff.

http://www.customsteel.com/2001/G20/mesh.jpg

The SKU Number is 30699 45830

There is a little 0 in the front and a little 1 at the end outside the bar code but I dont think they use those numbers.

[Cue-Ball]

Okay, i went back to Home Depot tonight and found the right stuff. It's not in the aisle with the other fencing and mesh but is located close to the nails. If you describe it really well, they can show you where it's at. It's about $20 for a sheet and it's pretty damn sturdy stuff. You'll probably need a pair of wire cutters to work with it (i bought a set for $13 while i was there). I got the exact same stuff that Yahnozha has but there is a problem. The mesh runs the wrong way! In other words, the mesh runs across in the "short" direction instead of the other direction. So, if i were to cut a grille out from this material, the diamond-oval type openings would be facing vertically instead of horizontally. This would look like ass, so i'm going to have to take this back and see if another store has it with the bars running the correct way. This stuff is very hefty. I'm not sure if i've got the tools to cut this and make it look right. Also, i have no way to weld brackets onto the mesh so i'm not sure how i would go about attaching the grille to the car. I will probably just forget about making a grille like this and will buy an '02 grille instead.

[Yahnozha]

Originally posted by Cue-Ball
The mesh runs the wrong way! In other words, the mesh runs across in the "short" direction instead of the other direction. So, if i were to cut a grille out from this material, the diamond-oval type openings would be facing vertically instead of horizontally. This would look like ass,
Like Ass huh? ROFL...sorry thats just funny... $20 is a bit high, I think I paid about $8 a sheet. You might just try a metal or steel supplier. Its called "expanded metal lathe" Just make sure you get the flattened kind. If you find a metal place, they will usually let you check out the stuff before hand.

Originally posted by Cue-Ball
Also, i have no way to weld brackets onto the mesh so i'm not sure how i would go about attaching the grille to the car.
Here is an easier way you can do this, after thinking about this for a while...

JB Weld, amazing stuff, its a two part epoxy that holds like the dickens. Actually any two part metal epoxy will work but JB weld is readily available. If you do this, youll find that some of the "big" solid areas (not the holes) are inline with the mounting tabs. Once the grill is fitted, tape it in place, you can then drill thru this "big" area and tap it with a 6-32 or 8-32 thread. Using some all-thread (continuiously threaded rod) of the same size. Thread it thru to the tab, mark the place, drill the tab, then JB weld the threaded rod onto the grill, leaving some room for a nut on the back side. You can use locktite as well but the JB stuff should do the trick. Then clip off the remainder of the thread and file/grind smooth. Hope this helps....if not, I may start making some of these....

[G-loads]

looking good boys...well done!
Maybe I am going to take on this adventure this weekend :)

J, and atomic-FF-G, you boys want one?

[Cue-Ball]

Originally posted by Yahnozha

Like Ass huh? ROFL...sorry thats just funny... $20 is a bit high, I think I paid about $8 a sheet. You might just try a metal or steel supplier. Its called "expanded metal lathe" Just make sure you get the flattened kind. If you find a metal place, they will usually let you check out the stuff before hand.



I bought the EXACT same stuff as in your picture. Same size, same box, same name, everything. It was $19.94 per sheet plus tax. I paid ~$35 for one sheet of the stuff and a big set of wire cutters. I'm going to be taking them both back today though since the mesh runs the wrong way. I'm going to try to find something with a smaller mesh that's a little easier to work with. Hopefully a metal supplier or welding place will have something. If that doesn't pan out, i'm just going to get a "regular" '02 G20 grille.

And when i say it would look like ass i don't mean tight, aerobic instructor ass, i mean pasty white, crack showing, plumber ass. :confused:

[poppy_morenito]

Originally posted by Cue-Ball


I bought the EXACT same stuff as in your picture. Same size, same box, same name, everything. It was $19.94 per sheet plus tax. I paid ~$35 for one sheet of the stuff and a big set of wire cutters. I'm going to be taking them both back today though since the mesh runs the wrong way.

Home Depot in Miami $8 .... I picked up today on my way to work when I get home in 3 days will attempt the P10 version

[G-Forces]

Originally posted by G-loads
looking good boys...well done!
Maybe I am going to take on this adventure this weekend :)

J, and atomic-FF-G, you boys want one?
Cool! But I'm fine. I've got other plans. :evil:

[Johnny Blaze]

Yahnozha all I have to say is that it look's like as hell. Now I wish I could do some work like that to my p10. First I got to get to know how to do the easy thing's before I do anything like that.

[Yahnozha]

Originally posted by Johnny Blaze
Yahnozha all I have to say is that it look's like as hell.
Uh.....thanks.....I think...:)

[Johnny Blaze]

I mean that look's nice as hell. I type to fast and sometime's skip word's.:dead:

[G-loads]

Originally posted by G-Forces

Cool! But I'm fine. I've got other plans. :evil:

are you going to trade yours? or getting the nismo one?

[G-Forces]

Originally posted by G-loads


are you going to trade yours? or getting the nismo one?
You'll see. ;)

[G-loads]

Originally posted by G-Forces

You'll see. ;)

eeeeeewwwwwwww top secret here are we? LOL you told me! :)

[Wallys99]

I found the stuff. Cost me about $7. Took me about an hour with a pair of bolt cutters to shape it and paint it. I know how much you guys like pics so heres one:
http://home.maine.rr.com/wallyswarehouse/gnewgrill.jpg

Im not sure Im gonna keep it though. I sprayed the stock grill silver a while ago and it looks pretty good. I like the look of this one from a distance, but not from up close.

[G-Forces]

LOL! I guess this is a must have mod for everyone with a red 99 G? ;)

You guys can prop it up in the hot summer days and grill some burgers and dogs on them. :lol: Ahhh, me'sa funny guy! :D

[Yahnozha]

Originally posted by G-Forces
LOL! I guess this is a must have mod for everyone with a red 99 G? ;) You guys can prop it up in the hot summer days and grill some burgers and dogs on them. :lol: Ahhh, me'sa funny guy! :D
Dont forget those tuna steaks as well....haha...Red G's Unite!!!

Dude, that is too sweet, how did you attach the grill to your car.

[Wallys99]

I used 4 small black cable ties. I just ran them through the bolt holes from the old grill. No welding for me, it looks dangerous :dead:

[G-loads]

Since this is the "red G20 connection", I guess I should not break the bond and do this mod??!!!

Well, G-Forces, nismo grill here I come.... :)

[Yahnozha]

Originally posted by G-loads
Since this is the "red G20 connection", I guess I should not break the bond and do this mod??!!!
Yeah, or else we'll all stroll up in our red G's with the matching grills and have to lay the ugly stick on your @$$....:smoke: ...j/k

[poppy_morenito]

Well, I drive a silver P10 and I will break the cycle of the RED MENACE ...lol

You guys will have to drive to Miami to get me where Silver g20's rule ....!!!!!

[freaktroll]

Ok, now another silver G getting into it... I just picked up the stuff at home depot.....$3.00 for a sheet 8'x2.5'
not bad!
I'll post some pics if my car gets through it....

[G20Turbo]

Hey guys I did this mod a few weeks ago and I also got a silver G... oh no gasps... but yeah i'm liking the grill minus the fact that its not flush like yahnozha's... mine is sitting inside the hood compartment so it looks kinda "ghetto" up close I do plan to put an outter border to it tho... kinda like ericdd's but I plan to keep the outer border chrome rather than all black like his G

http://g20.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1363

[Domiken]

And the black P11's

[casual]

i never got to say ericcd from g20style.c and yahnoza's got to be the nicest custom grills available
good job guys
casual

[MP2050]

Yahn....great job-perfectly done.. I dont even have a G and Im excited that U can make it look like this...

I just want to ask U about the bottom bumper...it was two diff. pieces that U fit in correct. Cuz I know we can saw off that middle panel so Ive been trying to figure out how to mesh it in right. But if it is two pieces than how come I cant see the red piece in the middle....????

[MP2050]

Neva mind about the bottom stock piece I c wut U did.... I think IM gonna try the same thing.....BUT I really wish I could just saw off that middle panel and fill it in wit one piece of mesh-rather that two on each side....:crosseyed

[casual]

ohh by the way mp let me know if you ever want to buy the hood and grill for your swap

p.s. getting closer to posting pics i gotta get pics developed


take it easy
casual

[casual]

Neva mind about the bottom stock piece I c wut U did.... I think IM gonna try the same thing.....BUT I really wish I could just saw off that middle panel and fill it in wit one piece of mesh-rather that two on each side....
about the one peice mesh here you go

link (http://nissanprimera.redirectme.net/forum/topic.asp?T_ID=188)

casual

[Yahnozha]

Damn that one piece lower grill does look pretty swank!!! Ill be going that route with the turbo project as I get closer to it...and possibly try some CF on that as well

[mmead16116]

yahnozha, i think it looks real sick! the fact that you got it flush it real nice. i give you props.

I would like to do something like this to my 00' silver g, but dont know that i have the balls to do any of the hood mods that you mentioned. Do you have any more details on that? Also if anyone knows about any professional grilles for the P11...

Peace

[MP2050]

HEY Cas the hood and grill are something that I think would be a little too much for me.....I mean I dont want to complete convert to a G....lol

But I dont get it....I thought U couldnt take out that middle pipe in the bumper cuz that was reinforcement for it....I mean I gotta get a def. answer to this B4 I start shaving....

Damn I really like that open gap...If I could do it

[Yahnozha]

Originally posted by mmead16116
I would like to do something like this to my 00' silver g, but dont know that i have the balls to do any of the hood mods that you mentioned. Do you have any more details on that? Also if anyone knows about any professional grilles for the P11...

Erick has a how to on his site www.g20style.com on how to do a front grill. That thing is really nice. Ill probably go that route if I ever pony up for a new front grill.

[MP2050]

Yeah but wut about the bottom bumper guyz---Can I take off that middle piece or not????

[casual]

yes u can cut it the bumper will not be as strong but you should have no problem theres anothe rguy on that site with a black gt he did it to his too his black gt is on his avatar
if i remember who it was i'll sendyou the link
casual

[MP2050]

Alright then as long as the bumper doesnt fall apart on me after wards....then Ill be doing sum serious shaving this weekand.. I want it to be a nice open gap....and then mesh it in....

[casual]

before you do it this weekend drop me a message so i can find the exact ho w to post for you so you can see clear and you will also see that when you cut that bar at the bottom where the bar connected it will be fine but it will only be less sturdy towards the top since the bar is wider towards the top

what yoou will need to do is at the top part after you cut it it will leave a gap so you will need some bondo to fill that space

hit me before u do it so u can be clear on it..
casual

[MP2050]

Cas U always come thru--U like my six man off the bench ...lol

Shoot me the link then-I got a whole can of Bondo so that wont be a problem.

:bandit:

[casual]

http://espn.go.com/media/nba/2002/0502/photo/cw1a.jpg sixth man just chillin! =)

hit you later wish me luck i'm about to go to ups to ship this bumper to yahnoza the rear but last time i went they wouldnt accept it cuz the package was too big i wish i could come through with that but i redid the box and am going to see if its small enough now
if you would of taken it with the skirts we wouldnt be going through this lol
i'm messin with ya

casual

[MP2050]

LOL I was thinking of ESPN this morning talking bout Jordan possibly being 6th man of the Year in 2003...

OH and hmmmm I wonder what Yahnozha is going to do with that rear...Good Luck with shipping it out Cas..

[casual]

yeah i peeped that espn too -word is now that hes going to be playing possibly with ewing on the same team next year who knows poor ewing no ring but he got a ring in his heart love for the game 67yrs old and still playing strong

oo and by the way here is the the guy who did the front bumper
nismo gt the black gt

i'm just looking for the post where he showed how he did it


http://nissanprimera.redirectme.net/memberpics/Nismo_GT/chris_gt2.jpg
casual

[casual]

ohh and luke cut his up alot and it still was sturdy check it out
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?s=&postid=75136
casual

[mmead16116]

that looks real sick

[casual]

ohh mp here is another p11 front gt front with the whole middle gutted so u know the bumper will be ok
casual
http://www.g20style.com/images/billed_27.jpg

[poppy_morenito]

Originally posted by poppy_morenito
Well, I drive a silver P10 and I will break the cycle of the RED MENACE ...lol

You guys will have to drive to Miami to get me where Silver g20's rule ....!!!!!

How funny is this ?????

Man how things can change in just one year !!!!

[MP2050]

Originally posted by poppy_morenito


How funny is this ?????

Man how things can change in just one year !!!!


And to think I didnt even have a G back at this time....DAMNIT where the hell is Casual!?!?!?

[P10Bostonian]

hey P@, is it possible to make the pics work?

and this is a newbie question, but can make it step by step? im a total newb.

btw will it work on a p10?

[ChickenWing]

i cant see any of the pics and the parent directory you posted is forbidden.

[G2002]

Wow this thread is two years old. I remeber with Eric and Pat first cam out with this stuff. Now many people are doing it. See what inovation does.

[Yahnozha]

Sorry guys, I moved my site to a different server and got rid of those directories. Ill repost the photos today.

[P10Bostonian]

thanks P@ ur the best bro.

[golfboarder]

Hey, I want to do something to the grille. I bought an '02 sport grille awhile back so I have the old one laying around. I think its time. But I kind of have a different idea. Where do you think I could get a black plastic mesh. I want to try and do something in the grille area and the bumper area with a black color thats thicker. I am thinking kind of like the IS300 look.