Lower Grill Mod

[DEFYANT]

I noticed I was getting alot of bugs and rocks entering the bumper and damaging the aluminum fins on the radiator. Being from the mustang crowd, I "borrowed" a mod the Cobra guys have been doing for awhile.

I went to Home Depot and picked up some aluminum rain gutter guard and fished it in behind the bumber cover and the plastic supports. You only need to remove 2 bumper body bolts to get it in there. I installed the bolt through the aluminum mesh for added support. You may have to bend it alittle to make it flush against the bumper. The results were a cleaner looking bumper and all debries stopped.

This really is a no brainer, cheep mod. You can paint this too. I painted the first one black, but I did not use good paint and it chipped. I swapped out the black for a new silver one and left it.

I have several more here, if anyone local wants one, let me know. We can install it here or I can hand it off to you.

Here are some pics:

The gutter guard:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1610.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1609.jpg

Close up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1606.jpg

Bolts to remove:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DefyantGrill.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1607.jpg

[MM2004]

Me likey! Great work :beer:

Mike.

[DEFYANT]

The finished product:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/Defyant_at_Milan.jpg

This is the best pic taken at high resolution.

[glassman99]

Look's good. Amazingly simple!!

[Cheeseheadbob]

Charlie, I can't see if you are smiling behind that helmet, but I'll bet a couple of beers at the meet tomorrow that you are! Man, that is one clean and sweet looking MM! Looks like you are close to getting some air under those front wheels! Keep up the mods!


The finished product:
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/Defyant_at_Milan.jpg

This is the best pic taken at high resolution.

[fastblackmerc]

Charlie, I can't see if you are smiling behind that helmet, but I'll bet a couple of beers at the meet tomorrow that you are! Man, that is one clean and sweet looking MM! Looks like you are close to getting some air under those front wheels! Keep up the mods!
Sweet, looks like I'll be going to Home Depot or Lowe's tomorrow.... thanks for the idea / mod!!! :beer:

I'll post some pics of it installed on a black MM.

[blackf0rk]

How do you attach it to the vehicle?

[DEFYANT]

How do you attach it to the vehicle?
You take out the two bolts I indicated above. Fish the gutter guard along the inside of the bumper, bend or mold it to the contor of the bumber and replace the bumper bolts while screwing them through the mesh.

[FordNut]

I got some which was already powdercoated black from a ricer supply house. Hardly noticeable. I also put it behind the grille so it would match, and to protect the top part of the intercooler too. I also noticed the ac condenser beat all to heck and thought it would be a good idea to add some protection before I installed the expensive intercooler.

[HwyCruiser]

I like it! :up:

[AzMarauder]

I got some which was already powdercoated black from a ricer supply house. Hardly noticeable. I also put it behind the grille so it would match, and to protect the top part of the intercooler too. I also noticed the ac condenser beat all to heck and thought it would be a good idea to add some protection before I installed the expensive intercooler.
Do you have an address or something for the black powdercoated?

Does it inhibit airflow at all? Seems ANYTHING would a little bit....

[JMan]

Man, that looks spectacular! That is a must down here in the land of gargantuan bugs. It's one of those functional mods that look great, too. Now if I could just get my car to stand up like that . . . :D
J

[TechHeavy]

I like that Charlie. Good job. I may follow your lead this year, or wait till Spring... but it looks great. :)

[04funmerc]

I did somthing similar, but it dose'nt look nearly a good as yours does. I don't think you need to paint yours black! It looks great with Silver Birch. Great Mod.

JIM

[FordNut]

I did somthing similar, but it dose'nt look nearly a good as yours does. I don't think you need to paint yours black! It looks great with Silver Birch. Great Mod.

JIM
I agree, the silver looks good with the silver birch. The black powdercoated stuff I cot was made by autotecnica. I got it off ebay.

[Hotrauder]

I noticed I was getting alot of bugs and rocks entering the bumper and damaging the aluminum fins on the radiator. Being from the mustang crowd, I "borrowed" a mod the Cobra guys have been doing for awhile.

I went to Home Depot and picked up some aluminum rain gutter guard and fished it in behind the bumber cover and the plastic supports. You only need to remove 2 bumper body bolts to get it in there. I installed the bolt through the aluminum mesh for added support. You may have to bend it alittle to make it flush against the bumper. The results were a cleaner looking bumper and all debries stopped.

This really is a no brainer, cheep mod. You can paint this too. I painted the first one black, but I did not use good paint and it chipped. I swapped out the black for a new silver one and left it.

I have several more here, if anyone local wants one, let me know. We can install it here or I can hand it off to you.

Here are some pics:

The gutter guard:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1610.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1609.jpg

Close up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1606.jpg

Bolts to remove:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DefyantGrill.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y193/Defyant/DCP_1607.jpg

Wonderful idea. Thanks for the tip. Looks special, too! Dennis:beer:

[jgc61sr2002]

:up: Charlie - Very nice job. :D

[Shora]

So, who is going to be the first to post pics of this great mod on a black MM?

[DEFYANT]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I have a few of these things laying around, if your in the area and want to pick one up let me know.

Being that this is aluminum, would there be a problem with the salt roads? It may be a good idea to podwer coat the color on or have it clear coated to protect it.

Or, they are so cheep, you prolly could just swap out a new one in the spring.

Hey!! I sould have marketed this! I could got rich!;)

[ckadiddle]

Nice job! Neato!

[Marauderman]

So, who is going to be the first to post pics of this great mod on a black MM?
trust me on this one--.... :beer: .my bet is on "fastblackmerc"............he's probably doing it this morning with pics up today----he was busy yesterday----but on the way home--I bet he stopped by that store and..........

[fastblackmerc]

trust me on this one--.... :beer: .my bet is on "fastblackmerc"............he's probably doing it this morning with pics up today----he was busy yesterday----but on the way home--I bet he stopped by that store and..........
"I bet he stopped by that store and........." How'd you guess?? Got two ($1.29 +tax each), I'll paint one black and leave the other one "natural". Pics to follow shortly...

[Marauderman]

"I bet he stopped by that store and........." How'd you guess?? Got two ($1.29 +tax each), I'll paint one black and leave the other one "natural". Pics to follow shortly...
see there-now see how Black MM owners think alike---told ya!!!!!!!! :banana:

[fastblackmerc]

see there-now see how Black MM owners think alike---told ya!!!!!!!! :banana:
Past a Home Depot on the way home.... little voice said "see if they have them", I had to listen.... thought it was the wife..... :D

[fastblackmerc]

Past a Home Depot on the way home.... little voice said "see if they have them", I had to listen.... thought it was the wife..... :D
Sorry it tyook so long, had to wait for paint to dry. Let me know which one to install. I'm leaning towards the silver one. BTW... anyone know where to get a piece of thei material that is at least 16" x 32"? I want to install it in the big open area between the front lower bumper and the radiator support.

P.S. also includee pics of the red (it's really red... color is washed out by the bright sunlight) S55 badge & the painted taillight(s).

[Marauderman]

Sorry it tyook so long, had to wait for paint to dry. Let me know which one to install. I'm leaning towards the silver one. BTW... anyone know where to get a piece of thei material that is at least 16" x 32"? I want to install it in the big open area between the front lower bumper and the radiator support.

P.S. also includee pics of the red (it's really red... color is washed out by the bright sunlight) S55 badge & the painted taillight(s).

Well- I think they look terrific-----but as you would expect--I :bows: to --what else--Black one---yep ----thats my vote--matches my grill perfectly--seems I need to get some now while my MM is still at "lift" city.......does make it easier....great going Jim........

[DEFYANT]

Sorry it tyook so long, had to wait for paint to dry. Let me know which one to install. I'm leaning towards the silver one. BTW... anyone know where to get a piece of thei material that is at least 16" x 32"? I want to install it in the big open area between the front lower bumper and the radiator support.

P.S. also includee pics of the red (it's really red... color is washed out by the bright sunlight) S55 badge & the painted taillight(s).

Excellent! Looks great!

[fastblackmerc]

Excellent! Looks great!
As an extension of Defyant's lower grill mod I purchased 2 more of the gutter guards and did this. You'll need to remove the same screws as Defyant said plus the three screws and push rivet at the bottom of the radiator support. I either need to find a clean way to attach the two pieces together (I just used some mechanics wire and nylon ties) or find some of the same material in a bigger piece. I'll be monitoring the engine temp to see if this makes any difference. Thanks Defyant!! :beer: :beer:

[DEFYANT]

Nice touch there!


Just beware of snow and ice build up if you drive in bad weather. I may do this also! I like it.

[Shora]

Sorry it tyook so long, had to wait for paint to dry. Let me know which one to install. I'm leaning towards the silver one. BTW... anyone know where to get a piece of thei material that is at least 16" x 32"? I want to install it in the big open area between the front lower bumper and the radiator support.

P.S. also includee pics of the red (it's really red... color is washed out by the bright sunlight) S55 badge & the painted taillight(s).
Great job and thanks for sharing the pics. Does the set that left "natural" match the polished wheels or does it look out of place on the front of the car?

[Marauderman]

As an extension of Defyant's lower grill mod I purchased 2 more of the gutter guards and did this. You'll need to remove the same screws as Defyant said plus the three screws and push rivet at the bottom of the radiator support. I either need to find a clean way to attach the two pieces together (I just used some mechanics wire and nylon ties) or find some of the same material in a bigger piece. I'll be monitoring the engine temp to see if this makes any difference. Thanks Defyant!! :beer: :beer:
Hey my friend---I think a trip to my town is in order--since my lift kit is still up --so you can perform the same surgery--wow---I think a steak dinner is calling you!!....Tom

[fastblackmerc]

Hey my friend---I think a trip to my town is in order--since my lift kit is still up --so you can perform the same surgery--wow---I think a steak dinner is calling you!!....Tom
I'll see what I can do..... go break some puters!

[fastblackmerc]

Great job and thanks for sharing the pics. Does the set that left "natural" match the polished wheels or does it look out of place on the front of the car?
It's a close enough match to the wheels, but since you can't see the wheels and the lower grill at the same time it's not noticeable. Reminds me of the time I was the used car mechanic at Wayne L&M in N.J., don't know how many cars we sold that had two different sets wheel covers, one set on one side, one set on the other. :D I went with the silver because I think it adds a little more to the front of the car. :)

[1stMerc]

I either need to find a clean way to attach the two pieces together (I just used some mechanics wire and nylon ties) or find some of the same material in a bigger piece. Thanks Defyant!! :beer: :beer:
You might try welding or better yet soldering the two pieces together, especially if you leave it silver.

[Shora]

It's a colse enough match to the wheels, but since you can't see the wheels and the lower grill at the same time it's not noticeable. Reminds me of the time I was the used car mechanic at Wayne L&M in N.J., don't know how many cars we sold that had two different sets wheel covers, one set on one side, one set on the other. :D I went with the silver because I think it adds a little more to the front of the car. :)
Thanks. Will try to get it done tomorrow and see what I think about it.

[DEFYANT]

It is called Premium Hinged Gutter Guards made by Gutter World

The bar code # is 17857 00129

It is made from galvanized steel.

[fastblackmerc]

It is called Premium Hinged Gutter Guards made by Gutter World

The bar code # is 17857 00129

It is made from galvanized steel.
Any luck finding a piece of the same material that is just as long but 2x's wide?

[JACook]

Any luck finding a piece of the same material that is just as long but 2x's wide? Looks like plain ol' expanded mesh. Should be able to get it at any metal supply house. Steel or aluminum.
Maybe even stainless. :-)

[younga1]

Completed the install this afternoon. The trip to Home Depot took longer. If only there were additional mods that cost only $1.39, installed this fast and looked as cool!!!! Thanks DEFYANT!!

[fastblackmerc]

I have a piece of stainless steel mesh comming. Will keep you guys updated.

[metroplex]

Does it create any weird noises on the highway?

[DEFYANT]

Does it create any weird noises on the highway?

Nope. But I wonder what the sound a bug makes when it hits the mesh :cool:

[jgc61sr2002]

Nope. But I wonder what the sound a bug makes when it hits the mesh :cool:


Splat.:lol: :D

[Seneca]

I to believe a trip is in store to home depot tomorrow.. :D

[fastblackmerc]

No noise whatsoever.... I don't think the bugs "splat" as they are cleanly cut in half....

[Shora]

Thanks. Will try to get it done tomorrow and see what I think about it.

Finally got 'er done. Looks and fits great. I would have never thought about doing this mod without this thread. Thank you.

[Motorhead350]

I gotta see one on a black car because I was thinking of doing this myself. I've seen like 2 Marauders like this at Marauder Ville 3 and they were both silver. Maybe it was just one, but my cars black and I gotta see how it looks before I do it. Somone please do it this weekend. :D

[Motorhead350]

wow stupid me I didn't go to page 2. Nevermind :o

[fastblackmerc]

I personally like the silver on a black MM.

[SID210SA]

Black and silver go good together. Gives it a certain genasequios

[Blackmobile]

Another happy customer, Thanks Defyant.

[Hotrauder]

Thanks Charlie, finally got mine done this past weekend. Took 15 minutes and looks great on the DTR Big Foot. I found lots of crap on the lower radiator grill and this will stop the bigger peices that might cause damage. Total cost $4.55 and I have enough material to do it 3 more time if needed. Great idea thanks for sharing this and all of your other great ideas. Dennis:beer:

[DEFYANT]

I have taken my share of info from this board and its members. Returning something to this community is only fair. :)

[Eric91Z]

Well, Saturday I was at Lowe's to pick up a couple of new license plate screws to work with the new SVT license plate frame I got and decided I would check out the gutter parts needed for this mod. I think it looks great on Defyant's car and mine is Silver, too.

So, today, since it was a nice mid-to-high 50 degrees here in Iowa, washed and detailed the car up a little (all decided there will be a LOT to do in the spring after driving it this winter). Anway, got done cleaning her up and decided I would put the wire mesh in there.

Sure enough, it was as easy as others have said. I did remove 2 bolts on each side to give a little extra clearance when working the stuff up in there. And realized while doing it myself how to use the 2 bolts to help hold it in place.

Needless to say, it seems like that stuff was made with our cars specifically in mind. Fit perfectly and looks awesome. I did have to spend $6, but it was a pack of 5 or 6 of them. So, if anything every happens or they don't hold up to the weather. I have replacements. Oh yeah, and the car seems like it was waiting for this stuff as there is actually a little gap right above the opening back there that the top of this stuff slid in to to help hold it in place. Perfect.

Thanks for figuring this out.

[Cheeseheadbob]

Senor DEFYANT is the MAN!


Thanks for figuring this out.

[CRUZTAKER]

Great idea! :up:

Mind if I join in the fun as well?

ANY BUCKEYES wanting to do this...see me...I am gonna grab a pack today. It sounds as if they come in a multi-pack, therefore I'll have spares. ;)

edit:

Just picked picked 'em up.

Question(s).
Those that painted...did you scuff up the surface on this stuff? Or just paint?
Which brings the question...Are you bending the material prior to installation?
I do not want to crack the paint.

[fastblackmerc]

Are you guys just doing the lower grill mod to the holes in the facia? You might want to also do it to the large open area below and behind the bumper. See post# 28 in this thread. Takes two more pieces of the same material.

[CRUZTAKER]

:bump:

I want to paint today, but am concerned with bending the material.

[Dragcity]

Speaking of paint, I painted my coil covers yesterday with this 'Dupli.Color' Metalcast stuff. It is Anodized Aluminum faux. Slick stuff. I put 12 coats on and it looks nice. It is mostly translucent with red tint. Gets deeper with each coat, but you can still see through it. Had I known that, I would have done a better job sanding the covers, Some discoloration due to salt...

Anyway, thought I may try this stuff on a peice of mesh. I think it's fairly brittle when dry though. My coil covers look exactly like candy apples. Would look nice if it works...

[FastMerc]

Im in dude Ive been wanting to do that just havent found the right stuff!

[Dragcity]

I installed the coil covers last night and this 'Dupli.Color' Metalcast paint is VERY brittle. I'm sure it WILL NOT WORK on the mesh. Looks good on the covers though...

[DEFYANT]

Why not try one of those home powder coat kits?

Powder coat it.

[Dragcity]

I saw Craftsman had one for $129 + Coating. I almost did it, and still might. Just not sure how well it'll work. I read up on home powder coating and it says you need a 'Dedicated' oven. I have an oven in the basement, but we use it as an extra while entertaining and we have to cook a lot of food. Not sure how using it for powder coating will affect the intended use...???

Any clue?

[Eric91Z]

Posted a couple pictures in my gallery, although they aren't all that much different that the front of Defyant's car:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=1135

Also, I am not sure how anyone would paint one of these grills and then install without scratching it up at all. Needless to say I am glad mine was not painted for the install...

[NATEHAWK]

Just installed mine today looks great! That was a good idea man thanks alot....

[CRUZTAKER]

I saw Craftsman had one for $129 + Coating....

Uhh..what exactly are you speaking of? Had one what? CRAFTSMAN?
:dunno:

[FastMerc]

I saw Craftsman had one for $129 + Coating. I almost did it, and still might. Just not sure how well it'll work. I read up on home powder coating and it says you need a 'Dedicated' oven. I have an oven in the basement, but we use it as an extra while entertaining and we have to cook a lot of food. Not sure how using it for powder coating will affect the intended use...???

Any clue? I had one of those home powder coating systems,did research before using.You can never use food in that oven again:puke:

[Rider90]

I had one of those home powder coating systems,did research before using.You can never use food in that oven again:puke:
"Hey Neighbor, my oven has stopped working and the wife and kids need dinner. Today is my day to cook too, can you believe that? Can I use your oven then?"

[Hotrauder]

I had fun at the body shop today. showed the kid how to reinstall my GUTTER GUARD that fell out when they took the bumper cover off 2 weeks ago. He thought it was pretty cool. Kudo's to Defyant..the kid is also going to paint his tailights and wonders if Zack can make him a grill for his Caddy. You know everybody likes these bag azzed cars. Even the ricer kids give thumbs up. Not to hijack the tread but went from the body shop to the gas station for a full tank and a car load of guys almost hit a fuel tanker as they were all looking at the ZACK SUPREME GRILL on the way back onto the highway. I wish I had pics of that. Dennis:beer:

[Dragcity]

Sears (Craftsman) has a Powdercoating gun for sale. One you can use at home, My understanding is it is a "home powdercoating system".

Anyway, I don't know what it does to the oven....? Must be pretty toxic stuff during melt down/cure ????

Is there another kit available? cheap? that works well?

[RoNiN77]

Guess I'm a little late on this. Bought the same piece of gutter screen for $2 at Lowe's. It took me 20 minutes to put it into place (I'm not mechanically gifted) and slighty cut my thumb which proceeded to bleed all over the screen until I noticed it. Now I can say I've officialy bled over my MM. Anyway, it looks kick ass. Good idea Defyant!!

[Svashtar]

Been gone too long and just seeing this thread. What a great idea Defyant!

I am still unsure how just the two bottom bolts are going to keep it from bending back at the top, but will figure it out I'm sure. I have Zack's chrome badgeless grill so this should set it off nicely on my black MM just leaving it plain. I have a whole slew of dead bugs up in there and chips on the radiator including a pretty damned large one, so this should help.

Thanks again for the great idea!

Norm

[jimlam56]

You will figure it out, just have to look up there for mounting points.
Welcome back, and thanks to Defyant for this great mod!
(It's love bug season here in FL:cool: )
Jim

[DEFYANT]

It's an easy mod. You'll see. You just "mold" it to the contour of the inside of the bumper.

[ckadiddle]

Just installed mine today looks great! That was a good idea man thanks alot....
I don't know why, but those pics remind me of the sixties Batmobile...

Ah hah! this is why....
http://www.1966batmobile.com/front6.jpg

I have a piece that is waiting for install...might get wacky and try to paint to match the body color.....

[ckadiddle]

For comparison - Batmobile and Black Beauty side by side ....
http://www.1966batmobile.com/beautyandbat.jpg

[fastblackmerc]

You might want to cover the huge opening behind the lower grill also. You need 2 more pieces of gutter guard and 6 or 7 small zip ties. Like this:

[hitchhiker]

You might want to cover the huge opening behind the lower grill also. You need 2 more pieces of gutter guard and 6 or 7 small zip ties. Like this:

Where dis you get your 'grille' material?

Thanks,

Dave

:D

[MCAT]

"Home depot" "Gutter gaurd"

[fastblackmerc]

"Home depot" "Gutter gaurd"
Yep... that's it....

[MarauderMark]

I saw this on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MESH-GRILL-Mercury-Marauder-Mariner-Mountaineer_W0QQitemZ805889889 6QQcategoryZ33741QQrdZ1QQcmdZV iewItem
I think i am going with this mod as well but may paint it black.Deos anyone have pics of color?

[fastblackmerc]

I saw this on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MESH-GRILL-Mercury-Marauder-Mariner-Mountaineer_W0QQitemZ805889889 6QQcategoryZ33741QQrdZ1QQcmdZV iewItem
I think i am going with this mod as well but may paint it black.Deos anyone have pics of color?
I tried the gutter guard in black and I didn't care for the look. I like the silver better. Here it is in black.

[MarauderMark]

I tried the gutter guard in black and I didn't care for the look. I like the silver better. Here it is in black.
Thank you for the pic Sir:up:.it helps me alot. i am going to try it black and see how it looks with the badgless grill . if not then i can understand the aluminum/silver look as as it adds some more brightness to the front with the badge.:hmmm:Which look first.:D

[fastblackmerc]

i can understand the aluminum/silver look as as it adds some more brightness to the front with the badge.
In black it's not noticable. I too thought the silver brigntened up the front a little.

[DEFYANT]

I originaly had mine black. As stated above, you could not see it very well. But judging by all the paint chips (I used cheepo spray paint for the test), it work very well at protecting the lower radiator and condensor.

[Marauder_Santa]

Installed mine today. Cost $1.27 with tax at Home Depot and 15 minutes of my time. Nice look.

[Big House]

What do you think about molding it to fit through the the holes to sit flush with the bumper lip...kinda like the Jag grills. I am looking to do this one afternoon when I can grab some time.

[ggt4]

That was a great idea. I just installed mine today.

[MENINBLK]

Defyant,

You got a big :up: from me...

I wish I had done this a long time ago.
I just had to replace my condensor because it was trashed by stones.
I picked up my Marauder from the dealer, went straight to Home Depot.
I picked up a 5 pack for $7.35 and came straight home.

10 minutes later I got the bumper covered.

I'm taking a trip to Buffalo and back.
If the condensor shows any nicks, I'm going to install an extra 2
in the gap below the radiator support and the bumper.

[HwyCruiser]

I bought an aluminium mesh repair screen from Lowes for my lower grill mod material. I found it in the door aisle and just cut the material out of the frame.

This mesh is a lot more "open" than the gutter screen but is still pretty stout. I was concerned about airflow because my air-air intercooler gets fed from the lower air dams on the front fascia via a collection scoop.

Here's a couple pics: Clicky -> Pic1 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/5/9/4/park1.JPG), Pic2 (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=4007&c=3&userid=1594)

Since I had the front fascia removed while I was fabbing the scoop I cut the mesh to size with mounting tabs and expoxied the tabs to the inside rim of each air dam. I know, a lot of trouble just for a lower grill mod, but having the fascia off anyway was the time to go whole hog. I think it hides the scoop pretty well from the front view.

[Bradley G]

This mod looks so good! Now I see it has functionality too!
Just that ,... I promised myself, I would not put parts on my car, from a home center.
Looks like I am going, to make another exception.

[piglit50]

im on my way to home depot now!!!

[Blackmobile]

im on my way to home depot now!!!

Sorry to hear that, because many of the members that have installed it, have quite a few spares, me included. Would have been no problem to have brought one to Towers.

Ed

[piglit50]

looks great. i saw it and said hell why not. so i went to home depot and bought the five pack for $7.50 and did the upper and lower grille. Great dress up mod must do!!!!!!!!!!!
11793
:awe:
11794

[ImpalaSlayer]

just found this now. definitly sweet

[piglit50]

Sorry to hear that, because many of the members that have installed it, have quite a few spares, me included. Would have been no problem to have brought one to Towers.

Ed
oh too late...lmao

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

How do you do the upper grille mod without making it obvious that it is more than 1 piece of mesh?

[Hacklemerc]

How do you do the upper grille mod without making it obvious that it is more than 1 piece of mesh?

I got a larger peice of the mesh at autozone for $30 in the ricer section. It covers the whole grill. Easy to install as well. I just unscrewed the emblem on the grill, placed the mesh, cut it to fit, screwed the emblem back on and then used liquid nails on strategic points around the edges to secure it to the grill. it really sets the grill off. I got the idea from 1stMerc, he had both the upper and lower grills done the last time I saw him. It looks really nice tho..

[MarauderSM]

[quote=piglit50;546074]looks great. i saw it and said hell why not. so i went to home depot and bought the five pack for $7.50 and did the upper and lower grille. Great dress up mod must do!!!!!!!!!!!

Looks great.:D

[fastblackmerc]

Did you guys do this area also?

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u133/fastblackmerc/MM%20Mods/Grill%20Mod/Lowerbehind.jpg

[ctrlraven]

I don't know how many times the mesh grilling has saved my radiator from being impelled by something. I need to take it off sometime and clean it up and paint it cause it doesn't shine anymore after being on for well over a year now I think.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/marauder/grilleon1.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/marauder/DSCF1245Medium.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/marauder/DSCF1260Medium.jpg
For the top grille I took two pieces and soldered each connecting joint together, took a while but it has held up very well and looks seamless from the front side.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/marauder/backsidegrilleoff2.jpg

[ImpalaSlayer]

howed you get the grille off or is it self explanatory

[piglit50]

howed you get the grille off or is it self explanatory

its just a couple of bolts i think 10mm nuts and 3 clips on the bottom that you just pull on the grill and they pop off. easy

[ImpalaSlayer]

sweet thanks piglit im bout to go to lowes in a few mins

[BUCKWHEAT]

This whole topic is covering for a Ford failure. The vanes on the stock a/c evap coil are just weak. Daily driving does them in, not big bugs, not trash on the highway. I went to the L/M dealer for a warranty question on this (not that I had any warranty, unfortunately). I showed the bent vanes to the write-up guy on the Grand Marquis sitting in front of my MM. They were the exact same bad news as my MM & the GM was an old man's car that never saw the high side of 55. Write-up guy said that bent vanes were normal and didn't affect engine temperature, so ****etaboutit. That in my opinion is bravo sierra.

For $400, I can R&R the evap coil & get a warranty. I'm thinking about it. I just don't like the mesh idea. The drive to Atlanta & back will be a good test.

[SMOKE]

This mod caught all kinds of leaves on my trip up to Massachusetts yesterday, who knows what else it's deflected!

JWM

[ImpalaSlayer]

did the main grille today took about 2 hours and about 10 bucks. couldnt be happyer with the results. thanks for the great idea

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Hey impalaslayer, did you use more than 1 piece for the grille? And do you have any pics? Been wanting to do this, and now is almost the time to put the car away for a couple of months :(.

[ImpalaSlayer]

Hey impalaslayer, did you use more than 1 piece for the grille? And do you have any pics? Been wanting to do this, and now is almost the time to put the car away for a couple of months :(.

first i outlined a section for the top half and then i soderied (sp) another piece to the bottem and followed the contour of the first piece. i also made 3 little cut outs for the 3 clips that hold the bottem of the grille in place

[1stMerc]

This mod caught all kinds of leaves on my trip up to Massachusetts yesterday, who knows what else it's deflected!

JWM

Grasshoppers (lived to tell the tale) , butterflies (not lucky at all), locusts, beetles, and an occassional wasp.

[PRCARGUY]

I had forgot all about this mod.Thanks guys.:D