Lower grille mod!

[a_d_a_m]

Saw it on Ken's car and thought it looked great, so I gave it a whirl on my own while I had the car up for an oil change. This mod (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/37/sort/2/cat/23/page/1) was painfully easy. Seriously, I think I have maybe 20 minutes into it, including taking the picture. Best part of it all is that it only cost me $5. :D

Sorry about the crappy picture, I only had my cell phone handy. I'll try to get some good pictures at this weekend's car show.


http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/untitled.jpg

[DEFYANT]

You're welcome :D

[james1986fox]

So you didn't have to use double stick tape to hold it in place

[Embassy]

It's well worth doing.

It also hides the intercooler for us boosted brethren. :cool:

http://www.supermotors.net/getfile/623916/fullsize/mm2004s-pics-embassy.jpg

[a_d_a_m]

Your welcome :D You're welcome. :D

Admittedly I got the idea from Ken then I tracked your write-up down. Great idea, at any rate!!!


So you didn't have to use double stick tape to hold it in place HELL no! Remove the 4 bolts underneath the front bumper cover near the 'lower grille' area, slide it in, put the bolts back, push the mesh into place.

It ain't goin' nowhere.

[a_d_a_m]

Also, for the record:
NO, my car doesn't have a chrome grille. It was the light and the shininess of the car.

[fastblackmerc]

You need to complete the mod by doing the rest of the openings under the front bumper. Only need 2 more pieces of the same gutter guard.

Like this

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

[CRUZTAKER]

You need to complete the mod by doing the rest of the openings under the front bumper......

Umm...complete the mod by painting that sucker flat black first.

The silver looks awefull IMO.

[burt ragio]

The bumper bolts hold the botton part of gutter guard. What holds the top portion od the guard in place from floping around.

[mpearce]

Umm...complete the mod by painting that sucker flat black first.

The silver looks awefull IMO.

Ahhh...thank yooouuu...:D

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Black!

-Mat

[DJCV]

Great-looking mod that also seems a smart protective upgrade. hmmmmm...........:coolman:

[2,4shofast]

I think it looks great... I might end up doing this one day...

[Blk Mamba]

I'm doing mine in RED tomorrow, and I sure hope it pisses someone off. If you don't have anything nice to say shut the **** up. Thats what Mama told me!

[mpearce]

I'm doing mine in RED tomorrow, and I sure hope it pisses someone off. If you don't have anything nice to say shut the **** up. Thats what Mama told me!


Now that would match perfectly with your car's personality!

Silver and black, not so much. Just my opinion though. When you post "looks" mods...you gotta expect to take a little "guff". :D

-Mat

[fastblackmerc]

Umm...complete the mod by painting that sucker flat black first.

The silver looks awefull IMO.

I actually did paint them black... IMHO it looked like ass.... that's why I did the galvanized / silver look.

[fastblackmerc]

I'm doing mine in RED tomorrow, and I sure hope it pisses someone off. If you don't have anything nice to say shut the **** up. Thats what Mama told me!

Fortunately the gutter guard is cheap. I think you need some contrast. Miking it the same color will look like there re no grill openings.

[DEFYANT]

Caution. If you paint it, it may look crappy after a few miles of sand, gravel and rocks.

[Blk Mamba]

Damn where do you drive, I keep mine on the road.

[FormulaMarauder]

I'm doing mine in RED tomorrow, and I sure hope it pisses someone off. If you don't have anything nice to say shut the **** up. Thats what Mama told me!

In that case......____________________ ______________________________ _____
______________________________ ______________________________ ___
________________________. :D

[ctrlraven]

I did the lower one such a long time ago I need to do it again and replace the dirty piece that's on there. I also took two of the gutter guards and soldered them together to do the grille, that lasted about a year. Surprise surprise of how much actual crap gets thrown up at the grille and it the solder joints kept breaking to I just went to Lowes and bought a roll of black plastic gutter guard and glued and used very small black zip ties.

I got a lot of compliments on the grille after doing it from people at shows and such.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a164/ctrlraven/marauder/grilleon1.jpg

[a_d_a_m]

To those who dig it, thanks for the compliments.

And I rather enjoy the silver look. At the very least, my car (for once) is in the company of an award winning car like Embassy's.

[justbob]

I like it. But will it stand up to a powerwasher or just come loose?

[Blk Mamba]

Adam brought it to my house, soon after he completed it, and I wondered the same thing, so I reached down and gave it a little push, to see how much resistance it had, and to my surprise it was very firm, and IMO should withstand the use of a power washer. (also he is doing mine for me.)

[a_d_a_m]

Silver and black, not so much. Your car is silver and black, though!


will it stand up to a powerwasher or just come loose? I'm pretty sure mine will stand up to a power washer.

[a_d_a_m]

I received a PM from someone (I won't reveal the source unless they choose to out themselves) but I figured I would answer it here and open up some dialogue about the subject:

That severly restricts flow. I recc taking coolant readings. The stock idiot guage does not move until235*.

To which I suggest: Much of the cooling is accomplished through the upper grille. Besides, it's open mesh down low, it's not like it's completely blocked off.

On top of that, Embassy is running the LG mesh and is boosted. Haven't heard any problems with his car, nor have I heard any folks here, and there are many, who have done this mod...one of which I have seen in person run fast 1/4 milers and have no problem....................... ...

Does anyone here believe the Lower Grille Mod is harmful to the cooling system of the car?

[FordNut]

It does restrict airflow somewhat. Probably not enough to affect most people.

[Phrog_gunner]

It in no way SEVERELY restricts flow. Obviously it would restrict flow in some amount, because there is something in the way. You would be hard pressed to be even be able to measure the difference. I promise you the amount of drop is negligible compared to the amount of restriction that would be caused by rocks bending the fins on the heat exchanger.

[O's Fan Rich]

Saw it on Ken's car and thought it looked great, so I gave it a whirl on my own while I had the car up for an oil change. This mod (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/37/sort/2/cat/23/page/1) was painfully easy. Seriously, I think I have maybe 20 minutes into it, including taking the picture. Best part of it all is that it only cost me $5. :D

Sorry about the crappy picture, I only had my cell phone handy. I'll try to get some good pictures at this weekend's car show.


http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/untitled.jpg

Yes... The Defyant Mod rules!!!!!

[O's Fan Rich]

It does restrict airflow somewhat. Probably not enough to affect most people.

It also helps protect tranny coolers and such that my hang down low.

[mpearce]

Your car is silver and black, though!

I know what you mean...and I'm not splitting hairs...however there is a difference between a polished silver/alum./chrome look, and a flat silver.

Congrats on the mod though!

I have your future mod in my trunk...just a tiny bit cooler than the lower grille mod.... :coolman:

It's calling your name.... :D

[O's Fan Rich]

You're welcome :D

You already know this....

But you are The Man!!!

Missed you at Woodward.......

[a_d_a_m]

I have your future mod in my trunk...just a tiny bit cooler than the lower grille mod.... :coolman:

It's calling your name.... :D Come to Painesville tomorrow and help me install!!!

(J/K I know you work weekends)

[CRUZTAKER]

I'm doing mine in RED tomorrow, and I sure hope it pisses someone off. If you don't have anything nice to say shut the **** up. Thats what Mama told me!


Relax...:confused:

I did mine quite some time ago and didn't like the galvanized look so I went black. That's my opinion and that's what I post.

[Phrog_gunner]

I did mine quite some time ago and didn't like the galvanized look so I went black.

I have a SB and went black with the grill mod and you have to be looking for it to see it, which is just the way I like my mods.

[dakslim]

Went to Lowe's yesterday to get the gutter guards but they didn't have the right kind...any suggestions?

[fastblackmerc]

Went to Lowe's yesterday to get the gutter guards but they didn't have the right kind...any suggestions?

Home Depot.

[Blk Mamba]

Awe= full of wonder, a great wonder.
Awful= despicable, irreverent.

[Marauderman]

You need to complete the mod by doing the rest of the openings under the front bumper. Only need 2 more pieces of the same gutter guard.

Like this

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

Gee....mr. fast......was that pic of yours or mine?? Dang its purrrrdy!!!!!!!!

[DOOM]

I like it. But will it stand up to a powerwasher or just come loose?

No problems here.
Had mine on for over a year.

[fastblackmerc]

Gee....mr. fast......was that pic of yours or mine?? Dang its purrrrdy!!!!!!!!

That would be mine.

[DEFYANT]

You already know this....

But you are The Man!!!

Missed you at Woodward.......

Are you serious?

I'm a mere mortal to your eminence, oh master of the purple parts. "The Defyant Mod"? nah, Lower Grill Mod sounds better.

I suppose I am the man. I am the man who gave it away. When I first posted this Mod, I was approached with a suggestion that I market this to the group. To keep its source (gutter guard) idea secret, and sell "Lower Grill Guards" or something to that effect. Instead, perhaps foolishly to some, I choose to tell everyone and give it away. It feels good to see so many others out there enjoy this.

I missed Woodward AGAIN! :( I can not wait to get back up for that awesome event!

[justbob]

OK, spent $2.09 today and about ten minutes labor. Thanks Defyant, looks nicer than I thought, almost like I might be packin some goodies. Even though i'm completely stock....

[FastMerc]

Relax...:confused:

I did mine quite some time ago and didn't like the galvanized look so I went black. That's my opinion and that's what I post.Excuse me! I painted that sucker at ur request lol we did both of ours the same day.What ever color you want is cool I prefer the galvanized look.

[LANDY]

Even though i'm completely stock....


ahhhhhhhhh.sike!

[bawazir]

Saw it on Ken's car and thought it looked great, so I gave it a whirl on my own while I had the car up for an oil change. This mod (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/37/sort/2/cat/23/page/1) was painfully easy. Seriously, I think I have maybe 20 minutes into it, including taking the picture. Best part of it all is that it only cost me $5. :D

Sorry about the crappy picture, I only had my cell phone handy. I'll try to get some good pictures at this weekend's car show.


http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/jackiegleason/untitled.jpg

Best $5 you have spent at Wallmart. Damn you are a smart shopper :lol:

[Stoneblue]

Looks good. What has been the effect on engine temp? We in the South tend to worry about such things on 95 degree days (which I can't wait for, these 60 and 70 degree days are killing me).

[blackhueys]

i did this mod and live in vegas no temp changes even at 100 plus outside.

[Stoneblue]

Thank you for the info. All the best to you this coming year.

[massacre]

Does anyone here believe the Lower Grille Mod is harmful to the cooling system of the car?

In that area of the car, you want to guard it against errant rocks/road debris that is big enough to damage the intercooler.
Any less, and you risk damage to the intercooler.
Any more, and you're restricting airflow.
It all depends on your driving environment.

[LANDY]

looks like im gonna be doing this mod next to protect my intercooler.
great write up guys

[a_d_a_m]

Best $5 you have spent at Wallmart. Nope, I keep what money I can in my local economy and bought the gutter guard at Joughin Hardware (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_SJ5S43VGz5Q/SHe1RCvcbQI/AAAAAAAABNM/G9M6nDux_N8/s400/IMG_5719.JPG). Try again.

[Blk Mamba]

^^^^^Thats where I bought mine.