Ive Improved The Grill...

[Zack]

The badgeless grill that is. As you may or may not know, Ive made about 10-12 grills so far. All but 2 made it to the recipient OK. The first blue grill was ran over by a UPS forklift and still delivered, go figure. The second that did not make it was probably thrown around until 3 bars broke off. This prompted me to change my design, and upset me enough to remake the grill (Ordering a new one out of pocket). I take pride in my work and I want the future products I ship out to withstand an act of nature or forklifts!!
So heres what Im doing now:
I used to make a straight cut in the grill and bars, cut the bars to size, and then adhere them in place. This is a very strong setup, dont get me wrong but the new design is better.
Now I use a 'step' design in the bars and mating surface on the grill. So now, the 6 bars actually lay into place, rather than 'hang' in place.
This design eliminates the need for adhesive on the top and sides of the bars, making it almost invisible.
Everyone who has my grill already, please dont panic. It is a strong design, just dont abuse it, but I tell everyone that when I ship it out. The same treatment should go to the new design, even though it is stronger.
This process takes double the time the old method took.
Yes, my price is going up, so here it is.
$110 plus shipping.
This might not be cost effective to some now, but the pride I take in my work justifies the cost. If you dont want me to make you a grill, Id be happy to give you a detailed phone course so you can attempt it yourself.
Thanks to all past and future customers,
Zack

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/1630
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/1631

[SeanM]

Hey Zack,

Is that $110 plus parts, or $110 total? Thanks.

Sean

[Logan]

Plus the cost of the two grills it takes to make one badgeless grill...

[John F. Russo]

I'll take you up on that offer as soon as one grille slats breaks when the detail guy does my Zaino treatment.

It took too much time for me to do mine over again after the UPS people damaged the shipping box badly.

Thanks for the update.

I strongly recommend to thosewho do not have such a grille to really consider it. It really compliments the look of the Marauder.

[jfclancy]

ok sounds good and have seen Logan's so I know it looks good, but let us talk $$ Is that $110.00 for your labor and is the cost of an additional grill extra or included?

confused in Texas
Joe Clancy

[Marauderer]

Good thinking Zack! It would be most benficial as well if you could take the time and do a write up on your procedure for the do-it-yourselfers out there. You're definitely the pro in this area, and we could all benefit if you're willing to share.

Thanks,

[Zack]

I have some info for all of you.
First off, labor is $110. Grills are extra, you supply them.
Now for the big news, If everyone is patient (hopefully a few months from now) a member of the site is producing 6 'bars' in 4 different colors in the exact shape of the stock bars. This will eliminate the need to buy any grills, just send me the one on your car and Ill do it. If this becomes a reality, I will most likely have grills 'ready to go', one in each color 'on my shelf'.
Dont hold your breath though, its still in its experimental stages.
Im expecting an update on progress in February.

[HwyCruiser]

I received my badgeless grill from Zack today and just got done bolting it on. It arrived safe and sound. I really had to look hard for the splices to the center bars.
Thanks and good job Zack :up:!

For those of you contemplating this mod, Zack's work is well worth what he's charging. The grills come painted from the factory and Zack touches up what little he needs to.

The badged grills from the factory list for around $170 each. I decided to have two new ones sent to Zack because I had road trips to attend to and I was too lazy to mess around with it.

If you can do without yours for a little while, it will only cost you one new grill. Either way, until Zack get's his supply of replacement bars squared away, order the new grill(s) from Ray "TheDealer" and get them 30% cheaper -and he will send it (them) directly to Zack. I figure Ray saved me just about what Zack charged to put one clean grill together.
Thanks Ray :beer:!

Now that the silver hockey puck is gone I'm finding myself not so much looking at the grill but the rest of the car. That front Mercury badge really bugged me. It just stood out on the black like a sore thumb. I'll just put the old one away in case I'm looking for points in 20 years :rolleyes:.

-JD

[SergntMac]

Yeah..I got mine now, and I'm really happy with it too.

The badged grill never pleased me. It looked like a zit on my MMs nose...Like Julia Roberts smiling at me, but with braces.

I wanted one from the first time I saw Zack's own, but I needed to keep a OEM grill on hand too, so, I could switch back if necessary.

I ordered two grills from my parts guy, but he kept selling one of them before I could pick them up. Finally, the timing was right, and I "captured" two in one visit. Now I got my own, and my OEM grill is stashed away.

Surely, this mod is worth the cost and trouble, the MM should not have come any other way.

Thanks, Zack!

[Marauderman]

I have some info for all of you.
First off, labor is $110. Grills are extra, you supply them.
Now for the big news, If everyone is patient (hopefully a few months from now) a member of the site is producing 6 'bars' in 4 different colors in the exact shape of the stock bars. This will eliminate the need to buy any grills, just send me the one on your car and Ill do it. If this becomes a reality, I will most likely have grills 'ready to go', one in each color 'on my shelf'.
Dont hold your breath though, its still in its experimental stages.
Im expecting an update on progress in February.
Now we're talking!!! Mine is still just painted over--waiting for new developements and it seems they are on the horizon.......so I'll continue to wait for them. and BTW--did I hear somewhere you've done another grill differently-..in any case---as soon as your research dept delivers.. :up: I'll be calling......Thanks Zack.........Tom

[Zack]

Thanks to all of the happy customers out there.
My original post states $110, but Ive been charging a flat 100 bucks.
The original design could be re-worked in about 45 minutes.
This new method takes me every bit of 3 hours, sometimes even more.
So thanks again and Im hard at work making a stainless steel diamond mesh grill for someone else on the site, pics will follow when Im done.

[GordonB]

Zack,
I am very interested in the Stainless Steel mesh grill you are doing for somebody else. If you plan on being at MMville II, I would like to see this fine art work in person and be able to order one for my Blue MM!!!

GordonB :coolman:

[Zack]

Im sure Ill have one to bring to MVII.
They are a pain in the ... to make.

[carfixer]

I figured out what to do with the extra badges. This is not photoshop! I was thinking replacing the emblems with driving lights.

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/1190double1.jpg

[John F. Russo]

I know how much time it took me to fix my UPS destroyed unit.

I tried to make it bullet proof. I had some body work done and they removed the grill and one rib came off. They repaired it, but I haven 't seen the car yet.

I'll try your new design next.

Thanks for the update, Zack.



The badgeless grill that is. As you may or may not know, Ive made about 10-12 grills so far. All but 2 made it to the recipient OK. The first blue grill was ran over by a UPS forklift and still delivered, go figure. The second that did not make it was probably thrown around until 3 bars broke off. This prompted me to change my design, and upset me enough to remake the grill (Ordering a new one out of pocket). I take pride in my work and I want the future products I ship out to withstand an act of nature or forklifts!!
So heres what Im doing now:
I used to make a straight cut in the grill and bars, cut the bars to size, and then adhere them in place. This is a very strong setup, dont get me wrong but the new design is better.
Now I use a 'step' design in the bars and mating surface on the grill. So now, the 6 bars actually lay into place, rather than 'hang' in place.
This design eliminates the need for adhesive on the top and sides of the bars, making it almost invisible.
Everyone who has my grill already, please dont panic. It is a strong design, just dont abuse it, but I tell everyone that when I ship it out. The same treatment should go to the new design, even though it is stronger.
This process takes double the time the old method took.
Yes, my price is going up, so here it is.
$110 plus shipping.
This might not be cost effective to some now, but the pride I take in my work justifies the cost. If you dont want me to make you a grill, Id be happy to give you a detailed phone course so you can attempt it yourself.
Thanks to all past and future customers,
Zack

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/1630
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/showphoto.php/photo/1631

[derik]

carpartswholesale.com

part number: M070119
OEM part number: 3W3Z8200AAA

price $69.95

Supposedly for a 2003 Mercury Marauder Sedan

Anyone familiar with them? Is it truly badgeless and is it for a Marauder?

[duhtroll]

Called their 800#. They are aftermarket. Supposedly there is a space for the badge (i.e. it is cut out already) -- just no badge.

Hope this helps. I know it's probably not what many are looking for.

But hey, I've decided I like the idea of a badge - I just want a godshead version, so I might be buying one of these. The badge to me is one of the things that sets the MM apart from the Impala SS in styling.

At $69.95 it's not much of a risk.

Thanks,
-A

[Zack]

I wonder who made this??????

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/1096fin_s_grille-med.JPG

Dont even inquire about having one made!
This is a one of a kind I made for Fin Harder 92 (John Davidson)
I lost many years of my life making it.

[Logan]

Damn! That looks painful! Your poor hands buddy! :)

[Donny Carlson]

I wonder who made this??????
Dont even inquire about having one made!
This is a one of a kind I made for Fin Harder 92 (John Davidson)
I lost many years of my life making it.

And I DEMAND to know if it changes the pinon angle, dammit!:mad:

[MI2QWK4U]

looks real nice Zack...whats the price tag on that one! I already have the spare grill.....

[Petrograde]

dude! sweet! I guess I should just have a payroll deduction sent directly to your Palpal acct!

Tom

[Fin Harder 92]

I can't keep from going out in the garage and staring at the car. I was going to get the front and rear fascia when it came out. Now, I think I'm done. The grill does that much for the car. The finish is absolutely OEM.

What ever Zack puts his name on is quality.


Take Care

[SergntMac]

I wonder who made this?
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/1096fin_s_grille-med.JPG
Man, that is sweet. Perfect background for a Godshead badge!

J/K...Nice job, Zack! Bravo!

[bigslim]

Sometime ago I asked about a mesh grille. That is exactly what I was looking for. Zack, if you want to another one let me know.

[Marauderman]

I wonder who made this??????

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/watermark.php?file=500/1096fin_s_grille-med.JPG

Dont even inquire about having one made!
This is a one of a kind I made for Fin Harder 92 (John Davidson)
I lost many years of my life making it.
You must be kidding--He sold me his grill and say I was next--just to call you...J/K..

I do have his old grill though...so now I'm stuck looking for a new grill all over again...... :bigcry: :confused: :depress:

[TooManyFords]

Awesome grill Zack! I'm guessing you have something special planned for your own come MV II for the judging contest. ;)


Cheers

John

[Zack]

Ill answer that one John!

Yes I have many plans for MVII in fact.
I will probably show up with 5 unique, different designs of grills, all in black.
They will be for sale, easy way to pay for my trip I guess.
I can guarantee they will be awesome and one of a kind pieces.
You guys really have no idea what is involved in making these, no fun!

The grill pictured is and will always be a one off.
I promised Fin he'd be forever unique.
Which reminds me, I have to shoot him the bill.

Oh and John (TooManyFords)...
Did we just make up?

[TooManyFords]

I will probably show up with 5 unique, different designs of grills, all in black.
They will be for sale, easy way to pay for my trip I guess.
I can guarantee they will be awesome and one of a kind pieces.
You guys really have no idea what is involved in making these, no fun!
Awesome! Great idea too, btw. I call "first dibs"!!



Oh and John (TooManyFords)...
Did we just make up?
Sure, why not!

John

[TheShadow]

Hi Zack,
This is my first post on any forum. I hope I'm doing it right. I just bought a 2004 Marauder a week ago. I saw the badgeless grill on the Zeus Automotive web site. They told me that you make the badgeless grills. Can you send me an email with instructions on how to order the badgeless grill? I have seen some of your posts with different methods of making the grill, but I'm not sure what the latest info is. Thanks.

[cyclone03]

You all should have seen Zacks Chrome grill in Indy.
The mod is very well done.
Remember with chrome you cant just touch up the oopp's.
Very nice work.