$25 DIY Bumper Grille Insert
#1
$25 DIY Bumper Grille Insert
I think someone else has already done this, but I thought I'd post my work. I couldn't stand that huge hole in the bumper so I filled it cheap. Looking around at the various options on the retail market, all were just too expensive for what you got.
Went to Home Depot and picked up a 12"x24" section of expanded metal. That and some chrome rustoleum paint and I was out the door for $25. I cut the expanded metal to about 6" by 21 1/2". That allowed me to fold up the metal about 1/2" around all sides.
Installed it this morning with 4 zip ties.
Great improvement. Only modification, I might have gone with the larger expanded metal (larger openings, 3/4" versus 1/4"). Probably would have matched the upper grill better.
BEFORE
AFTER
Went to Home Depot and picked up a 12"x24" section of expanded metal. That and some chrome rustoleum paint and I was out the door for $25. I cut the expanded metal to about 6" by 21 1/2". That allowed me to fold up the metal about 1/2" around all sides.
Installed it this morning with 4 zip ties.
Great improvement. Only modification, I might have gone with the larger expanded metal (larger openings, 3/4" versus 1/4"). Probably would have matched the upper grill better.
BEFORE
AFTER
#7
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#10
#11
Stormtech - If you go to google images and type in expanded metal you'll see a million pictures of the stuff. When you'll see a better picture you'll know exactly what it is. It is used all over the place in all sorts of applications.
It's a great idea and I think it would look great in black to match the surround.
-frozen
It's a great idea and I think it would look great in black to match the surround.
-frozen
#12
I don't have any close up shots, but I bent a 1/2" rim around the entire perimeter (bent toward the rear) of the grille. That way I had something to make it rigid so it wouldn't flop, plus it made for handy areas to zip tie. I zip tied it to the license plate bracket holes, both top and bottom. I'll try to come up with a close-up photo.
I agree, black would have also looked nice too.
Expanded metal is basically just that. I think they cut slices in a sheet and then pull on the ends. When the sheet is "expanded" you get those nice diamond shaped openings. Home Depot sells it where you get the bar stock steel and aluminum. Comes in 1/4" and 3/4" hole size.
I agree, black would have also looked nice too.
Expanded metal is basically just that. I think they cut slices in a sheet and then pull on the ends. When the sheet is "expanded" you get those nice diamond shaped openings. Home Depot sells it where you get the bar stock steel and aluminum. Comes in 1/4" and 3/4" hole size.
#15
Just an update . . .
I was initially concerned that the rough edges of the expanded metal may rub the inside of the plastic on the bumper. You know, with the wind buffeting it and all. Looks like its pretty solid in there and doesn't move around much. No scratches yet. Got a couple of compliments from guys at work on it. Thanks for the positive feedback here as well.
Ranger413
I was initially concerned that the rough edges of the expanded metal may rub the inside of the plastic on the bumper. You know, with the wind buffeting it and all. Looks like its pretty solid in there and doesn't move around much. No scratches yet. Got a couple of compliments from guys at work on it. Thanks for the positive feedback here as well.
Ranger413