My first mod!

[bigDerk]

Dead Link Removed

Finally got around to doing a cheap-o mod last night, and I'm pretty gosh darn proud of it, too! Cost me less than $3, and took no more than 45 minutes to complete.

I used aluminum gutter guard from Lowe's for mesh inserts to go behind the grille of my Explorer. I cut the pieces to the right size (about a 1/2" overhang around each of the grille openings), bent them to fit better, and secured them with silicon sealant. They're holding strong, and it looks great! No more nasty radiator visible through the grille The only thing I don't like about it is that in the center/top opening, I had to trim it down some so I could still access the hood release lever, but it's not noticeable unless you're looking for it.

So, y'all likey?

 

[mrsteve]

Hey that looks awesome!! It looks like those new mesh grilles that are out now, but your's cost $3. I like it, I'd do it but i've got the Billet already.

Steve

 

[Quick]

How do you open the hood now? Just wondering.

 

[mdrut]

hehe, I got bug shield and inserts, so I drilled a small hole in the hood release and put a small piece of picture hanging wire through it, drilled a small hole in the lip off the top rad. cover and tied a piece of light pull cord to it, the kind that is small beads, no problem with the set up yet, I'll try to post a pick of it this week...

 

[bigDerk]

Originally posted by Quick
How do you open the hood now? Just wondering.

If you look closely at the pic, you can see where the top edge of the insert in the center opening is lower than the top of the opening... I trimmed it down just enough so I can fit my finger between there to open the hood, without cutting away too much to detract from the looks. I might try some other way to rig up a hood latch release later on, but I'll just be careful not to bend up the insert for now

 

[drmoore71]

looks pretty sharp, derek. keep up the good work!

 

[Stephen S]

I like it too. I was thinking about doing something like that to mine, but I'd like it to look like piece the newer trucks have behind the grill. Haven;t found something that looks like it yet.

 

[config]

Excellent work!

 

[<<MONOCHROMOUS>>]

the pic dissapeared!! i wanted to see it!