Operation: Grill
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 01-11-2009
Posts: 77
From: Calgary, AB
Operation: Grill
Alright guys, the itch to chop up that stock grill has got me good. Like a few others on here, I'm going to try to fully document the experience. Thanks's to GTOMike's own grill project, I've got a fairly good idea of how to do it and what to expect. Also big thanks to Inspector for sacrificing his well kept 06 stock chrome grill for a great price. I just picked it up at lunch today and it's already a slimmer version of it's former self.
This will be installed on my 09 Black LT when it's complete, painted and cleared black with "chrome" silver and clear coated heavy mesh. So far I've only had the LT for just about 1 month now, and it's got a K&N drop in filter, chrome muffler tip, "HHR" third brake light black out, and Bowtie + HHR chromed brass license plate frame. I've got blue LED floor lighting waiting for better weather, great time to get going on the GRILL!!
I have also already installed a nice big rock chip in the middle of the drivers side windshield thanks to Mr. Deerfoot Trail
.
So, on with the project!
Day one:
Original Grill (Thanks, Inspector!)....Sorry, but it has to get worse before it gets better!:
Hardware removed from back:
Used a large slotted screw driver and a box cutter to remove the Bowtie:
Here's the Bowtie off (much patience between the previous photo and this one. I was carefull not to damage the Bowtie as I wasn't sure whether or not I will use it again, probably not!):
Close up of the Bowtie's adhesive. Looks like double sided 3M mounting foam of some sort:
...and here's the grill with the adhesive removed, ready for choppin'! I used an old bank card to very slowly work the sticky foam off from the edges:
...Et voila, the resulting (very) rough cuts with a small rotary tool (most say Dremel, mine's a Craftsman). Already looks better!
Well, that's day one (hey! It's a Sunday...of a long weekend here in Alberta, no less!) I'll continue to post as the project moves along. Be warned, I'm not in a hurry
.
This will be installed on my 09 Black LT when it's complete, painted and cleared black with "chrome" silver and clear coated heavy mesh. So far I've only had the LT for just about 1 month now, and it's got a K&N drop in filter, chrome muffler tip, "HHR" third brake light black out, and Bowtie + HHR chromed brass license plate frame. I've got blue LED floor lighting waiting for better weather, great time to get going on the GRILL!!
I have also already installed a nice big rock chip in the middle of the drivers side windshield thanks to Mr. Deerfoot Trail.So, on with the project!
Day one:
Original Grill (Thanks, Inspector!)....Sorry, but it has to get worse before it gets better!:
Hardware removed from back:
Used a large slotted screw driver and a box cutter to remove the Bowtie:
Here's the Bowtie off (much patience between the previous photo and this one. I was carefull not to damage the Bowtie as I wasn't sure whether or not I will use it again, probably not!):
Close up of the Bowtie's adhesive. Looks like double sided 3M mounting foam of some sort:
...and here's the grill with the adhesive removed, ready for choppin'! I used an old bank card to very slowly work the sticky foam off from the edges:
...Et voila, the resulting (very) rough cuts with a small rotary tool (most say Dremel, mine's a Craftsman). Already looks better!
Well, that's day one (hey! It's a Sunday...of a long weekend here in Alberta, no less!) I'll continue to post as the project moves along. Be warned, I'm not in a hurry
.
Last edited by djnixtre; Feb 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 01-11-2009
Posts: 77
From: Calgary, AB
Funny you should mention that. I've been contemplaiting getting rid of it. I'm already doing all the work, might as well go all the way? It's just looking a little tricky. It is completely hollow behind the bowtie, so it adds a new dimension to the amount of work involved. Is see your bowtie is shaved. Did you do that, or did you have it done? I would imagine it's less of an issue when you leave all the bars in place. Right now, on mine the bowtie is quite stuctural. How strong is this resin and cloth stuff? I'm guessing I'll have to do some serious reinforcing of the middle bar since I would essentially be cutting the bowtie out and replacing it with a piece of a bar that has already been removed. Steel and pop rivets? That almost sounds easy, but then there's the nice line up and down the center of the grill that has to be preserved, too....or does it? It might look good if it was just smooth across the middle of the center bar I guess...
....Or I could re-form it with bondo... Decisions decisions...
....Or I could re-form it with bondo... Decisions decisions...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 01-11-2009
Posts: 77
From: Calgary, AB
PS: Did you keep the black steel vertical frame piece in the middle back of the grill on yours?
Senior Member
Joined: 08-19-2007
Posts: 778
From: St. Louis
No bondo and cloth. we used a 2-part plastic resin used for bumper repair. They also sell a hard plastic strip for support. Not sure of the brand names, but any auto body shop should have something similiar. We just globbed it on and sanded it down. I would guess cutting out the bars would make things a bit more flimsy but once you get the mesh bolted in you should be alright.
BTW - also did the rear bowtie the same way!
BTW - also did the rear bowtie the same way!
Senior Member
Joined: 08-06-2008
Posts: 1,761
From: Grand Haven, MI
No bondo and cloth. we used a 2-part plastic resin used for bumper repair. They also sell a hard plastic strip for support. Not sure of the brand names, but any auto body shop should have something similiar. We just globbed it on and sanded it down. I would guess cutting out the bars would make things a bit more flimsy but once you get the mesh bolted in you should be alright.
BTW - also did the rear bowtie the same way!
BTW - also did the rear bowtie the same way!