new pics - updated DIY mesh...

[rizzo]

Looks really good.... I'd take the Mazda logo off though.

 

[Hellnightkid]

where can we find those material?

 

[MSP#735]

rizzo - i wanted to but that would require a dremel tool and cutting, didnt want to get into all of that....

hellnightkid - i got them at my local Home Depot $1.27 ea (gutter aisle) hehe and tin snips, VERY helpful too, pretty much a MUST for a project such as this.

 

[rizzo]

rizzo - i wanted to but that would require a dremel tool and cutting, didnt want to get into all of that....

I think it would really be worth the time and effort... I find it looks really good but then my eye gets drawn to this logo hidden behind it... If you really don't want to take it off, you could just paint it black.

 

[Hellnightkid]

Hopefully, i can make it better than u did....lol,

 

[Hypnotized]

Looks sweet man. How long did it take you to do this project? I may go and try it today.

 

[MSP#735]

thanks, it shouldnt have taken as long as it did but i waited and waited. powder coating took about a day, cuttin the mesh out took a couple of hours (that s*** was tough-well im anal like that) and puttin it on took a matter of 30 min.

 

[Hypnotized]

So all I really need is gutter guard, and some paint and Im good to go? What did you use to keep it held on?

 

[1338]

and you not take off the OE grill? and put this one in place?

 

[Hypnotized]

I think this is an overlay. Correct me if i am wrong

 

[MSP#735]

gutter gaurd, tin snips!!! and id powder coat it, will hold up much better during highway driving and sandblasting!

1338- yea, this is just an overlay...

 

[Hypnotized]

How did you hold this on the stock grill? How do you recomend cutting this? Like what is the easiest way to have it match up?

 

[MSP#735]

How did you hold this on the stock grill? How do you recomend cutting this? Like what is the easiest way to have it match up?

i used thing black zip ties to hold the grill in place and tin snips worked for me!! to match the grill, i used a buddies grill, traced an outline and cut away....

 

[Hellnightkid]

I bought my Gutter Guard yesterday at Home Depot. I am going to start the outlinme of my grill and cut off. I will use spray can to paint it black if spray does work. Hopefully, please give me some ideas to trace the outline....

 

[wicked]

black spray will flack if you drive on the highway from all the debree

 

[digitalricepape]

hmm just a question but howd you powdercoat the mesh? im thinking of buying mesh but i know if i just spraypaint it itll just chip off..

 

[MSP#735]

hmm well as far as the outlining of the grills, like i said, i used a buddy of mine - traced it on the gutter gaurd (with a pencil or sharpie) and cut it out the best i could (this part is tough) after i cut out the outline, i then tried to fit it best as i could INSIDE the stock grill lip preventing ANY rubbing on the bumpers (the thicker outer line on the STOCK grill) this was pretty time consuming.... from there it is pretty much touch up trimming. the hardest one to cut was the top grill, the bottom center and outer bottom grill overlays were simple. the top took me the longest but, i also took my time on them.

as far as painting them, i suggest having them powder coated, esp if you do a good amount of highway driving. anything else WILL chip!!! i took my overlays to a local guy who did them for like $7.....

hope this helped, if not let me know and ill do my best to further explain anything for you guys and....good luck, im glad to see i am rubbin off on a few of you to DIY projects!!

 

[MSP#735]

just thought id see how things are goin with those of you who went out and purchased the materials? hope all is well, any questions - just ask!

 

[hamidrizvi]

anyone try this on a 00 sedan? Cuz we cant do the top grill like that because of the logo, i wanna see wha it looked like before I go and do it

 

[RX]

rizzo - i wanted to but that would require a dremel tool and cutting, didnt want to get into all of that....

I actually went this route so here are some pix.

<img width="800" height="600" src="http://www.msprotege.com/members/RX/front/Picture%20015.jpg">
<img width="800" height="600" src="http://www.msprotege.com/members/RX/front/Picture%20019.jpg">

I was able to purchase some flimsy plastic black mesh for less than $2 and cut up a grille in less than 10 min. It came looking just as good as my wire one which is definitely a pain to get the right fitment. I'm still looking for some good quality mesh that's easier to shape than metal wire.

BTW, it looks 10x better when it's not an overlay.