DIY ctr upper grill
05-06-2004, 08:55 PM
#1
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DIY ctr upper grill
This is my version of the DIY ctr upper grill for 97-98 civic, (it DOES NOT work the same for 99-00)(96 grill is also a bit different). But if you use a bit of creativity...I'm sure you can come up with something similar.
I purchased a 16x30in sheet of 1/2in expanded metal at ACE hardware store for $15.
First I took a rough measurement of the opening...25"x5"...I then cut a piece this big. After you remove the bumper, there should be 4-5 screws that hold the upper grill to the bumper and 2 clips on each end near the top. When the entire upper grill is removed from the bumper, unscrew the "nine" tiny phillips head screw that attach the oem black to the outer painted frame.
(top two pictures) Use a dremel to cut away the middle plastic, (making sure to leave the holes for the screws) so that you can re-attach it to the painted piece. After the middle is gone, re-attach what's left of the black plastic to the painted trim piece.
(3rd picture from top) What's left-over from cutting, (toss in trash).
(bottom picture) Lay the grill face down so that you can lay the 25"x5" expanded metal piece over the top. Mark the edges with a Sharpie so you know where to trim so that it fits into the opening.
Apply 3-4 heavy coats of black paint and some clear coat. After it's dry, use some quick setting epoxy or black zip-ties to secure it to the back of the grill frame. Note: place something heavy enough to push the grill down in the middle so that it bends with the curve, (I used my cordless drill to do this). I used zip ties to secure the expanded metal to the grill plastic...drill some holes in the black part of the grill, (not the painted/front part) the back part that you cut from. Use the smallest black zipties you can find. This method will allow you to pull the grill/metal snug against the plastic. After that, you need to mount the upper grill back onto the bumper. Use the existing U-clips for the top sides and use two more zipties for the bottom part. The yellow circles indicate ziptie placement...squint real hard and you should be able to see.
When it's done it should look like this.
I purchased a 16x30in sheet of 1/2in expanded metal at ACE hardware store for $15.
First I took a rough measurement of the opening...25"x5"...I then cut a piece this big. After you remove the bumper, there should be 4-5 screws that hold the upper grill to the bumper and 2 clips on each end near the top. When the entire upper grill is removed from the bumper, unscrew the "nine" tiny phillips head screw that attach the oem black to the outer painted frame.
(top two pictures) Use a dremel to cut away the middle plastic, (making sure to leave the holes for the screws) so that you can re-attach it to the painted piece. After the middle is gone, re-attach what's left of the black plastic to the painted trim piece.
(3rd picture from top) What's left-over from cutting, (toss in trash).
(bottom picture) Lay the grill face down so that you can lay the 25"x5" expanded metal piece over the top. Mark the edges with a Sharpie so you know where to trim so that it fits into the opening.
Apply 3-4 heavy coats of black paint and some clear coat. After it's dry, use some quick setting epoxy or black zip-ties to secure it to the back of the grill frame. Note: place something heavy enough to push the grill down in the middle so that it bends with the curve, (I used my cordless drill to do this). I used zip ties to secure the expanded metal to the grill plastic...drill some holes in the black part of the grill, (not the painted/front part) the back part that you cut from. Use the smallest black zipties you can find. This method will allow you to pull the grill/metal snug against the plastic. After that, you need to mount the upper grill back onto the bumper. Use the existing U-clips for the top sides and use two more zipties for the bottom part. The yellow circles indicate ziptie placement...squint real hard and you should be able to see.
When it's done it should look like this.
Last edited by gabebauman; 03-23-2011 at 08:03 AM.
05-06-2004, 09:15 PM
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Re: DIY ctr upper grill (Mr.Fairlady)
FYI -
You CANNOT do that to a 99-00 grill. The paint doesnt go back as far, its hard to explain, but whatever.
If you want an OEM mesh grill on your 99-00 you are going to have to shell out some dough.
You CANNOT do that to a 99-00 grill. The paint doesnt go back as far, its hard to explain, but whatever.
If you want an OEM mesh grill on your 99-00 you are going to have to shell out some dough.
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05-06-2004, 09:19 PM
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Re: DIY ctr upper grill (gabebauman)
you got ripped, i payed 1.50$ for a peice enough for one grill, paint 99 cents. i did my bros Grill for about 2.50$ 
05-06-2004, 09:20 PM
#9
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Re: DIY ctr upper grill (Ejay Six)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ejay Six »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">FYI -
You CANNOT do that to a 99-00 grill. The paint doesnt go back as far, its hard to explain, but whatever.
If you want an OEM mesh grill on your 99-00 you are going to have to shell out some dough.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks...edit.
You CANNOT do that to a 99-00 grill. The paint doesnt go back as far, its hard to explain, but whatever.
If you want an OEM mesh grill on your 99-00 you are going to have to shell out some dough.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thanks...edit.
05-06-2004, 10:30 PM
#12
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Re: DIY ctr upper grill (JMS JT)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JMS JT »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Not bad but the grill is so cheap to buy is it even worth the time? Not for me but good job.</TD></TR></TABLE>
agreed, but its already paintmatched. i beleive that would make it cheaper than even a copycat grill. good work
agreed, but its already paintmatched. i beleive that would make it cheaper than even a copycat grill. good work
05-07-2004, 10:31 AM
#16
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Re: DIY ctr upper grill (DrunkeNmonk)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DrunkeNmonk »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
its already paintmatched. </TD></TR></TABLE>
not if you have a four door
its already paintmatched. </TD></TR></TABLE>
not if you have a four door
05-07-2004, 12:50 PM
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Re: DIY ctr upper grill (Kid1320)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kid1320 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">not bad</TD></TR></TABLE>
nope...not at all!
nope...not at all!
