NOTE: PICTURE HEAVY THREAD

Update Feb 9/2011:
Grill finished and installed! See Post #23 for pics of current install

I want to branch the thread out, this is purely install pics and questions during the project, and will be linked when I do the DIY.

Original Thread is here > http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-can-done.html

Please post any comments pertaining to the logistics of getting to this point in the old thread, NOT this thread. Alternately please PM me for detailed install questions.

Update: I removed the bumper, and managed to get the grille to sit pretty good in there. (My crazy Canadian man-self decided to remove the bumper with no previous idea how in -15*C (-5*F) weather in my driveway )
Now for the 'but', the gaps are still bad, from straight on it doesn't look bad, but from the side it's noticable, and not acceptable, so here we go:


Pics to show gaps:

 

Pics of possible gap solution #1:











This piece would essentially sit as close to the middle as possible, visually it's not perfect, but better than a big gap. Obviously there would be more trimming, etc necessary to perfect this option as much as possible. From a distance I think it would look fine, but up close it'd still very much look like it was retrofitted
This is the least work I think.

 

Option #2:



This Option would include the same piece shown in Option #1, but resting against the bumper, I would find a way to mock it up and have find a way to fill the gap between the trim piece and the grille, essentially making the grille wider and matching the contour of the opening. This route would require a lot of trial and error and many coats/sanding, fitting, etc, not to mention the mandatory painting of course. To say the least, it's not ideal but it does allow the grille to still be removable, and fills the gap without body work to the actual bumper.

Option #3:

Mount the grille as best as possible, sand everything down and fill it in, moulding the entire thing together. This option is the most expensive, due to the bumper needing proffessional paint. It would be smooth and clean like no other though. This is not something I think I can do reasonably, I don't own a spray guy, etc, so I'd have to take it into my work and pay someone to do it, it would cause this project to drag on and on for months.

Looking for imput, lets start the discussion.

 

Seems like it could be done except with gaps or a bigger cost to fill in the gaps

Not worth the work/cost IMO

"I don't own a spray guy, etc " owning a spray GUY

 

Ahaha good eye. I was going to change it but I've decided to leave it. One day I'll own a spray guy!!!

This project will be done regardless, it's been started,
Yeah I have to agree, not worth doing this mod if you have a stock grille, or a grille that you're happy with.
However, I hated my SS grille, and I didn't have an OE 5th gen grille, so at the end of the day it's about what's worth it to YOU.
Not to mention the originality points, as pretty much no one has this modification.

If you're going to hack out the stock grille for a SS grille, then getting to where I am now isn't actually that much more work. You don't NEED to remove the front bumper to do this.

Also, cost has not exceeded the cost for the Grille yet -- $80 CAD after tax.

 

I say just go with solution #1 and call it a day. The last solution seems like too much effort and money just for a grille lol.

 

After some messing around, I chose Option #2.

The amount of sanding, etc actually isn't bad at all, I exaggerated, this went quite a bit better than expected.

Product used:


In place prepped for first coat (joining trim piece to main bumper):


First Coat:


First Coat-Removed and sanded:


Second Coat - removed:


It's late so I'm going to let it sit overnight and sand it down tomorrow.

I Need to start thinking about paint colour/type and how I'm going to secure the bottom of the grill so I can remove it easily.

Expect a few more pics tomorrow or Sunday at the latest.

 

Picture update:

First coat sanded:


First/second Coat UNsanded temp install pics:













The left side gap fill in was messed up a bit (first one), after I got the hang of that Right side turned out great (only one coat).

I have one more coat on them after these pics, should be the last coat too, so this can be done in one or two coats.

It's looking ridiculously good though, sitting in there amazing, I wish I had more time to work on this, the 9 month old is keeping me busy, only have about an hour at night to play with it, otherwise I'd be at least painting by now.

Please let me know if you guys actually want a DIY for this, if I don't get much response I'm not going to bother, there doesn't seem to be many interested in doing this.

FYI I'm still at $100 cost, I'll be done this under $120 after paint and likely around 12 hours worth of labour (would be less if following a DIY of course).


-Matt

 

After seeing the results I definitely want a DIY (I hope I'm not alone on that). It looks like with a little filler/sand it can definitely work.

 

Damn looks really good! Much better than I expected. Keep us updated.

 

Almost last coat, had to touch up due to pinholes after first coat of primer. This is why you buy good Sandable primer!!


Final test fitting, top view:






Grill shot before paint:


First Coat of Primer:



Need to wait until tomorrow to get the hardware to secure the grill.
For today a couple coats of primer.
I need to find a good paint and clearcoat or two in one paint that would work good for the front of the car though... any suggestions?
-Matt

 

1st Black primer coat (3rd primer coat):

 

This is looking awesome ! Nice work and a much improved appearance over the SS grill.

 

What is "the SS grille"? I've seen that reference a few times, and I don't get it.

 

Look forward to showing you in person when the snow clears, Man I'm glad I wasn't lowered for that snowfall last night!!


Street Scenes Grill:

 

I'm getting anxious, so here are a couple teasers of it installed, just primer still.
One of my boarders apparently has an allergy to VOC's, he was off work today because of my spray painting yesterday.
Needless to say, this has put a big slow down on my project, I need to find somewhere to paint the base/finished coats.



Lower Securing hardware:



Lower Hardware installed



Primer coat and Initial Secured install pics. It's going to sit in a bit further then it does in this pic, just tough when the bumper is off.
I just wet sanded it too that's why the paint looks weird.









The top just clips into place:



I'm hoping to freeze my butt off and put the bumper back on tonight at least.
Other than that, just waiting on paint now and it's done.

-Matt

 

dude...id almost pay to have this done...i just dont want to cut mine out lol. thats awesome i am interested in a DIY though

 

Looks good. I'm w/ phatboi, I'm almost flush to pay for it just to have it done.

The TunerMax grille mod? Yeah, I'll go w/ that lol

 

Really nice work, What did you use as the gap filler?

 

Brrrr, break from cold bumper install.

I used 'Pro-Form PF 702' Plastic Epoxy filler.
It did do the job very well so I'd definitely recommend it over a product that I've never used LOL

Hoping to have a few pics tomorrow of the finished product. Then a DIY sometime after.

-Matt

 

5.5 grill in 5th Gen???

 

 

Installed

I did forget one thing....and I'm beating myself up over it but I will find a way to rectify it.....
The grill/bumper is sitting in a bit too far toward the rad at the top, causing the visual 'overhang' of the hood, I knew this would be an issue I had to combat, but I completely forgot about it while I had the bumper off.

I'll update what I come up with, I've also decided to install the upper mounts for the bumper, I didn't like the idea of just 4 bolts and two slide in retainers being the only thing holding the bumper. The OEM set up actually uses the OEM grill to support the bumper in the middle from what I see.

Anyways enough chat, here's the pics!!!






With Plate:

 

Looks official. Now we just need a DIY for the TunerMax grille mod

 

That looks like a f***load of work but it turned out really well, looks like it came from the factory. Great work.

 

Thanks guys. It was some work, but well worth it IMO.
Here's the Pro's list for anyone considering:

-It's fresh, I'm possibly one of the few/only ones to do it as of this post
-It looks way nicer than the SS grille, which is the only real option for 2000/2001 grill change IMO
-No paying for 5.5 bumper, etc., and professional paint job (usually $500+)
-Ebay/Aftermarket headlights fit with no gap, and 5.5 Headlights are still an option
-You can keep your AE lip if you have it, a much deisred look

For whatever reason I prefer the 5th gen front bumper also, maybe it's not as square looking as the 5.5

I also for some reason think it looks better with the licence plate on....I can't put my finger on why that is..

I'm not sure about the paint colour on mine though, but I'm waiting until I can put the new rims on I may paint the grill to match the rims (gunmetal) or OEM silver again.

Total cost breakdown, CAD, taxes included:
OEM Grill - $80
Filler product - $20
Paint - $15
Sandpaper - $ 4
Hardware - $ 2
___
$121

Not bad if you ask me, considering its pretty hard to buy any grill for that price before taxes/shipping

 

really dope man...congrats on finishing this project up

 

Now that is some nice work so clean looking. All 5th gens should do this, great work.

 

Wow great job man! I'm proud of you.

 

finally someone succesfully did it! awsome..job well done man...it really does look almost like factory front end. all u need now is 02 oem xenons and you're car will be mistaken all the time for a 5.5gen.

 

That's my dilemma right now. The AE lights really drive what I did home, most will look and say, wait, what the heck!
If I swap to 5.5's then it will look like any 5.5 gen at first glance.
And the AE headlights are so dam clean too.

*scratches head

Tigershark was nice enough to do a couple PS's for me I just have to decide

 

Don't change the headlights imo.

 

I agree. Stay unique. Stay classy.

You know, you're making me re-re-re-consider painting my grille.

 

sweet looks real nice....but you can find OEM grilles cheaper on certifit there like 42 bucks for a brand new one...and last i checked it came with the emblem delete chip.....i got one and my buddy had one we both got the emblem delete.....just throwing that out there heres the link...........http://www.certifit.com/images/catalogs/MA.pdf its on page 228 of the catalog.... so instead of $121 now your looking in the $80-$85 range

 

I'd bet $121 that's aftermarket and doesn't include the emblem or shipping if you need it shipped.
Good post for anyone who's looking for a cheap grill though thanks.

I was pretty lucky to find a realy OEM grill with the emblem in my area at all, let alone for $75 + tax.

 

Fantastic work...A+. Seriously, looks great.

 

Ok I tweaked it as much as possible and it's fully mounted.

I cut the bracket as I guessed I would, it still mounts in all the same locations as stock set up, except the center bolt, I'm very happy with how secure the whole assembly is now.

Pics of brackets:






Pics of completed install, I'm pretty happy with it, I don't think it can be done a whole lot better than this without many hours more work. Most won't notice much difference in the pics but fitment is better around the hood.









Some close-ups, the bumper to hood gap is normal (stock), actually, I lessened it just a hair from stock gap when I tweaked it. And I forgot to wipe the grill it's just dirt specs on there, I need to wet sand and wax it still.















DIY in progress have patience

 

You should enjoy some well-earned pride for this work, OP. I think you're the first one to ever demonstrate this project on the Org. God knows the question gets asked often enough. And now we know the answer: "Yes, TunerMaxima3000 did it!"

BTW, those radiator tie-down brackets are like $5/each at your dealership.

 

Thanks man, I'm really happy with it, and I'm dam picky about my work.

OT for a sec: I will check on those brackets, good looking out! I need to de-grease my whole car next season the prev. owner sprayed it with a cheap rust-proof and it's yellowed everywhere.

One thing at a time

 

great work! my congrats with 5.5 look for the grille
and don't change those headlights, they are way too unique nowadays.
but if you will decide to sell them - just send pm)))

another question - what's up with that gap between bumper and lights?