Hi all. I'm looking to replace the FUGLY stock grill on my 2k3 SE. It seems like the only 2 choices right now are the Grille-tech and the Trenz billet. I don't really like the Trenz too much, but the Grille-tech says it requires removal of the stock grill and attaches with zip ties. To anyone who has done it already...

1) How hard was it to remove the stock grill? Does it have to be cut out and can it be put back in later?

2) How secure is the Grille-tech grill with the zip ties? Does it move around easily and does it look right up close?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

I have the Trenz grill so I'll comment about removing stock....B!tch and a gawd damn half....took me like 40min just to remove that *****....there's no space for your hands and the bolts are really in there good...

I suggest bumper removal for easiest trouble free install. I didn't remove it though

 

But you didn't have to cut anything right? I just want to be able to put it back in later if I decide to, and I thought I remembered reading that you had to cut them out.

 

The stock grille is 3 little nuts to remove, then you use a screw driver to pry up some clips that hold the bottom of the grille in. 5 minutes tops! (Sorry about your 40 minute endeavor NT2SHBBY...)

As far as the zip ties... I used 6 ties to anchor the grille-tech mesh to some holes that exist in the nose. They provide gray and black ties, so experiment with them to conceal them. The middle pillar can be made to 'disappear' by putting black or dark-gray vinyl tape on it. You can see my zip ties a little because I have a light colored car, have the silver diamond cut, and used gray ties. The grille itself doesn't move at all, its actually quite rigid and secure.

What color/style are you looking for? I've got a few different sets that I'd like to get rid of.

 

well either you've got really skinny hands to fit in there, you're Superman for being able to pull the bumper out after popping out those fasteners or I dunno...but 5 minutes...I surely doubt that!!!

The other guy on here who has an 02-03 with the Trenz even agreed with me that its not a simple ordeal..BUT HEY! WHAT THE HELL DO WE KNOW???!!!

 

What do you mean by "middle pillar"? The Grille-tech doesn't have a thing running down the middle like the Trenzs do does it? I'd probably be looking to get a silver one with the race cut I think it's called (not the diamond one, the other one).

 

When you remove the main grille, you'll see a post that supports the bumper. Depending on what color car your working with, it may or may not be seen throught the mesh of the grille-tech. I've got an extra main grille and lower grilles in that style. If you're interested, PM me.

NT2SHBBY - guess I'm superman then, because I've removed the grille like 4 times already for when I was working with grille-tech trying to get the proper fit, and it's been that easy every time. Sorry it didn't work out as easily for you... But for what it's worth, I did tear my forearms to shreds, so yes, it is a tight fit back there.

 

Mines rusting. I'm going to take it off this weekend.

 

Send Chris an e-mail - he had a bad batch, and will replace at no charge.

My lower inserts rusted a bit and he's replacing them.

 

thats what you can expect from a cheap grill...Grill-Tech shoulda cleared them but then this $80 grill or whatever it costs would become a $120+ grill that still is affixed with zip-ties.

 

Try getting it for free, then clearing it yourself

That makes it a really cheap grille!

 

do you bro...when I pay for something, I pay for it once, and expect it to last.....If I have to modify it, I don't want it

 

Very true, and I agree. What I'm saying is that I didn't pay for it... therefore I don't care to modify it. However - YES it should have been tested better before hitting the market. And YES the zip ties thing isn't the best solution.

Now - this is based purely on my own opinion, but I can't stand the look of the Trenz grille. I'm alright about the grille-tech. But my Maxima needed something to address the image conflict with all 10,000 other Maxima's out there. What I'd prefer, is the grille like that used on Street Concept's Maxima as seen on FreshAlloy.com

 

If I were to get a main grille, I think I would go with the one from JMS. http://www.jmsproductsinc.com/


That being said, I did purchase the Grille-tech lower grille.

 

the JMS grill, I'm pretty sure still affixes with zip-ties and also isn't cleared...I could be wrong though but if thats the case, it's no more worth it than the grill-tech

 

Isn't cleared meaning they aren't Nissan approved? Their web design isn't too impressive either.

 

I think he was talking about clear coating to protect from rust and such.

 

...too funny bro...nah I mean cleared as in clearcoated....theres no coating to protect the mesh from rusting

 

LOL, gotcha. Can you tell I'm new to this whole modding thing?

My last car was a 2001 Grand Am GT, not a bad car but not a Max either. Mods never even crossed my mind.

 

you never modded the GT?? no ram air or anything?

 

Actually it came with ram air stock. I think all the Grand Ams do now, or at least the GT models.