Very nice.... If only I could get my hands on some spray on bedliner in germany

 

I had some material left over, and the thought had actually crossed my mind, but I don't know if it would be worth the extra work. I have an ARB bumper on order that I hope will be here today. I'm going to fill in the turn signal holes and line-x it before mounting it. So I've already got a lot to do over the weekend. I just hope the thread will sufice for now.

 

I used stucco mesh I bought from Home Depot ($7 for 8 foot sheet..only used 2 feet). I used a template from someone here on the forum. It is held in place by the grill and the frame...no glue.

 

If/when you install your new bumper-I will buy this insert from you-name your price--,within logical reason, and of course I'll pay shipping. Let me know

 

Very nice write up, It helps alot. I am going to put in the black inserts that outline the 7 slots of the grille, I am trying to figure out how to attach 7 strips of that mesh to each part prior to installing it, now I know tat adheasive anchors will not work.

 

this one is by far the best set up i've seen yet. i never did like the whole sticky clip things anyway, so i never did it. this one is alot better, good job bud

 

Nice job on improving the DIY grill insert.
Looks good

 

Great job! Looks awesome!

 

Great Mod! And a great write up, too. Some questions:

How is the duplicolor sticking to the aluminum? Any special preparations?

What size/kind of screws did you use for the frame brackets?

And, does the frame just sit inside the grill? any movement or rubbing issues?

Thanks!

 

So far so good on the duplicolor. I sprayed about 5 coats on it. It actually added to the thickness of the insert and made it more ridged. It's been on now for a couple of months, and there are no blemishes thus far.

I bought some self tapping screws first, but decided not to use them. Instead, I lined up the corner brackets, marked the spots, and pre-drilled the holes. Then I used the screws that came with the brackets. I'm sorry, but I don't remember the size of the screws and the packaging is long gone. They just need to be short enough not to protrude beyond the backside of the C-channel. That will prevent them from scratching anything inadvertently.

The insert does just sit inside the grille. The lower clips that attach the grille to the front of the jeep actually stick out about 1", allowing just enough room for the grille insert to sit snuggly between the grille and the jeep body. Because the C-channel lines up between the grille openings, it presses the mesh against the grille, preventing any movement. The only issue here is the onboard thermometer for your digital display (at least that's what I think it is). There is a small sensor attached in front of the radiator at the lower edge of the grille on the driver's side. You may have noticed it. It's bolted to the front of the jeep and is held in place by a small plastic clip. The sensor will need to be moved to the inside of the rail that it's attached to, rather than the forward side of the rail. With the sensor where it is, the grille insert will press against the sensor. When I put mine in, I actually broke the platic clip holding it in place. I just glued it back down until I'm back at the dealership and can pick up another clip.

Besides this, I have had no issues at all with the grille insert. It has actually turned out better than I ever expected. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

David