How to: Mod USDM Grille to fit JDM Heads
Note: I am not responsible for any damages to your grille, bumper, headlights, and your fingers.
OP Notes: This is an old request from Kalamidad 6 years ago but never came to light. Basically, it was inspired from Krispy03 build but there were no actual -how to's- tutorials anywhere. So enjoy!
How to: Modify USDM Grille to fit JDM Heads
(this applies to 99-01 griiles and 02-03)
Here's a pic of the ghetto install:
(Wrong Way!!!!)
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...t/DSCN3846.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...t/DSCN3835.jpg
(you can't really see it unless unless you're up close...)
Here's a few tips why it was installed wrong:
- sides were not shaved for headlight clearence
- because sides were not adjusted right the tab mounters will not allign
- lower tab mount rubbing against the bumper thus making it look warped and sticks out of the bumper.
The correct way:
All you need are:
- Dremel or any rotary tool (cutter & sander bits)
- one functional oem grille
1. On the first pic, notice the corners has been shaved off slightly (with a rotary cutter) to give some room for the jdm heads. To make this fit, I made no additional cutting necessary just the corners you see below.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...c/DSCN4185.jpg
2. Using the rotary cutter I cut 3/4 to 1 inch from the end of the grille. If you notice from the pic below I cut through by following the contours of the grille. This was to make the grille fit within the contours of the headlights.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...c/DSCN4186.jpg
3. Using a rotary sander, I sanded the back of the grille from where I cut from step 2. This will ensure the grille wouldn't rub against the headlights.
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...c/DSCN4188.jpg
4. Using the rotary sander, I sanded off a small layer from the 3 bottom bottom tabs to prevent it from rubbing against the bumper
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...c/DSCN4190.jpg
5. You will be using all but 2 mounting tabs. All top tabs will be utilized. On the bottom tabs, only the middle will be used as the 2 corner tabs has no place connect (or obvious reasons)
This is the finished product. The grille is flush with the bumper, no warpage, and nothing sticks out as if it was forced in (no homo). This tutorial may be appled to 02-03 grilles as basic design are similar to the 99-01 design. Enjoy! :)
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...c/DSCN4184.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i9...c/DSCN4183.jpg