gDMJoe

.
As more of a cosmetic mod' to fill the gap in the bumper, I've been on a quest for a lower grille.

1st attempt was with a GenX slatted aluminum billet grille that was powdercoated black from Sleek Auto Accessories.
Ultimately (IMO) the pattern of the lower grille should be the same (or nearly the same) as that of the upper grille. However ... Could not locate any that resembled the pattern of the

• Platinum ...
  
  .
• Lariat ...
  

Essentially a pattern made-up of a grid of ½" x 1" rectangles. So ... I'm crafting my own.


* ¼" aluminum blank that was cut-out by a local metal craft shoppe using their CNC waterjet cutting system.

Work-in-Progress - Please standby .....
.

Jed Clampett

OH OH OH! I want one!

Such a nice job there. Can't wait to see finished pics!

Any idea how much this will cost start to finish?

*Subscribed

Jed Clampett

Hey man, any update on this? New pics perhaps?

I've been thinking about this on and off all day today. I'm assuming this is for an Ecoboost? Are you concerned at all that it might block too much air?

gDMJoe

Hand massaging the blank and mounting bracket fabrication is in progress. Hope to have update pic's in a couple of days.

Welp then it won't be premature. *Old joke - What do you mean PREMATURE! I've been thinking about it all day!.

As noted in the 1st post ... "a cosmetic mod' to fill the gap in the bumper".

No Ecoboost involved (have a 4.6L 3V), though I've followed the EB threads at both sites regarding installing a lower grille and the fear of obstructed air flow. Food-for-thought ... The opening in the panel behind the lower bumper opening is considerably smaller.

Will do some surface area math' when completed. Though really think that the hubbub / consternation is unwarranted. But that's just my opinion and I'm unanimous on that.
.

gDMJoe

work-in-progress pic's (part 2) .....

Hand massaged -

• file and sander with 100 grit sandpaper. * smooth/round the edges.
• wood blocks and vise. *create the curve.

Mounting brackets fabricated and added. *drilling required installation planned.







Mock-up, see-what-it-looks-like installation ...









Next steps ...

• More hand massaging / smoothing.
• drilling holes in the mounting brackets. *Plan is to use nylon bolts and nuts to attach it to the bumper pads.
• powdercoating. *Will opt for a non-gloss black

A rendition of what it could look like .....

72mustang

That last picture just gave me an erection.

Jed Clampett

Oh hell yeah. That looks awesome, man! You're doing it exactly the way it *SHOULD* be done!

danbart

Very nice!

SilverBackSuperCrew

That will look excellent. Great job on taking your time and thinking this through. Norm Abrams would be proud of you.

sharper4

Interested in this for my '11 FX2 Eco.