Upgrading your vehicle’s grille is one of the easiest ways to transform its looks. A well-designed grille provides brand recognition but also conveys the unique personality of a truck or car. So why settle for the same look as everything else on the road? In a matter of minutes, you can install a new custom car grille.
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A Custom Car Grille Adds Shine, Color and Attitude
A vehicle grille serves a purpose. It allows air to pass through—cooling the radiator and providing air intake for the engine. Most grilles can be easily removed by undoing a few screws or bolts. But if you remove the factory grille and leave a space, then paper or other road debris could get pulled into the radiator. The smart move is to take down your old grille and swap in a new one right away.
Swapping out a grille’s color (for example, to black) can give a truck a mean new look.
How about a honeycomb design?
Replacement grille pieces come in a wide range of materials—from stamped steel to plastic. Spend a bit more to get a grille that will withstand the elements for many years. Shiny chrome or brushed steel are popular options. The grille’s design can use vertical or horizontal bars, a honeycomb pattern, or even diamond mesh. And grilles come in all colors of the rainbow.
This Mercedes-Benz GL grille below, available on eBay, is adorned with Swarovski crystals by a woman in Arizona who also adds bling to Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
A custom car grille upgrade can be as easy or advanced as you like. For example, aftermarket companies offer a plastic overlay that simply snaps over the existing grille. Or, for an extra touch of sporty style, you can add a splash of light with LEDs spliced into the headlight wiring.
This grille makes a statement with a trio of lights and a bold Chevrolet logo.
How to Customize Your Grille
The process of changing your grille begins by carefully examining all the attachment points for your existing grille. Next, remove the bolts and screws—but take note of their location. They often vary in length and size.
Grilles are removed either in one big piece or in separate sections. After all the grille parts come out, it’s an excellent time to clean up the exposed areas. Make sure there’s no rust or corrosion. An all-purpose car cleaner will make short work of dirt and grime. And read about preventing and treating rust.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing a new grille:
- Assemble all the bolts and screws.
- Carefully center the new grille and ensure it is level before tightening the fasteners.
- Take your vehicle for a spin of at least a few miles.
- When you’re back home, double-check that all the fasteners are still tight and everything is straight and level.
Then step back and marvel at your new custom car grille. It’s amazing how that one change can provide an entirely new custom look for your ride. The change might inspire you to keep going—by adding a bull bar or LED light bar to the front end.
Once the new grille is in place, you’ll probably notice every new smudge from road debris. Use a soft bristle brush and car detailer spray to keep things looking new. Bug-remover sprays will help clean up the stubborn remains of smushed insects.
