06-07' WRX/STi Mess Grille Mod

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by ScoobyMike, Dec 4, 2007.

  1. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    I've done this a couple other times. On Milo's STi and on my WRX Wagon. Just thought I'd finally get around to doing the DIY for y'all....

    This grille is being done for Rob (Clemsoilder27)


    Household tools: Screwdriver, cutters/snips
    1 can of primer spray paint $2.19 @ any local Homedepot or auto parts store
    1 can of spary paint of your color choice $3.29 " "
    1 Universal grille mesh Insert- I got it from pep boys 29.99 I believe Part# CZ-217

    Total = $35.47 +tax

    Total work time: 2 1/2 hrs
    MIGHT BE LONGER IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME I GUESS 3+ HRS


    First Step:

    Remove the center grille first and then the two side grille and lay them out. like this
    [​IMG]

    Then using a #1 Phillips head screw driver and remove all the screws. some #2 phillips heads will work also.. like this.....
    [​IMG]

    Then split apart the grille one at a time. Be careful not to break them or the tabs the hold the grilles together. for a total of 9 pieces. like this...
    [​IMG]

    Then using cutters or snips cut the OEM plastic grille along the sides like this....
    [​IMG]

    Then using a dremmel sand down the extra pieces on plastic around the edges where you just cut with your cutters/snips....like this....
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Then take some 150 grit sand paper and hand sand to your liking. it should start to look something like this.
    [​IMG]

    Once your done sanding all the pieces it will look like this.
    [​IMG]

    Next step is installing the new mess....
    This is what I used....
    [​IMG]

    Next trace out the mess and cut out.....like this.....
    [​IMG]

    Once the mess is cut to the correct side install it on the back side of the grille so that it looks like this....
    [​IMG]

    Then install the back side of the grille so that is looks like this....
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    Then it's outside for a primer coat of flat black....should look like this....
    [​IMG]

    Then wait 5-10 mins, and spray the color of your choice... for Rob's it's low-gloss black...looks like this w/ color
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: May 2, 2010
  2. SonicBoom

    SonicBoom Active Member

    Jeez... half a write up... glad I wasn't doing that along w/you... j/k... Sweet write up, keep it coming!
     
  3. baddriver

    baddriver Active Member

    Great, but your teasing us.. hehe..

    I liked the end result I saw on Milo's car. It sure makes the grill look a lot less like a milk crate.
     
  4. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    yeah sorry guys camera is F'd up for some reason...I should have pics up tom at the latest.....
     
  5. Matt

    Matt Think before you post Staff Member Supporting Member

    ...

    *taps foot*

    we're waiting jack-hole!!!

    :rofl: :p
     
  6. KA05STi

    KA05STi Member

    yeah.. and heres what it looks like done........ *cricket
     
  7. CHEMSOLDIER27

    CHEMSOLDIER27 Member

    Sweet!!!! :eek:hnoes:Can't wait to see them!!:eek:hnoes:
     
  8. pEd

    pEd This ain't no Piccadilly!

    very nice.... with a half-nice write up as well.
     
  9. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    :rofl::asshole::rofl:

    :rofl::fawk::rofl:

    I should be able to finish them by tomorrow bro...I'll call you.

    THanks, finally someone thats nice.....haha
     
  10. AtlxPat

    AtlxPat Active Member

    my god...finish the damn thread.
    lol, i'm very interested on how this will look
     
  11. blindfold

    blindfold Active Member

  12. gfred024

    gfred024 Member

    I wish I would have known someone was doing a write up. i did this about a month ago. I can post finished pics
     
  13. wrxin8or

    wrxin8or Mullitt Staff Member

    looks like youre doing a good job mike...looking forward to seeing the finished pics
     
  14. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    camera is charging should be up in the next hour or so.....keep your panties on everyone!!
     
  15. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    More....pics

    I did a total of 4 coats of paint, 1 coat primer,3 coats of color......after about an hour of drying time you can start to put back together like this.....
    [​IMG]

    Once the grilles are all put back together they should look like this....and your finished :) :)
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    Before:
    [​IMG]

    After:
    [​IMG]

    Hope this helps anyone that tries this mod out, I love the outcome....I just think it looks clean, very sexy!!!
     
  16. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    Finished!!
     
  17. 1ll-WRX

    1ll-WRX Active Member

    So where did the red rim ring come from on the middle piece? :confused: I love how much cleaner it looks! Great job!!
     
  18. AtlxPat

    AtlxPat Active Member

    cant wait to see installed pics
    the red trim is just tape to look like the spec-c rar
     
  19. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    should be able to get some pics of it installed tonight maybe....
     
  20. miloman

    miloman Retired Admin

    Looks real good man
     
  21. SonicBoom

    SonicBoom Active Member

    Not trying to sidestep the vendor process but, I'd be interested if someone were to offer this service(after xmas)....
     
  22. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    $$ no problem.....hehe
     
    Last edited: Dec 5, 2007
  23. FACE

    FACE Active Member

    Nice write up! Looks great too!
     
  24. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod

    thanks bro!!
     
  25. caseyfoster

    caseyfoster Member

    Looks good man.
     
  26. RoMe

    RoMe Active Member

    Where can you get spec-c red trim tape from? Any installed pics yet?
     
  27. ScoobyMike

    ScoobyMike OG Mod


    It's 1/4" red pin stripping from any auto store....

    Maybe Rob will chime in and post a pic installed.....:wiggle:
     
  28. AtlxPat

    AtlxPat Active Member

    any installed pics yet?
     

Share This Page