Lances Infiniti

Which one do you guys think is better? getting a new grill altogether or painting the one i have the color of the midnight grill?

'11G37S

iTrader: (4)

Personally I love my midnight grille. I got mine for around $200 shipped a year ago off of eBay, but you might be able to get it cheaper now. The black on the midnight grille is not a 100% match to the black paint, but it is close enough that no one can tell a difference unless they are specifically looking for it.

Redfire32

iTrader: (12)

I'm with the OP on this.

I've been going over this question in my head for a bit now. I'm leaning strongly towards the DIY selection. My reasoning for doing the work myself is if I can successfully paint my calipers, then practice on my engine bay makeover....then I should be able to handle the paint work on the front grill. Hopefully I can take on the headlight/taillight project with confidence after I gain experience from the other jobs. Does that make sense to everyone? Especially those members who have already completed some or all of these DIY's

Hey 11G37's, have you searched for the midnjght grill on eBay lately? I look for them all the time and I've never found one for less than $285. Which isn't terrible, but that cash that could go towards a diff mod that I cannot do on my own. I thought about buying a cheap OEM chrome grill off Ebay and using it to attempt the midnight paint job makeover. Then if I fail in some way i can always redo it and not have to worry about having my car down for a week or so. If I succeed then maybe I could rinse and repeat with my original grill...and post it FS on the PC's. Any thoughts on this plan guys?

Dj1ofDet

iTrader: (5)

I'm looking into hydro printing versus paint, as there are dozens of prints you can do with it.

G37xhibeet

iTrader: (1)

I personally don't like the midnight grill because it still has chrome on it; I think I'll be getting mine painted

Lances Infiniti

The Chrome compliments the rims and trim on the side well. But gives the center a nice looking black.

STownSaint

Guy on here covered the chrome slats with black vinyl to achieve the "midnight" grille look, likely the cheapest route, just depends on your time & skill with vinyl wrapping (probably not too difficult)

'11G37S

iTrader: (4)

I have not looked lately, since I don't really have a reason to. I'll look and see if the seller I bought mine from is selling any.

Edit: You're in luck, she does have a couple for sale for $199.99 OBO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/F2310-1NF1A-Infiniti-G37-Midnight-Black-Sedan-Grille-NEW-OEM-F23101NF1A-/111523142310?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19f74c1aa6

blnewt

iTrader: (13)

DJ, I had my mirror covers and front chin spoiler covered w/ hydro graphics and it hasn't held up real well, the front spoiler started chipping and peeling and the mirror covers have a couple places where a rock caused an area to peel a bit. Doesn't seem like this is very weather resistant. Maybe the place that did mine wasn't that good either, dunno?
While you're at it give this a look Lance
https://www.myg37.com/forums/d-i-y-i...-g-sedans.html

guyinswmo

My grill painted to match (malbec black) with a metallic maroonish red emblem and engine cover to match as well

alfredo24pr

iTrader: (1)

I got mine painted for $40 and like 11G37S, there is no way to tell the difference unless you compare them side by side and look for the details.

I would go painted and save over $100.

Dj1ofDet

iTrader: (5)

That's interesting. There's a vendor on these forums, claiming after a few coats of automotive clear that it's more durable than paint and vinyl.

PerDiem

The black paint used on a Midnight Grille is pearl. Unless that's what you're using to spray, one can tell the difference if they know what they're looking at. Other than that, from a distance...looks the same.

I have been thinking about using a transparent wrap (window tint?) on the chrome trim around my midnight grille to have it look somewhat anodized. Has anyone attempted that before?

RexHavoc

iTrader: (7)

I had mine painted last year. Unfortunately we used OEM to ensurena color match and it chipped within a week. Touch up paint made it look better until you get up close. Later in the year it really took a beating but that was during a... Spirited run in a convoy which kicked up some road crap.

I like the look of the midnight grille and if I hadnt murdered my sedan I would go that route. If I make a couple changes to the lights I may go that route though right now the plan is to build a new one or go emblemless. If you paint it I would suggest a better quality paint and multiple coats of clear, maybe opticoat as well.

'11G37S

iTrader: (4)

I wonder how a midnight grille would look emblemless.... That may be the way to go Chris!