This winter, I’ll be working on mesh grill 2.5. So not something I actually did today, but got the main part in today.

Version 1.0 was the aftermarket option from a vendor called C-Mod, but fitment was poor. Version 2.0 was a custom-made using an OEM grill, much better design and fitment.

For version 2.5, I need to replace the mesh (faded) and vinyl wrap (ripped), as it was on the car for a few years. But I’m also going to try to use this QX80 front emblem. It’s even bigger, thinking it’s prob not gonna look too big / bigger emblems usually look pretty sporty. Also the emblem has a black base to it, so it won’t be see thru. I’ll just need to carefully cut a hole in the mesh so that the emblem fits flush against the mesh.

So hoping the project might conclude my never ending quest for an OEM-style mesh grill that’ll keep the front end looking sporty and modern (but still cohesive).

 

$150 eBay test pipes with $40 Amazon 8.5in resonators.
The demon bolts were tricky but no match for some 1/2 inch sockets, cutoff wheel, and a nut extractor… LOL

Weight reduction. Next I chopped up the eBay test pipes and bolted together with the resonators. Grabbed the mug welder and tacked the resonator to the pipe and flange. Removed and tig welded the rest. Had to relocate the o2 j pipe. Drilling a new big hole was a bitch, then re welded and installed.


A little laser marking to top it off. No trumpet car with the resonators paired to FI catback. Deep and throaty. No leaks and no CEL. 6 hours to complete job.

 

That's genuinely impressive. Well done.

 

Very impressive and nice looking welds, I wish I could do that. I got a somewhat decent welder with gas and have been trying to get better with it.

 

Seconded - nice engineering and execution. Always appreciate a nice weld bead LOL

 

My stock grille came in, which was the final part.... so I installed it, washed the car and took the final sale photos. It was a good run, sad to sell it
https://www.myg37.com/forums/g-s-fs/...ml#post4318604

 

I know that day is coming for me at some point. Don't ever want to say goodbye to this car, but time will come... End of an era.

 

Nooooooo You don't turn your back on family 🤣

 

Yeah, can't keep it forever unfortunately

 

I think about it a lot, but lately it doesn't feel as big of a deal the way it would just a few years ago. It will happen when it happens.

 

I think when you have the replacement car in hand it feels like much less of a big deal, at least for me. It's weird though, undoing all the things I did over the years to make it mine, and seeing it stock again after so long.

 

Want to sell that gorgeous wood trim while you are at it?

 

Lol... I had a spare set. someone bought it though.

 

Well $#!t I was just joking but you had a spare!! Where did you get the extra set?

 

I pulled it out of a crashed car I found locally a few years ago.... I also did a 6 disk changer delete from the trunk using the upper trunk panel from that car.