Custom Grill and other Customization

[Blkhwk]

I am doing a "complete" repaint on my 03 and pulled the bumper covers for a "cleaner" job. While I've got them off, I've been "deep cleaning" and polishing parts. It occurred to me that it might be fun to put a Custom Grill in it for a what and I remember a couple of years ago here, members had posted their grill creations (it might have been longer ago than I was originally thinking, maybe even before some of you newer members were born)
Anyway, I'm very open to ideas and suggestions. I'm sure having lots of fun. And there is nothing like "tearing into" these cars to renew my respect for how well designed, engineered and built they were. I'm so honored to be driving one. I've owned four and have been totally impressed with every one of them. I think too, this forum is a true reflection of the greatness of these cars.

[wcoates]

John I completely agree. I have owned many neat (until now GM) convertibles but none have lead to my enjoyment like this one. Have owned now (8 years) longer than any car I have ever owned. My Greyghost was one of the very few that did not have the running lights from the factory, just the ugliest plastic inserts you can imagine. So this picture actually shows two modifications.

Can hardly wait to see your finished product. Good luck.

[wcoates]

John here is a picture of our friend Greg Nelson and the custom grille he had installed . Hope no one takes offense of my posting and robbing Greg of the pleasure of posting the picture.

GREg's grille 1.jpg

Actually I believe if memory serves correctly that Greg has further modified the grille area. If he sends me a picture by e-mail, I'll post it.

[wcoates]

Give credit to Greg's installer --our other central Florida friend Stuart Weir. Think Stuart has installed this grille with both
parts on his Merlot. On sale (cough, cough) now on LAPhil's Thunderbird specialty site.


.thunderbirdfulltube.jpg

[wcoates]

If you have a spare $2000 laying around (or wait for the second stimulus check!)

https://www.thunderbirdspecialties.c...uminum-grille/

Think Vintage Merlot has this grille but I can't find a picture.

[wcoates]

image_53154.jpg Ted Stacey's original design.

[BLACK BEAUTY]

Bill you're up and working! Your picture of my grill has since changed. I've removed the blue lights and moved the front emblem down to the grill. I also had Stewart put the lower part of the grill on that I got from LAPhil. I also removed the front license plate as they are not needed in Florida..
image widget

[wcoates]

Bill you're up and working! Your picture of my grill has since changed. ..

E-mail me a picture (ok wake Jane up!) and I'll post it.

[007Cruiser]

I’m just glad that I’ve always liked the original. Saves me money and effort.

[wcoates]

I’m just glad that I’ve always liked the original. Saves me money and effort.

just checked Ebay and there are 20 grilles (new and used) for sale.

[wcoates]

I’m just glad that I’ve always liked the original. Saves me money and effort.

Gene the grille area is actually the only area of our cars that I do not like.

How's the mod doing for the top hoist?

[007Cruiser]

Just a bit of a nod to the baby bird that I appreciate. The hoist is still waiting for installation. Need to do some (OK, a lot) of garage cleaning first. Right now my health problems are stopping me from almost everything. Spoke to the cardiologist yesterday and he is suspicious of my replaced valve. Going for more testing next month.

[wcoates]

Greg's latest iteration (or should I say Stuart's latest creation?):

greg's grille 2.jpg

[EllisonCal]

Just curious, did either of you custom grill people hate your grills so much you spent $thousands to replace the original, or. Did you run into someone and have to replace the plastic grill anyway? I guess I just am just too cheap to replace something that is still attractive, for something else that is a little better.

[007Cruiser]

Just curious, did either of you custom grill people hate your grills so much you spent $thousands to replace the original, or. Did you run into someone and have to replace the plastic grill anyway? I guess I just am just too cheap to replace something that is still attractive, for something else that is a little better.