Hey guys, I am seriously considering having my factory grill slats powdercoated black. I had a friend that is great with photoshop black the grill out in a picture so I could get an idea of what it would look like. What do you guys think?
Art

 

Some contrast is necessary IMO

 

Black imho

 

love it and thinking about doing the same. You could do a wrap like Karl did on his grille. That way it's easily reversible if you don't like it. Another option is plasti-dip which is also easily reverisble.

 

If you like the murdered-out look, go for it! I personally like to see the detail in my car but it's all a matter of personal preference.

 

I must agree with (telum01) but it would look good either way.

 

Agreed

 

i think black would look great

 

I sprayed my grill with "Plasti-Dip" back in late March, and have been very pleased with the results. It's an easy DIY project and is reversible if you change your mind. A can costs less that $10 and they are usually available at your local Home Depot-one is more than enough to do the job.

You'll spend more time removing and re-installing the grill than it does to spray it. Should be a three beer job .

 

Don, I haven't looked at mine, how hard is it to take the grille off?

 

I found it easier to remove the radiator cover in the engine compartment first, then you'll be able to see/reach all the fasteners-I think there are either 3 or 4 per side. I can't remember too well-may have something to do with the beers consumed during the project...
In any event, you'll need a set of Torx bits, some short extensions and a little patience. It is not a difficult task.
Just checked the workshop manual and it's six screws and two nuts...don't drop any of them though, as recovery can be difficult - Murphy's Law of Selective Gravitation!

 

thanks Don, debating whether to wrap or plastidip. Either one will need removal of the grille tho.

 

Great responses guys! I like the black on black look, but this is far from murdered out. Murdered out would be all black, black brakes, black out the chrome accents, window trim, hood vents and remove all badging. I like the subtle look and the black grill will still have some feature. I have had a few things wrapped in the past, but since I drive this car frequently, I don't like the idea of the wrap coming undone over time, especially at the rear of the slats since they are close to the heat of the engine compartment. I plastidipped the trim on my E46 BMW and it came out great, but the front kidneys chipped off over time and are now chrome again. I have had my powdercoated do the engine braces in a hot red with clear and it looks perfect. I removed the slats individually to have them coated. I do like the polished slats and they look nice, but the constant polishing is tiresome and considered just having them coated with clear, but if I don't like the black, they can be blasted and repolished. Will post pics soon!

 

Well, $125 later and black powdercoat with a clear looks awesome! The slats all come out easily with a little prodding. I cleaned off the dust carefully and reinstalled the grill slats. Here is the final product. I have 5 cars in the driveway now so I didn't have time to jockey all the cars around outside to make room to get a picture from a distance but will shortly. It was getting dark quickly.

 

looks goooood!