Aftermarket Grill

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Jul 22, 2015 | 01:26 PM

93-331-29PSI

Thread Starter

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Joined: Dec 2004

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Aftermarket Grill

Been tossing around the idea but before I buy anything I wanted to poll the audience. I'd like to see pics and get some first hand input, brand, price, opinions...

I absolutely can't stand how much chrome is on the front of these trucks and I've decided to tone mine down a little bit. I bought a new KR style grill shell (primed) which has been paint matched (blue jeans). Before I install this I wanted to get some input on mesh grills. I know that there are quite a few out there ($170-$1800) and based on the price gap there's probably a huge quality gap as well.

If I go aftermarket I'm looking at spending a max of $500. If I can't get a good quality grill for that price I"ll either have mine done in line-x, trade for a black one, or get with my CAD guy and fab my own.

Thanks

Jul 22, 2015 | 08:03 PM

miner999r

Tuned

Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 484

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From: Alberta

having imbibed deeply into Harley Kool-Aid, I love the chrome, but that's me

Jul 22, 2015 | 09:00 PM

golfmedik

Lead Driver

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 6,180

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From: Georgia

Personally, I like chrome too. It is much easier to remove the southern bugs from chrome and keep it looking better longer than with a lot of paint on the front. That being said, there are many great looking trucks with paint on the grilles around on this forum.

Jul 22, 2015 | 09:22 PM

Specularius

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 295

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From: Louisiana

I installed a Carriage Works black powder coated billed grill.

Little more than $250.

Jul 23, 2015 | 06:55 AM

93-331-29PSI

Thread Starter

Elder User

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 613

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Quote:

Originally Posted by miner999r

having imbibed deeply into Harley Kool-Aid, I love the chrome, but that's me

Harley hasn't produced a quality chrome since 2006, which is why every piece on mine has been powder coated in one way or another, but I get what you're saying. It's all personal preference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfmedik

Don't have to worry much about bugs around here, but I've been cleaning them off my cars for years so it shouldn't be too bad. A little bit of "Bug Slide" will knock them off quick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Specularius

I installed a Carriage Works black powder coated billed grill.

Little more than $250.

How was the install on this? Pretty easy?

Jul 23, 2015 | 07:10 AM

jonrjen

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 2,051

Likes: 10

From: TEXAS

On my 2013 I installed black slat inserts between the large factory chrome cross bars. It in my mind offered some protection to the cooling system against road debris, toned down the chrome, gave a more finished look, was easy to install and didn't kill the wallet.
I also have the black slated insert for the opening below the bumper but has yet to install it.

Jul 23, 2015 | 07:19 AM

Specularius

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 295

Likes: 1

From: Louisiana

Install took about an hour and a half. It does require cutting all the supports for the chrome bars off flush. I used a cut off wheel on a Dremel tool.