Opinions wanted apply within

[SR71Blackbird]

I'm thinking about replacing my gril with a wire mesh one, from tbird concepts. The stock one is a bit over powering, it domaites the whole front of the car, besides that it's hard to clean.
Now here's what I need the opinions on. My bird is black and I plan to paint the wire mesh to match the car leaving the perimeter silver. I think that would give the car a more sinister look, like it might bit your a$$, instead of I'm happy to see you.
Like it reads at the top opinions wanted, I read this site daily and value all your thoughts, so don't be shy.
Dennis.

[Bradford]

Re: Opinions wanted apply within

That's one of the things I like about my Cashmere, the grill is painted the body color. Lots here like the chrome, some have even changed their Cashmere grill to chrome, some have bought a Cashmere grill and painted it to match their car color. You ever consider getting a Ford grill painted black?

[DavidA]

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I think it's your car and you should do what you want to it. Everyone will have a different opinion, like Bradford said. Some like it hot, some cold!

[EllisonCal]

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Get a Ford Bra, it comes with Mesh and it keeps those Kentucky bugs off your T's nose. Ok, it's not pretty but it sure will save your paint!

Cal

[doubutsu]

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Dennis, that's the retro look of the car. It's a egg crate design, the early birds, the 55 chevy bel air, had that large grill. I would have liked the grill better had the bars been thinner. As far as the chrome goes, there isn't that much factory chrome on the car to begin with. The sinister look would be great if you could also install a 500 HP engine, and drop the body about two inches otherwise it might just look silly.

[Ray]

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Take a picture of the front of your car, download it to your computer, and then black out the grille like you are thinking to see if you like it. I had the four supports in the opening under the grille painted black so you can't see them. It's a subtle change, but I like it. Someone with a black car posted pictures awhile back of his car with the grille painted black. If I remember correctly, he also removed all the emblems and had black wheels. It looked pretty mean. I'm with David, do whatever you want to your car. Some people here think it's a sacrilege to change anything on the car, but I wouldn't let that stop you if it's what you want. It certainly hasn't stopped me. LOL!

[Ski]

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It's your car so just do it. Then when it's done post some pics and track how many of us decide to do the same thing. So much for opinions!

[JAB02LHS]

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[Skozzy]

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I would say go for it! I would love to make mine look a little more aggressive but I plan on keeping it all original! I figure I have a lot of time to sit on it. I bought it when I was 29 and have no plans of getting ride of it!

[darsinewman]

Re: Opinions wanted apply within

I kind of like that mine "smiles" at me when I walk in the garage and take the cover off (much like a Labrador waiting for you to throw a tennis ball!). Plus, I plan on keeping her all original, so a change in grille wouldn't appeal to me. But I have seen other grilles that look really good and that I might consider doing if I weren't such a freak about keeping everything original. Like everyone is saying, it's purely an individual decision. Whatever makes your heart skip a beat when you walk into the garage!

[bwlewis]

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It's your car, change it to your owns tastes. Save the original in case you don't like the change and put it back to the original. i'm sure someone out there would take the after market one off your hands.

[Black Bird]

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Welllllllll I sometimes put Bunny ears, nose and tail on my car and call it the Bunny Mobile
and then wear a bunny suit and noooooo one has said my car is strange yet, they know if they do NOOOOOOOOOOOO EASTER EGGS FOR THEM. Soooooooo I say what ever floats your boat is great for you. I have seen the screen mesh modification on a Black TBird before at a car show and the guy called his car T Bat Mobile. It looked good.
Lou

[LBPatt]

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fugly...don't do it!

[Lonestar]

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You asked for opinions & we all know that they are like fannies, it that we all have them. In my opinion, and with 2 exceptions, I have not seen any aftermarket grill made for modern era vehicles that 1) compliment the design of the car / truck they are on, 2) looks like a real automotive designer engineered and designed it, and 3) have a true factory fit and finish. Not to say all do not – only saying I have not seen them. The exceptions are the mesh grills for the Chrysler 300 and Cadillac full size SUVs. These mesh grills actually look like the came from the factory.

I feel the grill on the Thunderbird is just a tad too much and if it was slightly smaller, recessed just a bit, or maybe consisted of horizontal only or vertical only slats it might be a little less “in your face”. However, thank goodness the Thunderbird came out prior to the new Ford “bold” grills that starting being stuck on all products except the Mustang.

So, my opinion is to leave it alone if for no other reason than the chrome looks sooo good surrounded by the black. However, if you decide to go the aftermarket route & want to sell your chrome grill – let me know. I am not crazy with cashmere painted grill I have.

[austx]

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LONESTAR, I've been toying with the idea of swapping my Blk / Blk bird's chrome grill for a painted cashmere grill and adding a cashmere hardtop. Haven't seen one like that - I think it would look really classey. Whatda you (all) think?

Dennis, solid thumbs up from my corner. I too want a different look from all that chrome.

Tom