08-25-2006, 09:13 AM
This is my version of the DIY ctr upper grill for 97-98 civic, (it DOES NOT work the same for 99-00)(96 grill is also a bit different). But if you use a bit of creativity...I'm sure you can come up with something similar.
I purchased a 16x30in sheet of 1/2in expanded metal at ACE hardware store for $15.
First I took a rough measurement of the opening...25"x5"...I then cut a piece this big. After you remove the bumper, there should be 4-5 screws that hold the upper grill to the bumper and 2 clips on each end near the top. When the entire upper grill is removed from the bumper, unscrew the "nine" tiny phillips head screw that attach the oem black to the outer painted frame. Then use a dremel to cut away the middle plastic, (making sure to leave the holes for the screws) so that you can re-attach it to the painted piece.
After the middle is gone, re-attach what's left of the black plastic to the painted trim piece. Lay the grill face down so that you can lay the 25"x5" expanded metal piece over the top. You will now need to mark where you want to cut it so that it looks like this.
After it's cut it should look/fit like this.
Apply 3-4 heavy coats of black paint and some clear coat. After it's dry, use some quick setting epoxy or black zip-ties to secure it to the back of the grill frame. Note: place something heavy enough to push the grill down in the middle so that it bends with the curve, (I used my cordless drill to do this). When it's done it should look like this.
I purchased a 16x30in sheet of 1/2in expanded metal at ACE hardware store for $15.
First I took a rough measurement of the opening...25"x5"...I then cut a piece this big. After you remove the bumper, there should be 4-5 screws that hold the upper grill to the bumper and 2 clips on each end near the top. When the entire upper grill is removed from the bumper, unscrew the "nine" tiny phillips head screw that attach the oem black to the outer painted frame. Then use a dremel to cut away the middle plastic, (making sure to leave the holes for the screws) so that you can re-attach it to the painted piece.
After the middle is gone, re-attach what's left of the black plastic to the painted trim piece. Lay the grill face down so that you can lay the 25"x5" expanded metal piece over the top. You will now need to mark where you want to cut it so that it looks like this.
After it's cut it should look/fit like this.
Apply 3-4 heavy coats of black paint and some clear coat. After it's dry, use some quick setting epoxy or black zip-ties to secure it to the back of the grill frame. Note: place something heavy enough to push the grill down in the middle so that it bends with the curve, (I used my cordless drill to do this). When it's done it should look like this.
