BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Here are some test fit photos for you! I've got 2 photos with the emblem idea I was going to do, and then 2 photos without the emblem (which is going to have the fog lights back on the car when I'm finished).
Now the only hurdle I have to conquer is figuring out a way to mount the grill to the bumper. It seems that I won't be able to use the factory screw holes where it would normally mount because there's no easy way to mount it from under the bumper, due to how far back into the bumper the grill goes. I might have to tap a few small holes towards the back side of the grill and make my own mounting places.




What do you think? Right now the grill is just resting in the bumper. I still have to mount it.
Now the only hurdle I have to conquer is figuring out a way to mount the grill to the bumper. It seems that I won't be able to use the factory screw holes where it would normally mount because there's no easy way to mount it from under the bumper, due to how far back into the bumper the grill goes. I might have to tap a few small holes towards the back side of the grill and make my own mounting places.




What do you think? Right now the grill is just resting in the bumper. I still have to mount it.
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 6
From: Kemah, Tx
Car: 1991 z28
Engine: Turbo 310
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: D44
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
looks good! really like the z28 emblem.only thing i would do would be to paint the grill a gloss black (maybe it is and the pictures make it look like its not?) and remove the old bow-tie grill insert behind it.(and then put in a HUGE intercooler.....)
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
looks good... I think it would look better if you could remove the bow tie grill behind it.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
It is gloss black, but it doesn't look like it in the pictures.
And Brisk, if I take the stock grill out, it would show all the inner bumper and crap. It wouldn't look good. Plus the mesh is on there permanently now.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: NYTHIRDGEN
Car: 1989 T/A
Engine: PROCHARGED LB9
Transmission: FB BUILT 700r4 2200 stall
Axle/Gears: 10 BOLT EATON 3:73 POSI
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
looks great, but it would look killer if the z28 emblem was painted to blue to match the car. instead of grey.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: East Central IL
Car: 1985 Sport Coupe
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
did you get the mesh stuff at home depot/lowes? i've been thinking about trying this with my sport coupe
i think it looks good. i like it without the Z28 badge, because since you have the bowtie grille back there it looks too busy. although you may not be able to notice the bowtie while looking at it in person. in which case both look good.
i think it looks good. i like it without the Z28 badge, because since you have the bowtie grille back there it looks too busy. although you may not be able to notice the bowtie while looking at it in person. in which case both look good.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Corryton, TN
Car: 83 Pontiac Trans Am Recaro
Engine: Crossfire 350
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 4.10 posi
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I think it looks great... I like the photo's with the Z28 logo...
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I got sick of looking at the same stock grill after 6 yrs, and knowing that every single stock 1991 and 1992 Z28 looked the same as mine. I had to do something different.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Various barns
Car: 92 Camaro RS, 72 Camaro SS
Engine: 305TBI, til it pukes
Transmission: Auto
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I say paint the bowtie Red so it shows through from the back! I like it, definitely different and that's always good.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,740
Likes: 15
From: Alamogordo, NM
Car: 88 Formula 350
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 9" 3.89
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Nice work... You still have one of my favorate 'Verts on here..!
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 394
Likes: 2
From: SW Ohio
Car: 1989 IROC-Z28
Engine: L98 - 350 TPI
Transmission: MD8 - 700R4
Axle/Gears: GH3/G80 - 2.77 POSI
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
#1 Great Color
#2 Mesh is great
#3 Don't paint the bowtie red
#4 Leave off the emblem.
The third pic looks awesome without the emblem and I though I am not into rag tops, your car is top notch!
#2 Mesh is great
#3 Don't paint the bowtie red
#4 Leave off the emblem.
The third pic looks awesome without the emblem and I though I am not into rag tops, your car is top notch!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
did you get the mesh stuff at home depot/lowes? i've been thinking about trying this with my sport coupe
i think it looks good. i like it without the Z28 badge, because since you have the bowtie grille back there it looks too busy. although you may not be able to notice the bowtie while looking at it in person. in which case both look good.
i think it looks good. i like it without the Z28 badge, because since you have the bowtie grille back there it looks too busy. although you may not be able to notice the bowtie while looking at it in person. in which case both look good.
I understand that not everyone is going to like it, because it's something different and unique. There's not a lot of options out there for making the grill on a 3rd gen unique, because everyone is producing billet grills, or small mesh inserts that give it that 1LE look, so I took it upon myself to do something that is 100% ME, and this is what I got. It satisfies me, which is all I was needing.
Member
iTrader: (2)
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 346
Likes: 1
From: Lowell, In
Car: 1991 Chevy Camaro RS
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4,
Axle/Gears: 3.73 w/SLP Zexel Torsen Limited Sli
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I like it.
Hmmm Maybe a red SS emblem instead of the Z emblem
Hmmm Maybe a red SS emblem instead of the Z emblem
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 0
From: MN
Car: 1986 Camaro SC (Supercool)
Engine: one composed of various metals
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I think if they emblem is going to be off-centered on the x-axis (i.e. to the right), it should also be off centered on the y-axis of the grill....like the lower-right corner.
I'm liking the grill though!
I'm liking the grill though!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 1
From: Corner Brook, NL
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
dude that is freakin sweet definitely use the badge. ive got one question tho, if you are putting the fog lights in wont the badge be in the way? would look kinda funny at night with them on
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Western Mass
Car: 1985 Camaro/89 Merkur XR4Ti
Engine: 5.0 305 LG4/2.3 Turbo (180hp/205tq)
Transmission: TH700R4 with Shift Improver Kit/T-9
Axle/Gears: 3.42LT1 Rear/3.64
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I love it. Its awesome nice job on working with the mesh. I personally would leave it with no logo. I think no logo, fogs behind the mesh would look really cool seeing as you can still see the bowtie just a little bit.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 2
From: CT
Car: Used to drive a camaro
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I'm diggin that bigtime. I don't care, either option (with/without emblem). What would look COMPLETELY bad **** is a FMIC behind that mesh...
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 0
From: Queens, NY
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: Custom Forged 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 4:11's Detroit Locker
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
looks good....i did some choopin up on my bumper and i have a huge hole there now for the intercooler...i wass thinkin of putting mesh in there to cover it and seeing how yours looks good i think i might....i have no bumper support and the hole is cut very large...only about an inch of the bottom valance is still there....how large can you buy the mesh...just to see if i can get some big enough...
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Thought about it, but then I would feel compelled to put ALL stainless emblems on the car, and I don't have the money to do that, nor am I sure I would like how it looks.
I changed my mind again...lol I'm going with the emblem and no fog lights. I removed the fog light mounting brackets tonight to clean it up a little bit more.
The stuff I bought was from customcargrills.com and they come in 12x48" and there's another size bigger than that. 
----------
Someone else told me that too...I told them that, that would be another thing I do to the car, in the not too distant future.
After I get married my future wife promises to let me save up for an LS1/T56 swap on my car, and that would also hopefully include a turbo with front mount intercooler, vanity plates that read GO TRBO, and a rear window decal that says "got lube?"
looks good....i did some choopin up on my bumper and i have a huge hole there now for the intercooler...i wass thinkin of putting mesh in there to cover it and seeing how yours looks good i think i might....i have no bumper support and the hole is cut very large...only about an inch of the bottom valance is still there....how large can you buy the mesh...just to see if i can get some big enough...

----------
Someone else told me that too...I told them that, that would be another thing I do to the car, in the not too distant future.
After I get married my future wife promises to let me save up for an LS1/T56 swap on my car, and that would also hopefully include a turbo with front mount intercooler, vanity plates that read GO TRBO, and a rear window decal that says "got lube?"
Last edited by BlueZee28; Oct 13, 2008 at 06:59 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 1
From: Paradise, Hawaii
Car: Too many cars
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
some blacked out turn signals would complete the look I think 
won't it be hard to clean the old z28 grill?
would heavy duty hook & loop work, also easier to come off for cleaning & touch ups?

won't it be hard to clean the old z28 grill?
would heavy duty hook & loop work, also easier to come off for cleaning & touch ups?
Last edited by karl's-92'-z28; Oct 13, 2008 at 07:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I have some extra VHT nightshades laying around...I was pondering up an idea for those as well. I thought about taking them apart, and spraying the nightshades in from the backside of the lense and then closing them back up with some silicone. That way they would never get water in them, and they would look very very shiny from the outside because the plastic hasn't been touched.
I've got my old set of turn signals laying around here but they're all hazy. I might screw around with those and clean them up a bit, spray some nightshades inside them and see how it turns out.
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
So you are going to leave the fogs out? And have you figured out how to mount it as of yet, I was thinking use some of that black double sided tape. I used it to put Kim's door emblem back on and wow that stuff is good stuff. or cant you get to the screws to mount it from behind? And also what about putting it in the holes were the fogs were to fill in the void?
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 0
From: Upland Pa
Car: Camaro Vert
Engine: 355 HSR
Transmission: A4
Axle/Gears: 3.73 S60
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Needs the blue 69 Camaro bowtie...
Other than that I like it.
Other than that I like it.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Merritt Island, FL
Car: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Engine: 5.7L 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Looks really good man. It would be interesting to see how it would turn out with the foglights back on. But looks great with your decision.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
So you are going to leave the fogs out? And have you figured out how to mount it as of yet, I was thinking use some of that black double sided tape. I used it to put Kim's door emblem back on and wow that stuff is good stuff. or cant you get to the screws to mount it from behind? And also what about putting it in the holes were the fogs were to fill in the void?
I was actually thinking about scooping one of those up on ebay but for right now I'm going to go with the Z28 emblem. I might scoop one up just for the heck of it and toss it on there to take some pics and put a poll up and see what everyone thinks looks better. Who knows.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (11)
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: Chicago(DP)
Car: '90 RS
Engine: Vortec 350
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 non posi
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
Looks awesome. Great job. Nice to see something different that is done in good taste!
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
It's a possibility, as long as I have enough left over. I'm not sure if I do or not. But really those two areas look like black holes without the fog light brackets, the only thing in there is a small plastic tunnel directing air towards the radiator.
Thanks Frozer, that was exactly what I was going for.
Thanks Frozer, that was exactly what I was going for.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Supreme Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 1
From: Paradise, Hawaii
Car: Too many cars
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I have some extra VHT nightshades laying around...I was pondering up an idea for those as well. I thought about taking them apart, and spraying the nightshades in from the backside of the lense and then closing them back up with some silicone. That way they would never get water in them, and they would look very very shiny from the outside because the plastic hasn't been touched.
I've got my old set of turn signals laying around here but they're all hazy. I might screw around with those and clean them up a bit, spray some nightshades inside them and see how it turns out.
I've got my old set of turn signals laying around here but they're all hazy. I might screw around with those and clean them up a bit, spray some nightshades inside them and see how it turns out.
A good way to clean is a polish called Plastics on the power wheel. It worked on my old camaro & firebird lenses. Or a light wet sand & buffing it out works also.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I might have to go that route. I was trying to open up one of my stock turn signals last night and there's no way in heck I can do it without busting it up real bad. There's an adhesive holding the lense onto the housing.
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: New Philadelphia/ Canton OH
Car: 1991 RS, 84 El Camino conquista RIP
Engine: 5.0 (for now)
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.xx torsen limited slip & 3.42 ope
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
i have seen the whole area cut out before. it hase to reinforced so it does not sag but i think it woulod look better with nothing behind it. but still a cool look
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
There's a whole nest of stuff behind the stock grill on these cars. All kinds of plastic hangers for the front spoiler and bumper...I wouldn't want to expose all of that.
I'm going to finish this up tomorrow. I've been too busy with work this week to be able to finish it, but I promise to have it done and fully installed tomorrow and I'll even try and get some nice photos of the entire car with it done.
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
I finished up the grill today! I hid all the wiring for the fog lights, removed the fog light brackets, and mounted the grill and here's what she looks like. Sorry the pictures don't really show the mesh all that well, I took the car out for pictures around 3:00pm which isn't a good time of day to be photographing a car... 







Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 0
From: Queens, NY
Car: 87 IROC Z28
Engine: Custom Forged 355
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 9" 4:11's Detroit Locker
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
see my dilema, intercooler is going in there...but i do want to put some mesh in it....jus hope they make it big enough....
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
The sheet I bought was 12x48" and I would think that alone would be big enough for you. There is also a size bigger than that but I can't remember what the dimensions are.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (25)
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 0
From: Beautiful BC
Car: '88 IROC-Z / '91 Z28 / '91 GTA
Engine: LT4 Hot Cam 305 / L98 355 / MR 383
Transmission: 5-spd / 700R4 / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3:45 / 3:23 / 3:23
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos
looks pretty good, I'd like to see a front shot in full light, not hidden in the shadows...
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,258
Likes: 6
From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: BlueZee's custom grill 101...with test fit photos





looks great! 