Well, I don't have the privileges to start a new write-up thread so it's going here. This is a quick and easy write up for creating your own "Defaz" billet grille. I say Defaz because he introduced me to the idea years ago on cardomain.






1. Buy some door dinger chrome strips. You can buy the molding in straight strips or from a roll. I recommend the straight strips from Walmart at just over $2. I really should have checked my receipt but you will need with 4 or 5 pairs to complete the grille.



2. You can leave your grille on for this install or take it off. I wanted to scrape out some of the bugs in my radiator anyways and I had everything apart for installing my Hella e-codes.


3. Ensure the grille is clean.


4. Cut a strip at about 8.75 and see how it fits. I should go measure the exact length but you have a lot of play to make mistakes. Use a new or really good pair of scissors and make your cuts from the outside (fat side facing out) inward. After your cut go see how it fits. My first time I regretted leaving too much of a gap at both ends, so it's okay if it's a tight fit. Once you have your sample piece, you can use it as a guide to cut each additional slot piece marking them with an ink pen. Cut out one at a time to ensure each is the same length.


5. Apply from one end down.


6. Finished! Enjoy the improved not-too-flashy look of your Jeep.



*Note: Some brands are better than others. The chrome taping is protected by thin plastic. After a hard spray wash, the water gets behind it and doesn't look as pristine as the original install. It really isn't noticeable at all and doesn't retract from the overall look. I would say these last 3-4 years before they start chipping apart from debris and road bugs.

 

Me likey have 2000xj the color is med fern green and believe me your idea is Hot thanks for sharing if youve effer seen a stacy david show on spike tv its all in the the details I have a wolf plate on front of mine too make it diff. goodjob on yours

 

That looks really clean, nice job.

 

Very nice. If only your end-caps and air damn were as nice. Hit them with some Krylon Fusion Black paint.

 

Yea, it's been sitting in the garage for most of the last six years when I was in Japan. That blue tint has just naturally started coming out. I use Meguiar's NXT Detailer and it works wonders. I like the paint idea, what prep do you have to do?

 

Soak in degreaser for a couple hours. Wash with soap and water. Rubbing alcohol, dry then paint. Krylon claims no prep is needed, I took precautions anyway. Take off the endcaps or mask the rest of your Jeep. The air damn is held in with rivets, I don't recommend trying to remove it.

 

Not gonna lie, I actually like it. Very innovative, nice work.