Car Grille Modification Ideas
BMW’s crazy-big kidney grilles on its cars get a lot of mocking, but they do serve a purpose. They allow air to cool the radiator and protect the engine from road debris.
A car grille is a decorative and functional design element that’s usually located between the headlights. It can cover a radiator, boost air flow and even double as branding.
Mesh Grills
Although the aesthetics of car modification and customisation have been tarnished by the garish ‘Fast and Furious’ or ‘Pimp My Ride’ body-kits, there are a number of subtle modifications you can make to your vehicle that are both affordable and stylish. One of the most underrated is a mesh grill insert which offers both protection and style.
A mesh grill is made of woven stainless steel wires which are tightly interlocked to form sturdy and rigid screen media. The material is able to resist damage from stones, gravel, mud, leaves and other road debris. The woven wires also allow air to flow freely through the grill, keeping your engine cool and preventing the buildup of dirt which can lead to corrosion.
Woven metal mesh is manufactured from a wide range of alloys and can be customized to meet the exact needs of your vehicle. For example, a custom-made stainless steel mesh grill can help to protect your radiator from loose debris on the highway while offering a luxurious and classy presence. Woven metal mesh can be further customised to your requirements through processes such as calendering, welding, sonic cleaning and deep drawing.
For the ultimate in styling and performance, you can car grille even have a completely custom design grill fabricated for your vehicle by RaceMesh Grilles. Call or email (Phone & Email at bottom of page) for more information on this and other unique products.
Aluminum Grills
Aluminum is a common material used in grills, especially since it is relatively cheap and easy to work with. Unlike other metals, it does not corrode when in contact with water and can be easily brushed to remove dirt and dust. In addition, aluminum is also lightweight and heat-resistant.
Many homeowners use aluminum foil to help prevent grease buildup on their grill grates. While this may seem like a great idea, it’s not without its risks. According to Weber, using foil in this manner can lead to chemical reactions between the aluminum and acidic foods, which could cause small amounts of aluminum to leach into your food. Foil can also become a fire hazard if it’s directly placed on the flames or when it becomes covered in grease.
Fortunately, a safer alternative to aluminum foil is a reusable grill basket. These handy grilling tools resemble the fry baskets used in fast food restaurants and keep foods contained so that they don’t fall through the grates. These are easy to clean and can save you the hassle of scrubbing sticky, seared-on grease off your grill grates after a cookout.
Another alternative to aluminum is a cast aluminum grill, such as the popular PK Grill. These are more expensive than grills made from stainless steel, but they last for decades and are unlikely to rust. They also come with plenty of features, including a 60-minute gas shut-off timer and removable storage shelves.
Steel Grills
Stainless steel is the perfect material for grills. It is non-allergic, resists corrosion and doesn’t leach chemicals into food. In addition, it is extremely heat resistant and can withstand high temperatures. It is also durable and easy to clean.
But not all stainless steel is equal, and you should look for a grill made with grade 304 stainless steel. This type of austenitic steel contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel and low levels of carbon. It is magnetic and highly resistant to outdoor elements, corrosion and high-temperatures.
Many of our higher-end grills use this grade of stainless steel. It’s the same metal used in kitchen sinks and appliances and is the best choice for grilling. You’ll also want to check the gauge, which refers to how thick the metal is. Thicker metals are more dependable and retain heat longer. Our Texas Tailgater, Little Hoss, Chief, and M1 grills are made with thicker 12 and 10 gauge stainless steel.
Cheaper grills usually use a lower-grade of stainless steel. They may be brushed or powder-coated, but these coatings can wear off and expose the underlying metal to corrosion. Often, these lower-grade grills are assembled with spot welding, which leaves the components vulnerable to leaks and stress fractures. They may also be joined with screws or rivets, which are less durable than welds.
Custom Grills
Grills have been a popular accessory for years and jumped to the mainstream through hip-hop culture. Whether you are looking for an all-gold, fully iced diamond grill or a custom design that’s unique to your own style, we have what you need to get noticed. IF & car grille Co has crafted grills for many celebrities, influencers, and artists across the world.
Originally known as gold fronts, New Yorker Eddie Plein is credited with kickstarting the trend in the 1980’s. His first notable customer was gangster rapper Just Ice who rocked his gold teeth in the 1987 album cover of Kool and Deadly.
The grills are typically made in solid yellow, white, or rose gold. They can be made to fit all sizes of mouths and can even be customized to match your other jewelry. The molds and grillz are fabricated in-house and have a 7-10 day turnaround (excluding peak times). They can be worn on both upper and lower teeth and will not chip or damage them. Each grill comes with everything you need to get fitted in about 10 minutes at home! The molding process is easy and only requires hot water.
