Custom mesh AMG grille - Benzworld.org

wmr120 · 09-08-2005, 08:48 PM

Hey guys, I just finished installing a custom mesh AMG grille I made for my CLK55. It took me quite a bit of time to make but it was well worth it. Let me know what you think.

bs00clk · 09-08-2005, 09:47 PM

Maybe the pictures don't do it justice but I'm not feelin' it...looks a bit to stark.

**ThrillKill** · 09-08-2005, 10:40 PM

Cool idea, just a little too plain. Needs something to offset the flatness. I always wanted to do something like my ML grill without the star but I think it might be too industrial looking for the CLK.

jjj0923 · 09-09-2005, 04:22 AM

I think it looks very nice..

why did it take a long time?

I installed a grille yesterday and it only took an hour even with removing the mercedes hood insignia and installed a flat insignia..

clk_sex · 09-09-2005, 04:33 AM

Looks Great! But I feel it looks alittle bare.[8D]

wmr120 · 09-09-2005, 05:09 AM

Thanks for the responses. The whole reason I did this is because I WANTED it to look bare, give it clean lines. First of all, I'm not too hot on the "big star" look. To me, it screams, hey look at me, I'm driving a Mercedes! So I decided to do something different. I wanted to give it that aggressive muted look without getting to eccentric. (Remember, this is my opinion, I'm not bashing anyone who has the big star)

The reason it took so long is because I made the grille, from scratch. I did not buy it. Meaning, it was a flat piece of mesh that I had to bend, then cut, then fit (I repeated this process several times) then bolt it in place.

Also, if you really looked at it, you'll not find a slot for the hood release. I had to devise a way to be able to open the hood without cutting into the grille.

Anyway, it will look alot better once the Carlsson RS kit is on. Another reason for doing this was that when I get the kit, I wanted to add mesh to the opening of the front bumper and have the grille and the opening match. You know, give it a more uniformed look. I'm even removing the hood emblem and replacing it. I'll attach a picture of what I'm replacing it with. It's the anal retentive side of me.

Thanks for the input.

jjj0923 · 09-09-2005, 05:30 AM

well duh!!!

my bad - I should have thought of the hood release when looking at the grill.

yea - you really did have your work cut out for you. My installation was baby steps compared to what you had to do.

I like your grille on your car.

**ThrillKill** · 09-09-2005, 06:08 AM

So how DO you open it? I commend you on your modesty. Since I drive a little 320 and would be nervous racing a Yugo for pinks, it's important for me to have a grill that screams, "I DRIVE A MERCEDES!"with a little, "NYA NYA NYA NYA NYA NYA!" thrown in for good measure. [8D]

jtbeche · 09-09-2005, 06:38 AM

I kinda like it, BUT, and again...just my opinion....it would look sooo much better on a black car and try and give the whole car the black look. It just kinda looks a little out of place to me on a silver car. Very nice work though and keep it up. I look forward to seeing how it looks in person someday whenever we can all find time to meet up.

wmr120 · 09-09-2005, 06:55 AM

I agree it would look really good on a black CLK. I thought about possibly putting silver mesh on but then reconsidered because then it would look too much like a tuned ricer. What I may do though is make another one but have it powder-coated in black chrome (same color as the black or chrome trim around the side windows).

I've also considered mounting the hood star in the center of the grille. I cut the hood star from the base, filed it down so that it would be smooth, polished it, then clear coated it. I still haven't decided on whether or not I'll do it but we'll see.

I test fitted it and it looks okay. Maybe I will put it on after all. I'll post pics later with it mounted and have you guys tell me what you think.