Help me make a bow tie delete grill

[toehead93]

Okay, I want to customize my grill by deleting the bow tie and all of the vertical pieces except at the center. I think I have all the steps but I need help with the proper details. First step is obviously to remove the bumper, grill, and bow tie. I then plan on cutting the vertical supports out with a dremel (unless there is a better tool). After the vertical supports are gone I'll sand the grill so it is smooth. Next I need a compound to fill the are where the bow tie was (what material?). Once dry I'll sand it smooth to match the adjacent surfaces. Last step is painting it all flat black and reassembling. What do you think?

[csjcsj]

Maybe some plastic bondo. I think that's what it is called. Alot of folks use it on their fairings on motorcycles.

[toehead93]

Do you know what type of plastic the grill is made of (ABS Plastic)? I need to select a filler that will work with it (Bondo 261, permatex, 3M, Fusor, Pro Form?). I'm worried about selecting something that can be applied over 1/4" thick. Thanks.

I found this on a Tahoe forum:
To fill in the recess where the bowtie was (in the horizonatal strip between the grill surrounds) I used 1/8" polypropylene, cut into two shapes that filled the recess. Using plastic bumper adhesive/ filler from Urethane Supply Company, I then bonded the two pieces to the recessed area. Using the same filler, I then smoothed over any gaps, sanded and finished.

[toehead93]

No autobody guys out there?

[csjcsj]

Someone also sells a piece to replace it also. Think they are called DefenderWorx.

[toehead93]

I see 5th Gen Concepts sells a bowtie filler for $70, which isn't too bad (less would be better).

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

Originally Posted by toehead93

I see 5th Gen Concepts sells a bowtie filler for $70, which isn't too bad (less would be better).

That is probably gonna be your only option at this point.

[wylde1]

You're probably going to need some of those vertical supports to hold the shape on the front of the fascia. the top will sag down a bit without the grill in there to support it. Unless you reinforce the top section with something so it holds shape.

another issue you might come across is that the grill itself is not smooth. It's got a texture to it, and you might be able to see the difference if you sand the bondo smooth. I would recommend putting a thin coat of the filler on the whole grill and sanding it. That way everything has the same texture, and it will look seamless.

[Cam 427]

Originally Posted by toehead93

I see 5th Gen Concepts sells a bowtie filler for $70, which isn't too bad (less would be better).

I've been waiting for 5th Gen to start selling these but they are waiting for a GM selling agreement for their bow tie products. They stated that the bow tie product they sell uses the same mold as the delete piece. So, until they get the rights to sell from GM the delete is not available yet.