Factory-installed vehicle grills aren't always equipped to protect a car or truck from rocks, leaves, gravel, sand, and other road debris. Without adequate protection, the radiator, engine, filters, and other internal parts of a vehicle can get damaged.
Are you considering making your own grill for your car or truck? If so, highly durable and versatile T-304 stainless steel metal wire mesh is the way to go. Here's everything you need to know about using wire mesh for custom car grills.
Stainless Steel Wire Mesh for Custom Car Grills
Containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel, industrial-strength T-304 stainless steel wire mesh is resistant to corrosion, rust, staining, and discoloration. It also holds up at high speeds and protects your vehicle from flying debris, even in extreme weather conditions.
TWP Inc. is your resource for automotive grill materials. Choose from Bravo knuckled (lock-crimp) stainless steel mesh reminiscent of BMW grills or smooth Alpha woven mesh inspired by Jaguar cars. TWP Inc. offers automotive grill mesh with electropolish or a standard mill finish. To eliminate the possibility of discoloration with taxing on-the-road use, electropolish is recommended for woven wire mesh grills.
How Do You Make a Mesh Grill for a Car?
Many automotive enthusiasts fabricate their own grills and customize them with emblems, chrome studs, and more. Design inspiration can be taken from antique roadsters, hot rods from the 1960s and ‘70s, modern luxury vehicles like Alfa Romeo and Mercedes Benz, and more.
As long as you're willing to put in some elbow grease, the process of building a grill is relatively straightforward.
You'll need:
- A large piece of extra-sturdy stainless steel mesh
- Heavy-duty wire cutters or industrial scissors
- A power rotary tool kit with cutting and sanding attachments
- Duct tape
- A permanent marker
8 Steps to Making Your Own Car Grill with Wire Mesh
The process of building a grill will be different for each vehicle. The complexity of the projects will depend on a variety of factors, such as the type of car or truck and the desired customizations. To get an idea of how the process works, we’re sharing some of the most common steps auto enthusiasts take to build their custom grills.
- Remove the existing grill from your car.
- Using your power rotary's cutting wheel, carefully remove the slats from the grill, leaving the frame (perimeter) intact.
- With your power rotary's sanding drum attachment, sand down any remaining plastic from the slats.
- With the stainless steel mesh on a flat surface, place the frame on top and secure it with duct tape.
- Outline the shape of the frame using the permanent marker, then remove it from the wire mesh.
- Using heavy-duty wire cutters, slowly cut along the lines until you have your desired shape.
- Bend the grill mesh onto the frame, snipping any excess material as needed. It will be a tight fit and might warp the frame slightly, but it should straighten out when you attach it to your vehicle.
- Attach your new stainless steel mesh grill to your car.
Car Grill Wire Mesh Materials from TWP Inc.
Since 1969, TWP Inc. has been an industry-leading supplier of mesh material for both commercial and DIY use. Our woman-owned business carries a variety of sturdy T-304 and other stainless steel wire mesh materials ideal custom automotive grills.
Whether you're looking for an understated insert, an eye-catching grill, or something in between, we have a product to suit your needs. TWP Inc. also offers expert in-house services, including measuring, laser cutting, and cleaning.
