ES - 6th Gen (2013-2018) Discussion topics related to 2013+ ES models

300H blackout grill modification

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-21-13, 08:38 AM
  #1  
Frank1934
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Frank1934's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: FL
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 300H blackout grill modification

I really liked the way they blacked out the grill on the 460 regardless of the body color, and thought it was particularly striking if you happened to have a white body. Grills on all the sport models look much better to me all blacked out.

I first thought of doing it with 3M vinyl in a flat black or even in a carbon fiber black which would look great but different. 3M said their the vinyl on an exterior surface might only have a five year life and wrapping each little vertical bar would be tedious.

So I went to paint and did it with a good quality flat back and then a non-gloss satin clear coat which also gives it good protection from love-bugs etc. Most of the cost ($270) was in labor to remove the bumper and all the pieces.
Attached Thumbnails 300H blackout grill modification-lexus-2013-300h-grill-modification.jpg  
Old 09-21-13, 09:15 AM
  #2  
Mike728
Lead Lap
 
Mike728's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: IL
Posts: 4,709
Received 613 Likes on 461 Posts
Default

I don't know if it's just the angle of the picture, but that really looks nice. Great job!
Old 09-21-13, 08:22 PM
  #3  
Khandfw
Driver
iTrader: (1)
 
Khandfw's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: TX
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Wow, that looks great... I've been looking to see what I can use plasti dip on, ideas!
Old 09-30-13, 05:57 AM
  #4  
Frank1934
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Frank1934's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: FL
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default plasti-dip ?

That might well work if it would hold up to all the bugs and pebbles that hit the front. I felt vinyl wrap would not hold up and went with the satin paint and clear coat to give it as much protection as possible, particularly on that main mid crossbar
Old 10-02-13, 04:38 PM
  #5  
Krelic
Driver School Candidate
 
Krelic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

That looks really good!
Old 10-03-13, 11:27 AM
  #6  
timerbob
Rookie
 
timerbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Looks clean and nice driveway.
Old 10-03-13, 05:00 PM
  #7  
SW17LS
Lexus Fanatic
 
SW17LS's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 55,566
Received 2,519 Likes on 1,817 Posts
Default

That really does look great!
Old 10-03-13, 06:09 PM
  #8  
BobSagat
Driver School Candidate
 
BobSagat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ca
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

looks great!
Old 10-25-13, 10:54 PM
  #9  
ChrisEco
Driver School Candidate
 
ChrisEco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Looks really good Frank. Just turned 10k (avg 34 MPG) on my 300h and time for the blackout grill.
Was this your method:
1. Hire a pro to remove the bumper. I've researched and it is a bit tricky for me to attempt
2. Paint grill components with 5 coats flat black and a satin clear coat to finish it off
What paint manufacturer did you select? durability is essential as you pointed out
3. Reassemble bumper

Very sharp, great look and I appreciate you posting this.
Old 10-27-13, 06:34 PM
  #10  
Sevn86
Pole Position
 
Sevn86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,233
Received 83 Likes on 55 Posts
Default

Love the way the front looks with the painted grille. Got anymore pics?
Old 10-28-13, 06:03 AM
  #11  
Frank1934
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
Frank1934's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: FL
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I just picked the best body shop in town and after some discussion and exploration they selected a good satin finish black and satin clear coat - don't know the brand. The $275 included taking the front bumper and grill parts off to paint and then reassembling. I was very satisfied with the result and the care they took
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
myspec15
IS F (2008-2014)
15
08-09-19 10:16 AM
Polo708
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
2
07-18-16 11:04 AM
08wis250
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
7
05-30-14 12:45 PM
Frank1934
ES - 6th Gen (2013-2018)
0
09-21-13 08:23 AM
HeartmyIS
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
22
03-06-10 09:10 PM



Quick Reply: 300H blackout grill modification



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 08:29 AM.