Crusher front on GT

[drdave]

Mornin' Campers! New user here. I have a brand spankin' new 2004 GT and plan on putting on a Crusher front end. I have read the past posts on this topic and thanks to posts by PTCruizin42, Flashbk2 and PTGT understand this will fit the GT's. My question is about the lower grill. I really like the two opening lower grill option on the Crusher fronts and wonder if that will clear the intercooler and if it will restrict the airflow too much. Thoughts? If this is a no go, my GT came with the new chrome accented grills and I like them. Anyone know if there will be a way to mount my factory lower grill in the Crusher opening?

[ptcruzin42]

I'll start with the factory lower grill. The factory lower grill is an integrated part of the bumper to the best of my knowledge (i'm sure someone will confirm this), so I don't believe there is any way you could fab that into the crusher other than cutting it out of your bumper and tediously shaping it into the crusher and then fabbing a way to attach it. There a number of grills that you can buy aftermarket that will fit into the crusher with very little work though.
As for the two slot insert that comes with the crusher...that's a debated question. The piece will fit without any problems and it will look good and it will allow for airflow to the intercooler, I'm not positive if it will restrict it substantially or not. You could run with it on for a few days and just keep a close eye on your temp gauge to make sure nothing funny happens. Another option would be to leave it open and fill the opening with some mesh grill...just a thought [:I]

Hope this helps.

[IRPT]

drdave, welcome to the forum!

[Hudd]

DrDave,
Most of what ptcruzin42 says is correct. Most suppliers say do not use the inserts. I went farther than that. There is a lip in the opening that the insert attaches to. I cut that out and then fabricated a mesh grill and attached it to the back side of the opening. Have had some heating problems and wanted to make sure this didn't add to it. Hopefully the picture will show up. Let me know if any questions.

[Beacon]

Hudd, where'd you find the mesh you used mate? I'm considering doing the same thing though I'd prefer to have the mesh as dark as possible. The mesh in the pic is silver/grey correct?

[ptcruzin42]

I cut th elip out on mine also. I tried using a mesh at first but didn't like the looks of it on my car. I'd love to see some mor epics of your car hudd.

[sakigt]

Hudd, your ride looks pimp without the front grill! If I were going to addd a kit, Id do the same thing.. [^]

[98 Neon Driver]

Folia Tec has some different styles of mesh in different colours. I put black mesh in my lower grill opening. The stuff can be had at your finer local rice shops.

AC

[drdave]

Thanks folks! I like the look of the mesh in the lower grill opening as well and expect that's what I will do. You all have answered all my questions and been most helpful.

For anyone interested, this is my first new car at age 38. Aside from the PT, my newest car is a '69 Mustang. I've been an old car buff from day one and enjoy doing my own custom work. You can get a peek as what I have been driving on a daily basis, until 3 weeks ago, here: http://smilewurx.com/stuff.html It's always a topic of conversation at my office about what I drive (I'm an orthodontist) and now with the new PT in the lot, the questions are flying about what I've done with my other cars. They all still reside safe and sound at home and are now "hobby" cars. Picked the PT 'cuz it's gonna look real good in that body kit and Chromalusion flames.....I still gotta be me!

[Hudd]

Beacon,
Believe this or not, the material came from Menards. It is the mesh that comes in a frame to install over the screen in a storm door to protect it. Very easy to cut and form. It is Aluminum and could be painted any color you want.

Ptcruzin42. http://members5.clubphoto.com/mike32...71/guest.phtml
Here are some pictures. Kinda shows the changes over the past year.

Sakigt. Since I'm older, hope pimp means good!! Thanks.