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

Custom grille effects

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Old 08-03-16, 05:35 AM
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daljaz
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Default Custom grille effects

I painted the upper grille and center bumper with matte black paint and added the chrome lower piece. This gives it a little different look.
Old 08-03-16, 06:21 AM
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pab12
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>This gives it a little different look.
Yes, it makes it look much more current. Whenever I see a '13-'14 in a light color I can't help thinking how "dated" the front looks with the big body colored bar splitting the front end in half.
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Old 08-03-16, 10:10 AM
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chromedome
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The pre-facelift cars wouldn't look dated if the top and bottom grilled were the same color. It's a weird mix with the satin gray bars on top, body color bar in the middle and black bars at the bottom. I'm going to get some matte black vinyl to wrap the top grille and middle bar.
Old 08-03-16, 04:41 PM
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KennyLexus
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Originally Posted by chromedome
The pre-facelift cars wouldn't look dated if the top and bottom grilled were the same color. It's a weird mix with the satin gray bars on top, body color bar in the middle and black bars at the bottom. I'm going to get some matte black vinyl to wrap the top grille and middle bar.
Like this. (sorry about the picture orientation...and thumb)

Custom grille effects-20160625_174438.jpgCustom grille effects-20160626_120510.jpg
Old 08-03-16, 05:42 PM
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chromedome
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Man, that's a sweet mod. Did you paint the grille or use a wrap? I'm thinking of using a dark gray wrap instead of black, for a closer match to the 2016 cars.

Last edited by chromedome; 08-03-16 at 05:46 PM.
Old 08-04-16, 02:16 PM
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daljaz
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Default custom grille

I painted mine. I thought about using vinyl wrap but was worried the parking sensors would not work. They work fine through the paint.
Old 08-05-16, 05:11 PM
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Nelexus88
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I conducted a quick and dirty test of the front parking sensors covered with electrical tape. First with just 2 center sensors covered then all 4. The tape I have is thicker than most vinyl wrap (.006" vs .002") however the sensors still worked but maybe with slightly less range (Im guessing 6" less). This would indicate to me using black vinyl wrap on the bumper piece would not adversely effect the parking sensors.
Old 08-21-16, 08:06 AM
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Nelexus88
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Wanted to post a follow-up after wrapping my center bumper piece. Purchased 3M satin black vinyl wrap from e-bay seller and installed it myself (first time experience). Turned out good, but a little more difficult than I expected to minimize wrinkles. No pics of mine but it looks very much like Kenny's white Lexus shown in post #4, except mine has a required license plate in the middle. Also I noted no change in the operation of the parking sensors.
Old 08-23-16, 04:59 AM
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Point401
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Out of curiosity, how much wrap do you have to buy (quantity wise) to cover everything? Thanks in advance.
Old 08-26-16, 05:24 AM
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Nelexus88
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I bought a 12" by 60" piece which was the smallest one available from that seller. Also gave me extra for redos if needed.
Old 02-25-17, 02:46 AM
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GeoNJ77
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Originally Posted by daljaz
I painted the upper grille and center bumper with matte black paint and added the chrome lower piece. This gives it a little different look.
Just painted mine, multiple coats of black Plastidip, and 3-4 coats of Plastidip "Mettalizer," gives the flat black a metallic, glossy shine, definitely updates the front end's dated look. A+
Old 03-01-17, 01:34 PM
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MSAGRO
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It was the first modification I did with mine last week much difference[img]webkit-fake-url://fbf244df-896c-47e6-b950-ae10a51ccb7f/imagejpeg[/img]
Old 03-01-17, 01:35 PM
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MSAGRO
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[img]webkit-fake-url://eabe66b9-0251-4ea3-9de5-6bdae1f1c92d/imagejpeg[/img]
Old 03-01-17, 01:58 PM
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Gekko
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i like it. it looks really good. i like the "full" spindle look - more current, more aggressive looking. personally, i would not paint though i would use a wrap so you or the next owner can easily return to stock if desired.
Old 03-01-17, 03:11 PM
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MSAGRO
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[img]webkit-fake-url://eabe66b9-0251-4ea3-9de5-6bdae1f1c92d/imagejpeg[/img]


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