PROTOTYPE BILLET GRILL FOR w124!!! NEED YOUR OPINIONS... - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

omegabenz · #16 06-07-2002, 03:33 AM

I really don't think that you are going to get much of any quality of a billet grill or a billet insert for $200 like you had asked me about. Billet machined stuff is typically very expensive because so much metal removal is done.

I am going to look at my brothers 300E tomorrow and try to devise a plan to see if it is economically possible to do this. I know you can do anything with a lot of money, but I want to see if it is feasable and reasonable.

I have seen those ones on ebay, but I looked really close and they dont look that great. My mechanic said that you can order the ones like that from mercedes in germany because his son was going to buy one from ebay, but he didnt.

I think that Alon's idea of pressing on more chrome strips could work. If you decide to try it let us know. I think that the best option is to just paint it black, then you wouldnt have to worry about it. =).

Austin

Ashman · #17 06-07-2002, 03:44 AM

I Had my car with this grill look for a few months. I liked it alot.

My new thing though is modern, and modern has less chrome. so I'm blacking out everything. but I will have the silver aluminum painted insert to swap in to show you guys the cool look it can have.

I will probably paint the frame myself with some gloss black paint. It wont be a perfect match for my paint, but it will still look good. professional paiting on it is only worth it to me if it will last.

Even without dechroming, which I wont be doing, just cleaning it and priming it well, it will still stick, and cleaning it off if you want is not too hard as you can tell.

I'll get another shell later to keep chrome for changing it out. I plan on just having fun changing the grills fromt ime to time

depending on my mood. Its simple really.

Alon

Alon

mushedroom · #18 06-07-2002, 11:38 AM

that sounds awesome!!!!
wish there was a visual...

hey how much were those factory strips?
are they metal?
do you have a part number?
that's actually what i would love to do with my grill if anything...
i just am not too into the 6 strip look....
i need more strips...ugh
let me know thanks...

#19 06-07-2002, 03:35 PM

that looks just like the stock one. the only grille's i like are the ones that are painted like ADAMS !: ) !

mushedroom · #20 06-07-2002, 08:10 PM

so i figured out what i'm going to do...
i just ordered 16 factory metal strips..and i'm going to add them to each of the un-chromed strips...(after i matte clear coat them for element protection)....and then i'll add them on with a light adhesive....
should be good...will look just like a billet and only costs 1.50 per strip...basically 30.00 total!!!!

woo hoo....

why do we love mercedes benz Y'ALL? (look on my license plate for the answer!!!)

Ashman · #21 06-07-2002, 08:25 PM

John... My grill has changed many times int he last year and a half.

I've had it black with a bit of chrome, I've had the insert black, grey, and covered in chrome strips.

The outside shell that is chrome, on my car will end up being painted black again, it does look really cool.

As for the insert, I like to play with mine and change it form time to time for kicks.

The one I showed was when I had some chrome door edge moulding, basically plastic strips for the door edges that came ina roll. I had these cut to length and I fixed them on the grill insert. the look was as shown.

When I black it out, it will be like adams, only difference is that I have an extra insert already painted a silver aluminum color, which when it is in the blackened shell with black strips, looks really cool.

I wont keep it like that unless it looks really good to me, but it does have a very cool look to it like that.

Anyway you do it is fine, as long as it puts a smile on your face

Alon

placo1 · #22 06-08-2002, 12:12 AM

Hey everyone,

If anyone is interested I think we should try and get a group buy for the Avanteguard Grilles, maybe get free shipping or 10 - 15% off the price.

Those that might be interested please let me know, I'll source them and work towards a decent discount. I have to determine first how many are interested before I start calling around. Once I have a good group of people I'll start calling around.

Ashman · #23 06-08-2002, 12:53 AM

Placo,

Try Performance PRoducts they might have it.

You can also try www.tuning-zubehor.com and requesta catalog. they have some serious things for our w124 cars. Grills, Grill shell update you weld to the hoot in place of the chrome grill and it will make it look like a 94-95 hood and there is no need to change lenses or upgrade the lights to do it. Est. cost for that with grill is around $600 and then there is installation and paitning.

But they probably have avantguard grilles for the cars. and some other cool items. I wish I could find my darn catalog, I'd scan for you.

Alon

Ashman · #24 06-08-2002, 01:07 AM

I hope Adam doesn't mind me using his grill and car in the example shot, but here is how it could look. Remember the color of the insert might be wrong, try to imagine it as a silver aluminum finish.

Alon

Hi-Power · #25 06-08-2002, 02:31 AM

Placo,

I sent you a PM.

Please let me hear from you !

#26 06-08-2002, 03:13 PM

haha ashman looks cool, i would do that but my car is ugly red and i need a new cool bumper like adams dont know where to get it tho.

aldedmon · #27 07-02-2002, 01:09 PM

I found this item while searching for an S600 grill kit for my 93 500e
Dont know how much this translates into good ol' USD but it sure looks sharp
http://www.wald-japan.co.jp/wald/p_catalogue/parts/parts_top.html

Hi-Power · #28 07-02-2002, 01:25 PM

They are offering the S600 style grill for W124 models 86-93 for 45,000 Japanese Yens...

Something like US $ 375.00

Sure it looks good, but I thinks it's a little expensive

But wait ! They are also giving you the option on the billet insert for US $ 400.00

http://www.wald-japan.co.jp/wald/p_catalogue/parts/parts_top.html

... naaaa :p

placo1 · #29 07-02-2002, 01:26 PM

Albert,

Nice Find!! I did a quick currency exchange check and the S600 Grille Insert Costs About $350 USD. I really wish I could see one in person, it's hard to spend that kind of cash site unseen.

I wonder if any Aftermarket Japanese Car Parts Importers can get there hands on one?

Might be worth looking into.

suginami · #30 07-02-2002, 01:29 PM

At today's exchange rate ($1.00 = 119.84 Yen), 48,000 yen would be $400.55.

Those S600 / Avantgarde style grills are a beautiful upgrade on the W124's.

Hi-Power just purchased one from Germany for a lot less money ($150???), but the quality was not great, so he's going to get it rechromed and painted black on the slats.

He may have posted an image of the upgrade recently.

I know we installed it at the So.Cal. euro light install GTG several weeks ago. There may be a picture on that thread in the open discussion forum.

We also took some photos of his perfect, time-warp 1986 300E (with squeaky seats) at the San Diego GTG last weekend.

Maybe we can convince Hi-Power to post some new images for our enjoyment...