Fun & Games with Husker's LeMans grill

Well, my 348 projects were delayed a few months due to a family medical meltdown, but I was finally able to get back on it. Somewhere along the way of preparing the car for fresh paint I decided to go ahead and paint the grill to match, at least all but the perforated "screen." I'm definitely a big fan of the round light look, and many thanks to Husker for actually going through all the trouble to make the darn things available to us.

Anyway, after a trial fitting I decided to make a few additional modifications of my own. The ends were just a wee tiny bit off from lining up with the rear fenders. Honestly, I don't think I would have noticed had the car not been torn apart for painting, but being able to really get in there for a good look made it possible. Also, Here are some pics showing the process. Still tons to be done, but just thought I would share what I've got so far.

Also, something about the small curves of the grill, right under where the rear hood comes down didn't look quite right to my eye. Mind you, this is NOT criticism at all, just personal preference. So one of the guys helping me out with the painting struck on the idea to square it off to match the square corner of the hood. I think it's going to look great once it is painted and fitted properly. Pics are just from the trial fitting, so there is still a wee bit of tweaking to really make it perfect.

All in all, I'm learning tons and having a blast with my project... even if it is taking a ton of time and moving slowly. Even better is getting all those wee little kinks worked out of the car that have been bugging me forever (rocking seats most notably).

Apologies for the meandering ramble. Picture time:
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Basically, just did some bodywork on the edges of the grill itself to try and achieve a closer/tighter fit, then built it up a bit on the top edge so "notches" could be cut in it in order to match the rear-hood. I think it will look great once the fit is 100% correct and all is finished. All I need is time...

 

Basically was just standard bodywork techniques. A 3M "bondo-glass" was used right where it starts to curve down to "build it up" a bit and keep the height of the grill the same for about another inch or two as you move toward the center, then spent some time shaping it by cutting straight down into the filler to square it up. It is all nice and smooth now after a bit of sanding. Hopefully I'll get some serious painting done this weekend.

 

Should have seen that one coming! ><

 

I just noticed this thread referenced (via google) in another and realized I never posted final pics. Well, I'm sure I did in other threads, but to bring this one full circle, even if a few years late...

Here are some pics once done.
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