I moved on to the grille. Actually, this was done right after the windshield frame since it had to go to the chrome shop to fix the badly pitted plating. The chrome surround went on easy with four 1/4" studs and some small U-shaped washers. I also needed a grille. The original Sebring grille didn't really appeal to me so I went off the page and made a mesh insert. I found some unusual aluminum expanded metal and used a wood male die and the surround itself to form it into a 3D shape. It's held in with the same hardware that attaches the surround. The insert will most likely be painted or powder coated black.










To be honest, I'm not completely sure I like this setup. We'll see what the future brings. I've grown to like the uncluttered bare opening. In my mind's eye, I kind of see a thin polished or chromed aluminum (or steel) surround that hugs the body, mimics the contours of the opening and eliminates the mounting flange . My skill set for forming sheet metal hasn't reached to point to where I feel I could pull it off cleanly, but I keep rolling it around in my head. When I come up with a plan that feel will work, I will give it a trial run. The best idea I have right now is to form some radiused strips in the bead roller and then shrink and stretch them to fit. It would make for a larger opening and give the front a cleaner, racier, and more serious look in my opinion, but I have many more important things to do right now.

Here's a pic of a Sebring with no grille surround. Keep in mind mine will most likely be a darker shade of red. I would probably still do a black mesh insert just to protect the radiator from rocks. I'm kind of using the Healey Works rally cars as inspiration on this build and I think this look fits with the race theme. Definitely looks more aggressive.