Jump to content

grille swap maybe and painting it


Recommended Posts

so i've got my MJ runnin better than ever, most the noises gone so now it's time to start messin with it agian  :yes: i'm not a fan of the 10 slot grille at all, i actually want the 7 slot like a normal jeep but i've never seen a MJ or XJ with a 7 slotted grille, any jeep i can pull a 7 slotted grille off and mount right up to my MJ? also i do plan on paintin my MJ myself and doin a red/black theme (inside too) so i was wonderin has anyone painted their grilles, what could be a cheap job and if i don't like it an easy fix (i was thinkin plasti dip),

 

Redwolf

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think plasti-dip on the grill would get scarred up by stuff thrown from the car ahead. It's definitely temporary.

The only non xj/mj grill that will fit is off the compact wagoneer, which is still an xj. They changed the grills a few times, so be aware.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went with a 7-slot grille for a few years and finally went back to the 10-slot as the 7-slot was not 'accurate' for an early 87 model. Not that it mattered to anyone but me.

 

 

I blocked the two end slots on each side in an attempt to improve the aero of the rig.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

plasti-dip is fairly tuff when applied properly with 4-6 coats.  I have it on my light bezels and they are holding up great.  I havent done the grille yet as I am eventually planning to put on a 97+ front clip.  then again maybe my plasti-dip is holding up so well because its shielded my my grille guard....

 

even paint will chip if its hit by a rock. at least with plasti-dip its super simple to patch up.  it usually blends very well for touch ups.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went with a 7-slot grille for a few years and finally went back to the 10-slot as the 7-slot was not 'accurate' for an early 87 model. Not that it mattered to anyone but me.

 

The XJ and MJ did not have a 7-slot grille in the early body style ... ever. Up through 1987 it was 10 slots, from 1988 through 1996 it was 8 slots.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok, maybe I'm wrong about plasti-dip. The only experience I have is a guy who "painted" his Civic. It held up for a bit but started cracking, tearing, and peeling with winter and the sand/gravel on the roads. Don't know how or even if he prepped, though, or how many coats he used.

 

This 21-slot grill was also available: (It's upside-down in this pic.)

10629796_335050933338664_436660149030077

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:dunno: Didn't know it was that rare. It was on an XJ. Maybe it's cause I've got an MJ, but in my mind XJ ≠ rare. It's probably still there. I'm pretty sure the XJ in question was also sitting on a Dana 44 and had the fluid sentinel. Looked like all the boxes were ticked.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

:dunno: Didn't know it was that rare. It was on an XJ. Maybe it's cause I've got an MJ, but in my mind XJ ≠ rare. It's probably still there. I'm pretty sure the XJ in question was also sitting on a Dana 44 and had the fluid sentinel. Looked like all the boxes were ticked.

Yeah, that grille was on the XJ Wagoneer for a couple of years, and those were usually pretty well tricked out. Several years ago I trekked up to Rhode Island to hit a pick-n-pull junkyard for a dana 44 under an XJ. Met a friend who lives not too far from the yard and off we went. It was a cold day so we wanted to grab it and get out of Dodge. This yard has all the XJs lined up in a row. We went to the one he had told me had a D44 and started unbolting the axle, when I happened to look at the vehicle next to it. Sure enough -- an XJ Wagoneer with ... a D44. So I came home with two axles -- for $75 each.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As far as the plastidip goes. Its all prep really. It sprays, to me at least, easier than spray paint. But it is a different technique. Ive always had good results with it. Ive done wheels, grilles, rally stripes, ive even smoked taillights with it. As far as how to check this place out http://www.dipyourcar.com/forums/forum.php

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

I went with a 7-slot grille for a few years and finally went back to the 10-slot as the 7-slot was not 'accurate' for an early 87 model. Not that it mattered to anyone but me.

 

The XJ and MJ did not have a 7-slot grille in the early body style ... ever. Up through 1987 it was 10 slots, from 1988 through 1996 it was 8 slots.

 

I knew what I meant ;) I stand corrected at 8 intead of 7.

 

Goes to show how much I think about the number of slots in the grilles.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...