My black grill [Archive] - Hummer Forums by Elcova

NJ H2

12-14-2003, 12:31 AM

Very Nice! I like the black out look!

H2 MODS:
Xtremeflow Exhaust (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//1_Xtremeflow.jpg), Power Flash Programmer (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//PowerFlash.jpg), Xtremeflow Intake (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//Xtremeflow%20Intake.jpg), Hella Bixenons (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/h2hellabixenon/websize/DSC01542.JPG), Polished Skid Plate (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//DSC01513.jpg), Chrome OEM Wheels (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//FACTORY%20CHROME%20ALLOY%20WHEELS.jpg), Chrome Driving Light Bezels (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//Chrome%20Driving%20Light%20Bezels.jpg), Rosen R6500 (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/hummerh2//DSC01515.jpg), Alpine DVD NAV (http://photos.imageevent.com/benza/alpinenavigation//websize/DSC01602.JPG)

MAC

12-14-2003, 01:03 AM

Before. Was nice too.

Patriot

12-14-2003, 01:20 AM

Mac,

It the grill gloss black? Too shiny?

I'd love a more satin black rather than a glossy black

Kevin B

12-14-2003, 01:28 AM

MAC http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifyou mean you dont own a screwdriver? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

MAC

12-14-2003, 01:45 AM

I am sure they must some laws to make offroad lights illegal, always in the small print. My cop friend told me they can find something wrong with almost every car if they really want to stop someone, I got lots of cop friends. I just found the covers few days ago and put them on for a change. Cops and my Hummer crossed path 100s times last year, no one ever stop me or talk to me about having no cover.

The grill is glossy, which is just right, matches the body paint. I usually like matte non-glossy black.

My only obstacle was those 4 big screws holding the brush guard, I could not get them to move. Gas station aimgo had air tool, took less than 1 second each screw.

KenP

12-14-2003, 01:49 AM

Mac, your rig looks beautiful. That all black looks great.

You need to get these. http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=6706011751&m=5426077715&r=3836010815#3836010815

Black Lingenfelter Lux

[This message was edited by KenP on 12-13-03 at 08:10 PM.]

MAC

12-14-2003, 03:57 AM

Thanks Ken, the black out lense is a bit too much for me.
When we got home, my son excitely called out my wife to look at the black grill. She looked and looked and asked: "what's new? what did you change?" and went back in. To most people, it doesn't matter at all. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholders. I doubt most people will ever notice it, which is fine with me.

Once the weather clears up, I am going to clean, spray prime and spray paint the skip plate black, same way PhilD did it. That's about it. Don't want to over do it. The black grill is basically the only aftermarket item I got. I sort of like quiet stealth low key approach.

DRTYFN

12-14-2003, 04:15 AM

Much better!! Black grill good http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
Chrome bad. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

KenP

12-14-2003, 05:14 AM

Hey, step off DTYFN. I have polished stainless.

Black Lingenfelter Lux

Dedo-man

12-14-2003, 03:02 PM

Mac,
Very nice job on the grill... Have you thought about the Rims yet? I wonder if they make a Black Chrome for the rims yet? that would set it off. Im thinking about doing the same thing*

MAC

12-14-2003, 04:26 PM

I sort of like things happen naturally in a smooth fashion without streching it out of the way. When it comes it comes, when things happen it happen. Few months or a year ago, one needed to find a local shop to sand and repaint the grill, and there was no clear photos. To me, that was "streching" it to get it done.

In this case, 1/ It is a Hummer factory part.
2/ Price $368 is reasonable, S&H included. (GM parts direct $268+$35).
3/ I've seen several good photos, confirmed good service and result.
4/ I emailed HummerParts.com, Scott answered all emails instantly.
5/ I ordered and it arrived in 2 days.
6/ Installation was very easy and cheap($10).

That's the way things should work. A round peg into a round hole. In most things, I generally wait or back off if some of the elements are not working out smoothly and I have some minor doubts.

It is a matter of time, 6 months, 1 year or 2, some black rims will come my way at the right price, then I may or may not make the jump. Maybe one day a guy will say to me: "Hey, I can paint those rims black for you for $100." I'll say "OK." Anyone has good black rims photos? Drtyfn, don't you have black rims? seen them before but can't find pic. I am not so sure how black I want to get.

If this forum's store has it, it would have been my first choice to buy it here.

DRTYFN

12-14-2003, 05:21 PM

Here's a pic for you to stare at.

DRTYFN

12-14-2003, 05:23 PM

An old pic of a great rig. Notice the beautiful color of the vehicle. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I very rarely use tire dressing. I've also taken off my H2 emblems so that someone else won't try to help me with them. I have a friend that had someone pry his off with a screwdriver. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

DennisAJC

12-14-2003, 06:06 PM

This thread diffinitely motivates H2 owners to spend more for that personalized look.

Mac, very cool. The blackened roof bars are a first. Are you thinking about the mags yet?

I think going the opposite of bling bling might catch on.

DRTY, dems old pictures(Still cool)! Show us your new ones.

MAC

12-14-2003, 06:23 PM

Dennis, what are mags? mags are rims? I like the factory rim look.
My roof bars came all black.
Tell you the truth, I ordered a Lux H2 at first, 2-3 months wait. Dealer told me they are making one that day Adv. black, too bad it is all black, I siad, NO No that's just perfect, I'll take that. Added leather, cut the wait to 1 month. See how everything turned out just right without extra effort?

Drtyfn, Pewter is always beautiful. Them black rims are excellent. Give me your address, I'll find someone to come up and jack it up and take them, there must be some kids willing to work for a couple hundred dollars.

IMHO, them black rims do not fit your beautiful pewter Hummer, stock silver is just right for pewter. Tell you what, I am always willing to help out a friend in need, why not take a vacation in SF or go offroad with someone around here, stop by my place before you go offroad, we'll make the trade in 1 hour. That'll rectify your problem.

There's a black rim photo:

Frank Hewitt

12-14-2003, 07:47 PM

The black grill is fine. Kind of reminds me of the trans-am in knight-rider. I don't have a big issue with some chrome, nor am I hell-bent on removing it. I must say though, Mac, that if you only bought your wrap-around brush guard for protection, I just wondered if you mean protection from really really tall shopping carts or old ladies in the cross-walks? Perhaps you could use the off-road lights to see the shopping carts and little old ladies in the cross-walks just prior to using your brush-guard on them?!

gasman

FrgMstr

12-14-2003, 08:11 PM

Mine.
http://ares.hardocp.com/files/hummer/blackgrill2.JPG

Black door handles and Dynamat install next week.

Will be joining the black powdercoated wheel club here in a few weeks as well. I bought an extra set of original rims on Ebay for $150 last week...

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

Patriot

12-14-2003, 08:35 PM

Damn FrgMstr...you look VERY young http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

MAC

12-14-2003, 10:35 PM

Excellent. I was surprised the grill has only 4 screws, which made the job easy. The lower center plastic cover took a while to figure it out, I was "thinking" too much, it was a simple pull from one corner to the others. My only roadblock was the 4 big screws holding the brush guard. Surprised I never had the need to remove any big screws in my life prior to yesterday.

I like it very much. It looked a lot better when I parked it on the street, as I look at it in my garage, I don't know why I was so excited about it yesterday.

Cute boy, nice outfit & good taste in vehicle.

buddy

12-14-2003, 10:48 PM

Mac,

You did good, black looks much better than the chrome. Now, I'm back to wishing I'd choosen black instead of yellow. Next vehicle will be black.Maybe an SUT http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

DennisAJC

12-14-2003, 10:49 PM

My son saw FrgMstr's Pic on my screen.

He yelled' "SPIDERMAN!!!!....Took me a few seconds to figure it out.

FrgMstr

12-14-2003, 11:02 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by DennisAJC:
My son saw FrgMstr's Pic on my screen.

He yelled' "SPIDERMAN!!!!....Took me a few seconds to figure it out.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That goes on quite a bit around my house as well. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

Zing

12-15-2003, 12:27 AM

Nice job MAC and thanks for the pics. I'm thinking of doing the same. 2 questions. 1) Is "Hummer" in gray letters against the black, or is that just the lighting where I can see them easy. 2) did you see the guys take off your grill, where the screws and are they easy to access?

Kevin B

12-15-2003, 12:52 AM

DRTY did you rattle can those??

Dedo-man

12-15-2003, 01:07 AM

DRTYFN,
Actually, I like the Black rims quite a bit!!! How did you work that out?
I Have Pewter also and am thinking about going black...have a few chrome pieces still (which came with the Lux. package), but I still think a shine "Black Chrome" would do very well with matching Black Chrome accessories.
And Mac, I read your post about the whole let things happen when they happen deal.... makes sence, there is actually alot of logic behind that mind set! makes things much easier in life....

argonaut

12-15-2003, 02:19 AM

I like the black rim look, especially with the 37" MTRs. It would look silly on my orange one though. I would be living in halloween all year long... DRTY, I assume your buddy was in P-town. Where did it happen? I will want to avoid that area with the H@... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

FrgMstr

12-15-2003, 02:45 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Zazing:
Nice job MAC and thanks for the pics. I'm thinking of doing the same. 2 questions. 1) Is "Hummer" in gray letters against the black, or is that just the lighting where I can see them easy. 2) did you see the guys take off your grill, where the screws and are they easy to access?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> There are two screws on each end and two clips in the middle. If you own the right tool to do it, I think you will find the job an easy on.

1. Yes, the letters are the same color that they are on the original grill.

2. Yes, I did my own. If you don't have a grill guard, it is simply the matter of a four nuts to remove and a couple of spring clips that you just pull to disengage. Could not get much simpler... Here is my thread in the other forum that shows the grill off. (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=6706011751&m=3386044815) You also have to pull loose the lower grill cover that is held in place with simple spring clips as well.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

FrgMstr

12-15-2003, 02:52 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by Patriot:
Damn FrgMstr...you look VERY young http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dude, you ought to see how hard it is for me to buy beer. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

H2 Daddy

12-15-2003, 03:10 AM

Mac, tell your gardener the area around your tree needs a little mulch. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif How come you couldn't take out the four "big screws" holding on your brush guard? Did your pliers keep slipping off the bolts? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

MAC

12-15-2003, 03:13 AM

I did the whole thing, except I went to the gas station to have the guy removed and installed the 4 big screws holding the brush guard with air tool. The grill itself was only 4 tiny screws on the 2 far ends, done in seconds, when you open the hood you'll see those 4 small screws. It was easier with 4 hands, I held the guard while he removed or installed the big screws.

I am thinking about going back there to remove the guard for a few weeks. Try out the clean look without brush guard.

There was some limitation of turning space issue when using plier, I think another tool which fits onto the screw head, then you turn the handle will work, similar to the tool you use to remove tire screws(not the right name), whatever this tool is called.

H2 Daddy

12-15-2003, 03:42 AM

What about the mulch issue? Just kidding Mac. I took my grill guard off for a month just to have a different look. Ask your wife to buy you a small socket set from Sears for X-mas. You then can remove bolts easly.

FrgMstr

12-15-2003, 03:42 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by MAC:

I am thinking about going back there to remove the guard for a few weeks. Try out the clean look without brush guard.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I know for a fact if I did not USE my brush guard to keep the grill and lights from getting busted up, it surely would not be on there. The H2 lines look a lot better without the metal work on the front IMO.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

MAC

12-15-2003, 03:54 AM

Oh, ok, I see what you are saying about mulch. Yes, that is one section I'll take a look or mention it to the guys, I don't really like mulch, a lazy way out. We have been busy taking care 2 other sections lately. One koi pond has been turned into a seafood buffet for the racoons and cranes, yes, those big birds with long beak, we may have to rebuild it much deeper so the racoons and birds cannot stand in it, I hate the wire chicken screen covering the pond, and another Japanese garden section needs.. well forget it, before someone complaint about me talking about gardens.

Thanks for naming the tool, socket. No sense buying the whole set, just need one for that size. I never need it before in my life, unlikely will need it again soon. I can spend hours in the Sears hardware department. FrgMstr, do you know the actual correct size for the brush guard screws? what single tool do I buy to remove and install at will?

FrgMstr

12-15-2003, 04:01 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by MAC:
FrgMstr, do you know the actual correct size for the brush guard screws? what single tool do I buy to remove and install at will?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I used a 17mm deep socket with a 3 inch extension for those four bolts in the bottom of the brush guard.

________________________
Black 2003 H2 - Just like most of yours, just possibly with less crap bolted on.

My job: http://www.HardOCP.com

MAC

12-15-2003, 04:21 AM

Thanks for the data, got it on a post-it-note in my organizer now. Got lots of tools, often don't have the right one, or some neat tool never get to use them.
I don't feel bad about not knowing how to fix cars, the gas station guy knows about fixing automobiles, but I am the one with a Hummer. Poolman knows pools, but I have the pool. etc... Must admit, there is some satisfaction about getting something done yourself, felt good about wasting 2 hours on the black grill yesterday.

MAC

12-17-2003, 08:30 PM

Update, FYI. The hummerparts.com(a GM dealer) actual charge for the grill came to $345, not $368. Don't know why. Maybe because I said nice things here about their excellent services, which was indeed very nice.

Centerfire

12-17-2003, 08:34 PM

MAc.. a mans has to have a full set of craftsmen tools.. even if ou never used them.. they look so cool sitting in the garage..

Mike<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by MAC:
Oh, ok, I see what you are saying about mulch. Yes, that is one section I'll take a look or mention it to the guys, I don't really like mulch, a lazy way out. We have been busy taking care 2 other sections lately. One koi pond has been turned into a seafood buffet for the racoons and cranes, yes, those big birds with long beak, we may have to rebuild it much deeper so the racoons and birds cannot stand in it, I hate the wire chicken screen covering the pond, and another Japanese garden section needs.. well forget it, before someone complaint about me talking about gardens.

Thanks for naming the tool, socket. No sense buying the whole set, just need one for that size. I never need it before in my life, unlikely will need it again soon. I can spend hours in the Sears hardware department. FrgMstr, do you know the actual correct size for the brush guard screws? what single tool do I buy to remove and install at will?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Texas Red

12-17-2003, 09:21 PM

Very nice look on the black Grill, Mac! I like that it is glossy and matches the paint. Very clean, precision look. The price for the black seems very reasonable too. I will have to look at same approach for my Red, although it is actually closer to maroon. Nice job.

Klaus

12-17-2003, 09:36 PM

Texas Red,

See Detonate's post:

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums?a=tpc&s=2826088551&f=6706011751&m=1906033025

Klaus

"God made some men big and some men small, but Sam Colt made them all equal."

Texas Red

12-17-2003, 10:06 PM

Thanks Klaus, I had missed that series of posts.

MAC

12-18-2003, 03:17 AM

I was very excited about it in the first 2 days, after that I am not too sure if it made any difference. I certainly like it and think it is well worth the $350. I had it parked outside my office window yesterday, when no one is looking, I stood there and looked at grill. It is just what I always wanted, but to everyone else, there is no difference.

Klaus found it for $268 + $35 S&H at GMpartsdirect.com.

BLOWN H2

12-18-2003, 12:12 PM

Hi Mac you also have a very unique Hummer I used to have a 1980 chevy stepside 4x4 done up like yours the grill is a nice touch are you going to do the wheels to? Nice rig. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Tim ANDREWS

MAC

12-18-2003, 02:35 PM

Everything (except the black grill) on this Hummer came from the dealer, sidesteps are gifts from the dealer. Adv. package plus leather seats. Made on 8/28/2002. I have no further plan to add or change anything. Not even any special license frame, no sticker, no DVD, we didn't want sunroof, well, my wife doesn't want sunroof, she doesn't like to get tan. She is my supreme commander, El Presidente.