With the introduction of a new-model truck comes the need for custom parts. The problem is that companies have to wait for the truck to hit the lot before they can tool up and produce their goodies. That doesn't change the fact that we as enthusiasts want custom stuff for our trucks. But shy of going out and spending thousands on the tools, where do we get, let's say, a billet grille for a brand-new Colorado? Kaik Products in Arlington, Texas, has a solution to that particular problem. These guys are in the business of producing one-off products and are no strangers to the need for billet accessories. They took the time to design and cut out a grille set for the newest Chevy. The grille is now in full production and is available off of Kaik's Web site, but let's get into how it's installed. We had John Meyer of Clean Cut Creation, who built the Colorado on the cover, show us the finer points of the install.
1. The Colorado has a clean-looking...
1. The Colorado has a clean-looking front end, but the plastic-mesh grille just doesn't give it any custom appeal.
2. Here is the grille and...
2. Here is the grille and all the hardware Kaik provides. Each grille piece is whittled from billet aluminum, and then all the mounting tabs are welded on before it's polished.
3. Kaik also offers a billet...
3. Kaik also offers a billet Bow Tie to complement its grille.
4. To begin, John unplugged...
4. To begin, John unplugged the turn signals, then he grabbed the trusty clip tool to pop the 11 clips free from the core support.
5. He took the shell assembly...
5. He took the shell assembly to a clean workbench that he had covered in soft material to prevent scratching the paint.
6a. The factory mesh is held...
6a. The factory mesh is held in place with little ears that have been melted to lock it in. John used an air grinder to whittle them down and release their hold.
6b.
7. There are four speed nuts...
7. There are four speed nuts that have to be removed to take the center bar off the grille shell.
8a. With that off, two holes...
8a. With that off, two holes were drilled in the area covered by the center section to insert these retaining studs.
8b.
9. Now the Bow Tie slides...
9. Now the Bow Tie slides into the center.
10. The grille inserts follow...
10. The grille inserts follow right behind.
11. The Bow Tie provides the...
11. The Bow Tie provides the studs to hold the center of the grille.
12. Remember the retaining...
12. Remember the retaining studs under the center section? They provide the mount for the outer edges of the insert.
13. The center section is...
13. The center section is bolted back on. It will provide the area for the last two mounts.
14. John lined the grille...
14. John lined the grille section up and tightened all the hardware before snapping the whole assembly back in the truck.
15. Now that grille looks...
15. Now that grille looks much better than the boring stock plastics, and since it's cut from solid billet, you won't have to worry about the bars bending.