Skip the mumbo-jumbo and show me how to do it!

Who said that photoshopping doesn't lead to very good things?  I have found that by altering pictures of my car, I can get a really good idea of whether I should attempt a particular modification or not.  This modification came directly from two pictures I photoshopped of Jamin's 99 HX and my 97 DX.  Since the upper grill on both cars is similar, this mod can be performed any 96-00 Civic.  Basically what I did is remove the H emblem only on the upper grill and left ever other piece fully intact.  So the plastic pieces that run vertically and horizontally are all still there, just the H and all the plastic behind it is missing.

This is the ultimate mod for people who want the super clean look.  I had already removed the H on the back, the Civic and the DX.  The H on the front was the last one to go.  Most people either buy a new upper grill and then paint it to match their car (very costly).  Other people cut out the whole plastic piece entirely leaving a gaping hole in their upper grill.  And unless you plan on putting a wire mesh behind it, it's got to look a little bit odd with just a hole there (not dissin' those who've done it that way).   

So my method was to combine functionality with form and your average person working with a budget to create this new upper grill conversion kit.  First off, this method works, and it looks awesome.  The upcoming photos are not photoshopped, they are actual pictures of my car.  It took me only a few hours to do and the best part is, I didn't even drive to Home Depot once.  All the stuff I needed I found right in my garage.  But if your garage isn't as cluttered with junk as mine is, here's a list of what I used:

1. Epoxy Glue
2. Razor Blade
3. About a 6"x6" piece of 1/8" MDF Hardboard
4. Gray Primer Spray Paint
5. Flat Black Spray Paint
6. 1" wide Masking Tape
7. 220 Sandpaper
8. 600 Sandpaper
9. Putty (wood or wall)

Below are the only  three photoshopped pictures on my site that show exactly what I did.  If you think you're ready to tackle this job, click here for the complete how-to.

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