hey, Max...you shouldv'e seen the metal laying around in my garage trying to make a new grille...I finally gave the expanded metal to my neighbor's son, for his ricer...that angle is a killer...I used bar aluminum for the frame...attached wire mesh design...but you need to reinforce somehow...more metal just didn't do it any favors...so, I think plastic...but its too expensive for the locals (plastic extruders) to take on....so good luck...keep us posted, you ole' tire salesman...LOL