Chrysler seems to be grafting the Crossfire grill to other more mundane offerings. Looking at all the posts on how to make the Crossfire grill look different, I decided to try something. How to make it look different for not much money...fast!
Here are the ingredients:
1 can of Dupli-Color Vinyl and fabric spray, black. cost $5.99
1 pkg Style Guard chrome wheel molding 3/8" x 18' $9.99
Here's the recipe:
Remove grill (undo four bolts on top, tip grill slightly forward and release tabs).
Wash grill with a good strong dishwashing detergent, rinse and dry well.
Carefully remove the three silver bars from the grill. These bars are fitted into the front edge of the three horizontal bars. Carefully pry them loose as to not damage them or the grill (who knows, you might want to put them back some time). Set them aside.
Shake Dupli-Color paint can and carefully spray grill. Let set, repeat etc.
Put on about 5 light coats. The finish will have a similar sheen as the original nondescript gray, but now it is black.
While the grill is drying, take the roll of body molding and using the three silver trim bars as a template cut three new chrome "bars" (they are different lengths). Make sure to cut them slightly long (it is easy to trim some off, but you have to start over if they are too short). When the chrome "bars" are cut to length, again use the factory silver bars as a template to trim the angle ends.
When the grill is dry, peel the backing from the new chrome "bars" and using the channel on the front of the grill bars, lightly press the chrome strips in place. When you are certain they are good and straight, press down on them firmly to secure them.
Replace grill in car (make sure to line up the tabs on the bottom) and refasten the four bolts on top...
The black looks much richer (especially on a black Crossfire) and the chrome bars add some bling that was missing with the silver ones.
Total cost $15.98. Total time 1 hour.
Here are some thumbnails:
Unfortunately the pics don't really show the difference. It give the Crossfire a fresher look and chrome and black contrast is better than the gray and silver.