Replacing lower grille... bird punches hole at 100km/hr

[tigger73]

Has anyone replaced their lower grille with a wire mesh?

Ran over a pidgeon at 100km/hr the other day. Saw it and was hoping it was going to get out of the way but it hesitated and then was too slow.... heard a thud and then when I stopped later had a pidgeon embedded in my front grille.

Managed to get it and most of the feathers out, but now there's a nice (or not so nice) 5cm hole in my front grille.

Went to the dealer spare parts dept and they said it was a very comon part - went through 3-4 a week with front enders. Cost is $189 for the plastic insert. Hmmmm

So I was just wondering if anyone has looked at replacing their grilles with stainless steel mesh. I know it's probably not something that you'd go and do straight out, but given I need to replace mine I'm open to all options.

[noone]

eBay? Making your own wouldnt look the same

[tigger73]

The only grilles I can see on ebay/online is for the updated 2012 model Tigs.

There is a manufacturer in China on Alibaba but min order quantity is 10... would mean I have quite a few spares.

[djdavian]

Hi there, I have replaced my lower grille with a stainless steel mesh (custom made for Tiguan's- not the universal type). Here is the supplier and an image of what it looks like:

VW Tiguan Accessories (Volkswagen) - Antec Stainless Steel Parts, Accessories and Styling - Roof bar Systems for Tiguan 4x4



I hope this helps : )

[aussietig]

For a moment there ... I thought I was looking at Speedy Buggy or certainly at least a car that's smiling at me with two dimples on both cheeks.

[djdavian]

Glad I put a smile on your face
Looks like I didn't pull the 'mean machine' look off well lol

[djdavian]

I think its the close up shot I took...side view doesn't look as smiley lol

[aussietig]

Yes ... definitely better especially with the Savannahs & wheel arch extensions!

[Transporter]

I think its the close up shot I took...side view doesn't look as smiley lol

It looks good. Where did you get the wheel arch extenders from?

[aussietig]

He's based in the UK.

So probably cost nothing as a standard fitting.

[djdavian]

Correct, wheel arch extensions are mandatory in the UK for the VW Savannah wheel (as it is 19") thus I didn't pay any extra.

[tigger73]

I like the grille, though will have to see what the cost is to get it shipped out here. From the website it's GBP195 (AUD$290) so will be a bit more when landed here when you add on freight costs.

It's funny I've done a few web searches and none of these manufacturer/agent sites came up.

Re the wheel arches you would have paid extra for them - just the cost would have been "hidden" in the price of the Savannah's. Though it's nice of them to tell you that it was a "free" upgrade.

[DkN]

Not sure about stainless steel but plastic replacement can be found for much better price than at the dealers:

2010- VW Tiguan Front Bumper Grill Central Grille | eBay

[tigger73]

Not sure about stainless steel but plastic replacement can be found for much better price than at the dealers:

2010- VW Tiguan Front Bumper Grill Central Grille | eBay

You're right the dealers will do the plastic one for $189 pick up from down the road. But the polished stainless one does look nice. If I have to change it anyway I'd consider the upgrade.

I believe the link for the grille you posted is for the updated 2012 model Tig. I need the honeycomb one for the 2008-2011 (pre facelift) model. I'm pretty sure the ebay grille won't fit my older model.

[aussietig]

If you do go down the UK route, then double check whether the price quoted includes VAT?

As a non-UK resident you should not need to pay the 20% VAT.