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HELP.. Which Front Wire Mesh Grill insert to get?

12K views 64 replies 36 participants last post by  01Snake 
#1 ·
Hey guys, Im looking to pick up a black wire mesh grill insert for my 14 JKU.. Can anyone recommend a nice quality one? There are tons on ebay but before pulling the trigger maybe someone can point me in the right direction.. Thanks!!
 

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#4 ·
X4! (Mike and I each have one. :D)

I painted Mike's insert to match his SpiderWebShade, which I think looks cool.

We also lined the back of both of our with some window screening, to keep out the smaller bugs and rocks. We've had them on for over a year and it causes no issue with temperature. Couple other guys here on the forum have tried it, too, and they are happy. :)
 
#6 ·
Rugged Ridge ones say they wont fit my model. I hace a POLAR... :( I guess because I have black inserts from Jeep in there now?
Mesh Grille Insert, Black, 07-15 Jeep Wrangler (JK)


MSRP $68.99

This gloss black mesh grille insert screen fits 07-15 Jeep Wranglers. These will not fit the Polar, Dragon, Altitude, or X trim packages.
 
#8 ·
That is correct. Since your polar inserts recess back in to the grill area, it won't work with the Rugged Ridge insert because it protrudes out into the spaces where your inserts recess. :(

Sorry! I originally missed where you had a Polar that already had the inserts. :facepalm:
 
#11 ·
If you want the best get a Metalcrafters. It's not inexpensive but it fits perfect and it's powdercoated high quality stainless steel. I've had mine on over 5 yrs. and it still looks new. If you want something less expensive there are a lot to chose from, down to a DIY. Your choice.
 
#20 ·
I just installed the one you have pictured that I bought off e-bay for 49.99 free shipping. The mesh is very hard and brittle and needs to be trimmed on both sides and the top where the air sensor wire mounts to the upper radiator cradle. I tried a pair of ***** but they wouldn't cut it. I used a Dremel and about 15 cut-off discs. There's one on Quadratec from Rugged Ridge that looks about the same but looks to be trimmed a lot better. Hard to tell from the pics if it's 3D like the one I got off e-bay. Rugged Ridge 11401.31 - Rugged Ridge Mesh Grille Insert for 07-15 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK - Quadratec
 
#22 ·
I wanted to go with the E Auto Grill one on Ebay, I messeaged him to see if it would work with my POLAR grill no response.. Rugged Ridge wont work with the Polar Grill.. And Metal Crafters is way too much $$ for a Grill insert..
 
#26 ·
Glad to help out. :)

OP, is there something about the Polar inserts you find lacking? Is it because the teeth are straight up and down and you want something cross hatched?

It'd be a bit labor intensive, but could you take the Polar inserts out and cut sections of gutter guard just exactly to fit the back of each insert, epoxy the gutter guard on, then slide the insert back in the grill?

I've never seen the Polar inserts outside of the grill, so I'm not sure if this is even feasible, but it seems like it could be an option.

One more I just thought of... If you just don't like the amount of stuff that can get through the teeth of the Polar insert, you could also cover the backs of each insert with some window screening and epoxy that to them, too. We lined the back of our Rugged Ridge grill insert with screening to keep the smaller crap off the radiator fins. It causes no problem with temperatures or anything.

Hope this helps!
 
#35 ·
Showing the backside of polar grill it came factory white with black inserts. I glued the zip tie connectors in w gorilla glue then zip tied my grill inserts ( painted gutter guards) several threads on this. All in all it was about a 15$ easy "mod" lol. Works for me :)
 
#36 ·
Looks good! :thumb:

That was what I was trying to explain in one of my posts earlier this morning. Good to know my logic was sound! :D
 
#40 ·
I just did this mod this past weekend. I have the Mopar Hood Lock on and finding a mesh insert with the hole in it was next to impossible. $15 and a few hours of my time is all this cost me. If there are any issues with it I can just cut the zip ties and replace that panel. I'm happy with it.
 
#45 ·
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