Expanded aluminum grille inserts

A quick demonstration of how to form expanded aluminum over a buck to create a grille insert. These work great for radiator grille inserts, speaker grilles, or even ornamental metal work!

[@MagnaMachineWorks]

That turned out so well! I have thought about doing this, but have never tried. Putting this one in the memory banks and will be trying this for sure now!

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

Thank you! I wish I spent more time finishing it off properly in the video. I’ve been on the lookout for different style expanded metal to mock factory speaker grilles.

[@HouseofChop]

Awesome! Simple and clear demonstration 🔥👍🏼🔥

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

Thank you! Very much appreciated!

[@Nmcg-ye7xl]

I look forward to your work on adding additional tail lamps.

[@theinsaneshecklador6598]

Turned out nice.

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

Thank you!

[@Freebird67]

Thanks awesome will help me out thanks

[@tomuchfunwithgas846]

Did anybody else notice it's not expanded but perfed metal?

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

Haha! You’re absolutely right. A few videos after this one I noticed that mistake. Oh well

[@tomuchfunwithgas846]

@@TheHotRodWorkshop Me to, oh well. Stay cool, have fun.

[@juancampos1609]

Yes not perfect but near. This is the technique I'll use. Thanks!

[@dbc105]

Where did you get the metal?

[@BigTime838]

Cool

[@timsmith1589]

Cool idea, what do you have running around your valve covers? It looks awesome

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

Thank you. Good eye! They are vintage aftermarket wire looms designed for the Y block Ford. These were offered for a short period in Honest Charlie catalogs in the late 50s I believe.

[@timsmith1589]

@@TheHotRodWorkshop very cool and I love the mercury valve covers too

[@omsairam9728]

👍

[@joell439]

Clever 👍👍😎👍👍

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

Thank you!

[@damiancampoz4493]

good video though

[@mr.curviac8277]

6:10 just weld it?

[@TheHotRodWorkshop]

In some circumstances yes, but in this example, the grille insert is aluminum and the surrounding area was carbon steel. You could try brazing the insert on, or make the grille insert the same material as the surrounding metal and weld it on.

[@mr.curviac8277]

@@TheHotRodWorkshop Oh! Well...personally I don't like screws, a bit of glue could work and I don't trust friction to hold the grille in. If (when) I try this trick out I'll just use all 1 type of material.