I never liked the chrome on the stock s grille and have been looking at my options as to replacing/modifying it.

I'm not too keen on having to cut new slots to make the lower aero grille fit so I thought to myself, "would it be possible to relocate the tabs in order to make them fit in the original grille locations?"

I'd like to avoid making new holes in the bumper cover just in case I want to put it back to normal and modifying the lower grille's tabs is the only real way I can see using that grille without getting the entire kit.

Another option I thought of was getting the stock grilles painted all black so that there would be no chrome whatsoever. I don't think I've seen that before and it might be something I want to check out.

Any suggestions?

 

Depending on what color scheme you've got going, check out painting...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...c=15432&22

 

Don't worry about cutting new slots for the tabs. I felt exactly the same way as you before I did this mod, but said screw it and drilled new holes into the bumper. Even if you go back to stock, no one will ever see that area behind the grille piece unless they take it off which is a lot of work. I could go back to stock and no one would ever know the difference. It is the best way to secure the new grille IMO, best of luck :smile:

 

here's a pic of one that has a blacked out grill (among other things)

blacked out MINI