Help me decide between these 2 grill inserts....

camshaft · May 11, 2005

I am torn between these 2 grills. My truck has stainless (tube) bed rails and tube steps already, so I just need help in deciding the grill insert. I kinda like the shadow simply cuz it covers up more of the existing grill.

On the other hand, the virtual tubular is stainless, is better constructed and will probably last longer and look better in the long run.

Not sure if I can post links to other sites, but if so, the following are pictures of the shadow and tubular grills

http://www.putco.com/shadow.shtml

http://www.putco.com/virtual.shtml

I can get the shadow for about $125 cdn vs $145 cdn for the virtual

Oh ya, this will be going on a 05 Sierra, Z71 Crew, metallic graphite SLT

Any thoughts or pictures of these on the newer gm's wud be greatly appreciated

thx

Wingnut · May 11, 2005

I'd go with the shadow for the same reasons you had listed.

It covers more of the grill, and costs less to boot.

99-2door · May 11, 2005

I agree I like the Shadow on that red truck.

MS3DALE · May 11, 2005

I too vote for the Shadow.

biochemist · May 11, 2005

Tubular...it is what I have on mine, you can see it on one of my posts posted below...I thought about the shadow but I liked the bigger tubes on a full size...I would also replace the emblem with a billet...later,

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41114

Coconuts · May 11, 2005

I'm with biochemist. I think big tubes look better on a truck. Also, I'll take stainless over aluminim. Harder finish.

asilverblazer · May 11, 2005

Shadow!

ProSport Tim · May 11, 2005

I'm torn on a grill too. I like the shadows but everyone has one. I like the spiderweb grill that putco has up. However, they have it listed for $460.00. I'm thinking that's a misprint...hopefully? Looks cool. Do any grilles take the place of the original or do they all just go over it?

oldredhat6 · May 11, 2005

Having a GMC Sierra HD, I do not know if the tubular would cover what I have on my truck. I already have the chrome grill and they show it on a grey grill. The shadow looks like it covers more. I would think if your grill is chrome like mine, more of the original grill will stand out over what they show in the pictures.

I have been thinking of a new grill also, but would like to replace the entire grill so I do not run into this proble. What if you buy and it does not cover, are you stuck with it?

Does anyone have good quality close up pictures of these grills so you can compare?

My 2 cents.

IDGBZ71 · May 11, 2005

shadow

BRZ71 · May 11, 2005

I say Tubular, I just like the look better.

OLERED04 · May 11, 2005

shadow

mmmikkke · May 11, 2005

...On the other hand, the virtual tubular is stainless, is better constructed and will probably last longer and look better in the long run.

http://www.putco.com/shadow.shtml

http://www.putco.com/virtual.shtml

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'd go for the virtual tubular, for the reasons you mentioned.

Any other forum members who want to check the two out are warned: If you scroll down, you'll have to look at a mopar grille.

So be careful!

lisak421 · May 11, 2005

I have the shadow and love it!

It sounds like you have a "tube" thing going on with your truck, so you might want to stick with the same pattern. The downside is I think you'll be able to see more of the original grill behind the tube opposed to the shadow.