karl1672

I’m planning on taking off my front bumper and having it resprayed (no damage just usual DD chips, dings some plus holes from where an old radar detector was installed). While the bumper is off, I’m planning on adding the center radiator, cleaning the side radiators, ducts, do a general clean-up, etc. Once I get the bumper back I’ll install a grill set.

While the bumper is off, can anyone think of anything else I can do to take advantage of the access? I’ve already swapped out the chrome washer nozzles with black ones. Can’t think of anything else, but don’t want to waste the opportunity if I'm missing something.

Thanks

nosnow

karl1672

Great idea - thanks

TheBruce

You covered what I would have done: center rad and grills.

Good luck and send pics.

linderpat

definitely the grills. Rennline sells them

edit - see you already covered that in your OP.

HenryPcar

I did everything you mentioned on the list, plus change coolant as well. Once the bumper is off, it is very easy. My 997.2's radiator has a cap that I can pop out and drain quite a bit of coolant, Then I use an Airllift vacuum, hook it up to my compressor, use the attachment fittings on the coolant tank overflow, then use it to blow air into the system. Yes, you can use the Airlift for both vacuum as well as using it to blow air into the system. You'll be surprised how much coolant can be blown out from the radiator drain cap. Almost the entire coolant that in the system comes out. Just be careful to adjust your compressor to about 20 pounds so as not to risk blowing your engine gaskets.

karl1672

Guys, thanks for all the suggestions! I was planning on doing the water pump and low temp t-stat down the road. Sounds like I can save some time on the coolant flush - car will be out of commission anyway. Might as well do the belt and pulleys too . Was looking at the aero bumper, but I'd rather spend the $ on mechanicals.

Rennline grills are planned. Just waiting for the estimate for the re-spray and a time slot for them to do it. Will definitely take pix and document.

NuttyProfessor

Isn't the horn on the 997 sandwiched behind the front bumper? If so, I would put a new one in. Based on past models, those things always foul up and you can't get to them for replacement.

nwGTS

Clicked on this link to advise changing the horn and low and behold the guy above me did already. So +1 for horn. They are a common failure on our cars. So get a new one. 5 min job once the bumper cover is off.

ATSR

Came here to say the same. It seems the low tone horn is the problematic one (it's the one that went bad in my car), but I would replace both at the same time (like the dealer did on my car under warranty).

karl1672

Thanks, added to the list and picked up a high and low at Vertex. $25 each.