DIY: Grille Mesh Install (replacement)
01-10-2011, 02:15 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
DIY: Grille Mesh Install (replacement)
This is for a Porsche 996 Turbo. Basics of install should apply to any similar car.
Note: customcargrills.com offers several attachment methods, along with HD videos on how to use each. I chose this since it cannot be seen and is attached around 100% of the perimeter.
http://customcargrills.com/products.asp?cat=28
I used Black Powder coated small diamond mesh purchased from Customcargrills.com I also talked to the owner who was extremely nice and helpful. I can't say enough good things about him and the products
TOOLS:
Tin Snips/Scissors
Hammer
Scrap Wood
Flat Head Screwdriver (wide blade)
Grille Material
Adhesive (I used "automotive Amazing Goop") can use windshield adhesive
Zip Ties
Picture of mesh:
Step 1. Remove Front Bumper Cover
Step 2. Remove Stock Grills (requires flat head screwdriver)
On my grills, there are several tabs that need to be pulled back from lip. You may have to either use multiple screwdrivers to get it pulled back enough to start separating from the cover. Although flexible - if you use too much force it is possible to break the grill "tab".
Step 3. Lay mesh over openings
Step 4. Outline openings using sharpie (I used silver)
Step 5. Create second outline for cutting - this should be same or less than lip depth on bumper cover.
Step 6. Using tin snips - cut outer outline of mesh
(no picture)
Step 7. Using Hammer and wood. Bend down on inner line at approx 90 degree angle (you can adjust later) by gentle hammering the material to a nice bend. On the corners, it may helpful to cut mesh perpendicular to bend line to easy bending.
Final Product
Step 8. Test fitting - adjust as necessary. (I have one large tab on lip, I had to cut deeper into mesh to go over and around this tab).
Use a wide blade like chisel or flat head screwdriver to adjust angle of bend to match that of lip. Some may require more than 90 degrees, some less. Make sure mesh is fairly tight to the lip of the opening. The adhesive must be able to touch both.
Step 9. Use Zip ties to secure mesh to cover.
Step 10. Apply Adhesive on top of lip - allow adhesive to run down onto mesh and lip. Make sure adhesive stays to the non-visible portion bumper cover!
- after setting, you can see how it ran.
Step 11. Optional - place something with some weight on the mesh to hold it "down" while adhesive sets.
Step 12. Wait 24 hours for adhesive to set. Then remove ties...gently push on mesh from the front to see if any spots did not take hold. reglue if necessary.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I will be adding a small rubber piece to cover the lip that is now exposed. I will edit this thread when I find the right material to cover it with.
Note: customcargrills.com offers several attachment methods, along with HD videos on how to use each. I chose this since it cannot be seen and is attached around 100% of the perimeter.
http://customcargrills.com/products.asp?cat=28
I used Black Powder coated small diamond mesh purchased from Customcargrills.com I also talked to the owner who was extremely nice and helpful. I can't say enough good things about him and the products
TOOLS:
Tin Snips/Scissors
Hammer
Scrap Wood
Flat Head Screwdriver (wide blade)
Grille Material
Adhesive (I used "automotive Amazing Goop") can use windshield adhesive
Zip Ties
Picture of mesh:
Step 1. Remove Front Bumper Cover
Step 2. Remove Stock Grills (requires flat head screwdriver)
On my grills, there are several tabs that need to be pulled back from lip. You may have to either use multiple screwdrivers to get it pulled back enough to start separating from the cover. Although flexible - if you use too much force it is possible to break the grill "tab".
Step 3. Lay mesh over openings
Step 4. Outline openings using sharpie (I used silver)
Step 5. Create second outline for cutting - this should be same or less than lip depth on bumper cover.
Step 6. Using tin snips - cut outer outline of mesh
(no picture)
Step 7. Using Hammer and wood. Bend down on inner line at approx 90 degree angle (you can adjust later) by gentle hammering the material to a nice bend. On the corners, it may helpful to cut mesh perpendicular to bend line to easy bending.
Final Product
Step 8. Test fitting - adjust as necessary. (I have one large tab on lip, I had to cut deeper into mesh to go over and around this tab).
Use a wide blade like chisel or flat head screwdriver to adjust angle of bend to match that of lip. Some may require more than 90 degrees, some less. Make sure mesh is fairly tight to the lip of the opening. The adhesive must be able to touch both.
Step 9. Use Zip ties to secure mesh to cover.
Step 10. Apply Adhesive on top of lip - allow adhesive to run down onto mesh and lip. Make sure adhesive stays to the non-visible portion bumper cover!
- after setting, you can see how it ran.Step 11. Optional - place something with some weight on the mesh to hold it "down" while adhesive sets.
Step 12. Wait 24 hours for adhesive to set. Then remove ties...gently push on mesh from the front to see if any spots did not take hold. reglue if necessary.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
I will be adding a small rubber piece to cover the lip that is now exposed. I will edit this thread when I find the right material to cover it with.
01-10-2011, 05:02 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
Great write-up!
01-10-2011, 06:33 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I don't know about that...this particular mesh is rated at ~67% opening. I don't know what the stock grill is...perhaps about the same or a little higher. (Big Plastic Fins use up a lot of space).
But this is similar mesh to what I see on other HP cars and racers...so it should not be an issue.
But this is similar mesh to what I see on other HP cars and racers...so it should not be an issue.
12-14-2013, 10:56 AM
#7
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
