Grillcraft installation - protection from stones

I saw the access plate... I migth try to make a pattern out of paper/cardboard before I do that. I though about using my car ramps, (rhino ramps) rather than jacks not sure the prius could get up those with out scraping.

Nice thing about removing the grill is that I could get a much better pattern. IE vacuum bag the carbon over the front.of the grille for a real nice final fit/finish

I have some 5.7ounce carbon twill on a roll from a model I was building and more than enough epoxy to try it... I figure I coudl do one layer of glass for the back side with the carbon on the front. it looks like there is enough of a gap to make tabs on the carbon and end up with a nice friction fit.

 

BTW your grillcraft looks nice. I do appreciate the pics and help.

 

garage yes...heated no. but it look slike I'd only be outside for about 30 minutes taking it off.

I have a heated workshop for doing the carbon work. if I took it off friday after work. I'd be able to do the layup that night and be able to have it back on by sunday evening. that would give enough time for the carbon to cure, and remove it from the grill while its still a bit pliable

 

my orginal plan was to use zeus type clips...for a tool less change. but seeing the gaps around the edge of the factory grill lead me to believe that a friction fit may be possible.

 

not a huge gap, less than 1/4" wide all the way around and nearly and inch deep but one layer of carbon/glass isn't that thick.

if the friction fit won't work, I then trim off the tabs.

On the outer 6"s of the left and right edges of the factory grill has some solid area where I think I could build it up enough to accommodate a zeus fitting.

 

I thought of the zeus fasteners, like the idea, but used zip ties instead. I looked under the car and couldn't tell if the grille will come out without taking the bumper cover off, let us know if it works. I have a new lower grille to go in mine when the weather warms up, just hate to remove the cover to replace it.

 

Supposed to be 44 on friday when I get home from work I'll give it a shot

I looked at trying to get access from the top but i don't think its possible. so pulling the lower panel might be the best option with pulling the cover.

I'll keep you guys in the loop

 

good news... with the front under the bumper plate removed, you are able to persuade the lower grille to come out.

i would highly recommend doing this when its warm out to allow the most flexibility in the bumper cover and the grill.

on the bad news side. once I got under the car I notices the oil filter cover flap dohicky is missing...

 

definitely MIA.... so I took some measurements I figure if I'm going to be mixing up some epoxy, might as well make one out of carbon and fiberglass. it'll be the trickest oil filter cover in the land... I'll just fab up a flat plate and head to the local hardware store and get a piano hinge... I have some 1/4" gray flat plastic, similar to what you'd find on a hard side suitcase. but I think it would be too heavy and would result in the plastic cover sagging.

 

Thanks for the update, when the weather warms up, I can change my grille. Oil change door has been missing on mine since I bought it, didn't know that they were prone to falling off till I'd had it for a while so I've just left it that way.

 

.....one layer of glass and one layer of carbon...in 24 hours. it should be ready to come off the grill.

 

I think I'm gonna like the looks of that, gives me some more ideas for mine. Keep the pictures coming.

 

ok so I cheaped out on the zeus fasteners... that might be worthy of a summer project. so for the short term I used zip ties. I had no black ones so I used white ones as pictured.

I'm not happy with the finish of the carbon. it could use some more epoxy and sanding, just to make it pretty.. but it should be very effective.

 

I did not make it... had some other stuff going on...I did not find any suitable hinge material at HD anyhow so I need head down to West marine and get a stainless hinge... and work on it another weekend.