Rear mesh valance - INSTALLED!!!
#1
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Rear mesh valance - INSTALLED!!!
I have had this idea of making a rear mesh valance in the bumper between the mufflers. This idea was spawned from my desire to "lighten" the look of the bulky Maxima rear. My idea was to cut an opening in the bumper and then to fasten a mesh grill in that opening. I have Street front upper and lower grills so I wanted to be consistent with that material. I went to Stillen and picked up a Street Scene grill meant for an Eclipse because it was the right size (about 27"x5") and it cost $35.
I removed the bumper and trimmed the grill about 1" extra and then formed it to the exact contour of the bumper. I bolted the grill to the bottom of the bumper and I used double sided tape for the sides and top. I was going to trim the edges with black doorguard, but instead I sanded the edges to a nice finish.
Here is a pic of the grill unpainted:
YES, THE GRILL AND BOLTS WILL GET PAINTED but I wanted you guys to see it unpainted so its easier to see. We all know how hard it is to take pics of black cars.
I removed the bumper and trimmed the grill about 1" extra and then formed it to the exact contour of the bumper. I bolted the grill to the bottom of the bumper and I used double sided tape for the sides and top. I was going to trim the edges with black doorguard, but instead I sanded the edges to a nice finish.
Here is a pic of the grill unpainted:
YES, THE GRILL AND BOLTS WILL GET PAINTED but I wanted you guys to see it unpainted so its easier to see. We all know how hard it is to take pics of black cars.
Last edited by DeusExMaxima; 06-07-2008 at 07:56 PM.
#8
Good job, once again! This looks awesome and it wasn't overkill which it could have easily looked like- Fantastic job. Any hints as to what installation thread I will see you creating tomorrow when I drop in? lol
#18
that looks great, it follows the bodyline of the trunk opening nicely. I think if you minus the wing or replace it with the new 6th gen wing it would look sick. Thats just my opinion, its your car....good job on the mesh idea tho....props to you
#22
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Pics of the mesh primed and then paitned gloss black:
You will notice that the lower part has puckered some. To solve that, I just need to add a couple of 1/4" bolts and it should be nice and flush.
I used a dremel tool to make the cut in the bumper. I think I measured 10 times before I made the cut. I drew where I wanted to cut, and made sure it was symmetrical. Then I cut it my hand with the dremel. I sanded it with a sanding block using 60 grit to get a smooth line, and then 100 grit to smooth the surface. Forming the grill to shape took LOTS of time. I wanted it to fit with straining the bolts or double sided tape. I then bolts it to the bottom of the bumper using 1/4" bolts, nuts and washers all painted black. For the sides and top I used double sided tape.
Im pleased with the outcome. I am wondering if this might help gas mileage sicne it allows air to flow past the bumper instead of being trapped in the bumper in the "parachute effect"
PS I just realized after reading a post above that the lines are the same angle as the trunk. woohoo!!!
You will notice that the lower part has puckered some. To solve that, I just need to add a couple of 1/4" bolts and it should be nice and flush.
I used a dremel tool to make the cut in the bumper. I think I measured 10 times before I made the cut. I drew where I wanted to cut, and made sure it was symmetrical. Then I cut it my hand with the dremel. I sanded it with a sanding block using 60 grit to get a smooth line, and then 100 grit to smooth the surface. Forming the grill to shape took LOTS of time. I wanted it to fit with straining the bolts or double sided tape. I then bolts it to the bottom of the bumper using 1/4" bolts, nuts and washers all painted black. For the sides and top I used double sided tape.
Im pleased with the outcome. I am wondering if this might help gas mileage sicne it allows air to flow past the bumper instead of being trapped in the bumper in the "parachute effect"
PS I just realized after reading a post above that the lines are the same angle as the trunk. woohoo!!!
#24
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read post number 56 in the above link
Im not sure if he is an expert, but apparently Im not the only one that thinks there MAY be a gas mileage benefit to airing out the bumper.
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?p=4522272
read post #32
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread...ostid=31110381
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2214780
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=6480
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/show...7&page=1&pp=50
. . . plus many many more websites
Last edited by DeusExMaxima; 06-08-2008 at 02:10 PM.
#25
http://www.mustangevolution.com/forum/t10971-2/
read post number 56 in the above link
Im not sure if he is an expert, but apparently Im not the only one that thinks there MAY be a gas mileage benefit to airing out the bumper.
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?p=4522272
read post #32
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread...ostid=31110381
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2214780
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=6480
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/show...7&page=1&pp=50
. . . plus many many more websites
read post number 56 in the above link
Im not sure if he is an expert, but apparently Im not the only one that thinks there MAY be a gas mileage benefit to airing out the bumper.
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?p=4522272
read post #32
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread...ostid=31110381
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=2214780
http://www.gassavers.org/showthread.php?t=6480
http://www.newcelica.org/forums/show...7&page=1&pp=50
. . . plus many many more websites
I doubt you'll see any changes to your MPG
It's almost like the misconception that pick up trunk beds create a lot of drag and its better to have your tailgate down.
Last edited by IHAVEA2KMAXIMA; 06-08-2008 at 03:43 PM.
#32
copy cat....LOL you know I love what you do dues, keep at it, its lookin good
its hard to see but I have a LED light bar under the rear bumper
its hard to see but I have a LED light bar under the rear bumper
Last edited by DrunkieTheBear; 06-08-2008 at 10:26 PM.
#36
Very clean Deus! I also liked the silver. The puckered affect caught me also. But you've corrected that. I would do the red just yet. I think I would be afraid of red and black overload. But I am timid, ask me if I would have cut up my bumper? Heck, ask me if I had the personals to do anything remotely exotic to my car as you have to yours?
I agree with the above poster, "Any hints as to what will come next so when I come in here tomorrow, I'll head straight for your thread?"
I am only sorry I didn't get to see this girl in person that August. Stupid Grapevine.
I agree with the above poster, "Any hints as to what will come next so when I come in here tomorrow, I'll head straight for your thread?"
I am only sorry I didn't get to see this girl in person that August. Stupid Grapevine.
#38
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Very clean Deus! I also liked the silver. The puckered affect caught me also. But you've corrected that. I would do the red just yet. I think I would be afraid of red and black overload. But I am timid, ask me if I would have cut up my bumper? Heck, ask me if I had the personals to do anything remotely exotic to my car as you have to yours?
I agree with the above poster, "Any hints as to what will come next so when I come in here tomorrow, I'll head straight for your thread?"
I am only sorry I didn't get to see this girl in person that August. Stupid Grapevine.
I agree with the above poster, "Any hints as to what will come next so when I come in here tomorrow, I'll head straight for your thread?"
I am only sorry I didn't get to see this girl in person that August. Stupid Grapevine.
I have given hints as to what will come next and its gonna be big. It wont be tomorrow, but its comin'
Last edited by DeusExMaxima; 06-09-2008 at 08:56 AM.