Urgent help needed with Side Scoop Mesh Grill Install

[Darkcyd]

Why is it that the DIY instructions always make things seem easier than they really are? =/

So I decided to go ahead with a mini project to install mesh grills in the side scoops as a prelude project to doing a lexan engine cover as DIY project. The instructions in the FAQ make it seem like a rather innocuous 1-2 hour dabbling. And seeing as how the previous day I'd already done a mini-project of going into the same cavity and removing the air intake funnel, it seemed like it'd be a piece of cake. How wrong I was...

Getting the wheels off, peeling back the plastic, and gaining access to the scoops went quickly. But after that, it was all downhill. The DIY states that the tough part of the project is getting the special nuts off. Tough doesn't even begin to describe it. Try IMPOSSIBLE. I have fairly small hands but even then I couldn't fit them through the cramped quarters with any sort of ease to get the special nuts off. So what to do then? I decided that I was going to give up on them and just take the vent louver off by itself. That was a major PITA too! I took off the two small screws easily enough, but the ones facing the interior were near impossible too! At that point I decided I was going to commit, so I just ripped the vent louver off the last two screws. So far so good...

The next step is to cut out the mesh grill. That was fine. I put it in place and stepped back. Looking good! Okay... time to epoxy it into place. *Crash* Can't get the damn thing to glue properly. I am using JB Weld. Is that any different than JB Kwik Weld? Because the aluminum mesh has internal tension, it doesn't want to stay flush on its own. And the JB Weld isn't sticky enough to keep the mesh from coming loose. What the heck do I do at this point? I'm stuck right here. Any suggestions would be very welcome.

 

[donwon]

Yup, it sure is a pain, but you are almost there.

I suggest:
You will notice that area where the side scoops come out of the fender has a "lip" on it. Use the 2 screws and mount the mesh, and just wrap it around. Once its in place, its will be very snug when the the two bolts are tightened. I did this on mine and found it to work very well. Tight as a drum.

See if its the same on yours, I dont see why it wouldnt be though. And if its ok, just tighten and call it a day.

 

[Malibu Rapper]

Try using a hot melt glue gun to keep it in place, then you can use an epoxy to make it more permanent.

 

[Darkcyd]

I'm not working on it anymore tonight, but I'll definitely take a look again tomorrow and see if I can figure out what you're talking about. The whole bit about where the scoop comes out of the fender is a lil confusing to me though. And I tried a bit of the wrapping around the edges with the mesh, that stuff is pretty darn strong. Maybe I should try using pliers to crimp it. Anybody else?

 

[Veleno]

It's probably better if you could get the scoop off of the car to fit the mesh better. I used a long nose (or small pliers, can't remember) to remove the nuts holding the mesh grill to the car. Make your install easier and better, spend the time to take the scoop off.

 

[Viper Driver]

Yes, the SPECIALMOUNTINGNUTS that are used to hold the scoop to the quarter panel will come off. I remember I tried about a dozen misc tools before I was able to get them out. In reality, they are supposed to be "hand tight" but getting them off for the first time can be a pain in the arse.

Try the passenger side first to get the hang of things, since it's a bit easier to get at everything. Once you've done that, then move on to the harder (driver's) side. It's a real bitch to do, I know, but it's possible. I've done this on three cars now.

Chuck

 

[D'Ecosse]

Press in (or have someone else do that part for you) on the outside of the scoop in the approximate location of the special nuts - that will (hopefully!) help to release some of the tension on the stud & make it easier to unscrew the nut.
If you still can't break it loose by trying the trick above, buy a cheap 22mm box wrench & cut it off to about 3" length so you can work it in the confined space. Although it's a star shaped nut, a 22mm fits perfectly.
Once you break it loose you can do it easily by hand.

 

[Darkcyd]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. It's nice to know that somebody's had some success with this procedure before. Gives me a renewed energy to go try at it again. Hopefully the special mounting nut will cooperate this time. In case it doesn't though, creative ideas would be appreciated. =)

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

PICS ?

 

[Darkcyd]

Success! I'm happy to report that Project Side Scoop has been completed. Thanks to the encouragement of my fellows above, I returned to the task with renewed vigor and determination. It's amazing what a little faith can accomplish. I discovered what I will coin... The Jailhouse Technique. Might I add that this might warrant inclusion in the DIY manual. Basically, you stand facing the rear of the car and then bend over like you were picking up a bar of soap in the shower (hence the name). At that angle and direction, when you reach into the side scoop area, your hands are able to get to the special mounting nuts more easily. Once I discovered this, I was able to use a wrench, loosen the nuts, and get them off rather quickly. After detaching the scoops, the process of putting the mesh on was fairly simple. Forget the JB Weld. I just put it over the scoop and used the 4 existing holes to screw the piece in place. Once that was done, I used my pliers and a blunt object to sculpt the mesh in place around the edges. After that, replace pieces and you're done! Voila!

Well, except for breaking my wheel lock while putting my rims back on. Luckily though, I'd already finished most of the lug nuts so the car is still driveable.

Here are some pics.

 

[Darkcyd]

2

 

[Darkcyd]

3

 

[coolnsx]

Great job, thanks looks fine. NICE

 

[Darkcyd]

4

 

[Darkcyd]

My only concern right now is that the mesh I chose has too tight of a grid pattern and will prevent proper airflow. Any opinions on the matter?

 

[D'Ecosse]

My only concern right now is that the mesh I chose has too tight of a grid pattern and will prevent proper airflow. Any opinions on the matter?

Pretty sure those holes in the mesh are bigger than the ones in the air filter - should be no problem.

 

[THonda]

My only concern right now is that the mesh I chose has too tight of a grid pattern and will prevent proper airflow. Any opinions on the matter?

is that painted flat black or is it in silver right now? i think it actually does reduce air flow w/ a tight mesh like that. I remember searching for this custom projector exhaust grill for work once, i was shocked how little air some mesh let's through!

 

[Darkcyd]

I left it silver for the time being. If it doesn't annoy me, I'll leave it that way. Otherwise... Black!!! =)

 

[Acura NsX Pilot]

Can you post or PM me on where you got that mesh....I need a piece to repair my side skirts and want to get enough to replace everything so that it matches........TIA

 

[donwon]

L kin good

 

[Darkcyd]

Got mine at Home Depot. Something like $11 for 8" by 25'. I have a lot extra. It'll come in handy for the engine cover I think. =)

 

[4AU4LIFE]

I left it silver for the time being. If it doesn't annoy me, I'll leave it that way. Otherwise... Black!!! =)

Does having it silver make it stick out like a sore thumb or anything? I can't imagine you going thru that much trouble to install them if they weren't the exact appearance that you wanted first. I assume you will not try to paint them on the car rather remove and install again?
I got my mesh from HD also but it isn't as tightly knit as yours. As a matter of fact I made many sets FOC for some others on here (Prime) to do on their cars. I think I have enough materials left over for one more set. If you'd like I can whip them up and send them to you.
The mesh I have is almost an exact match to the mesh on the WW side skirts.
Let me know if I can help you out with them.

 

[Darkcyd]

Thanks for the generous offer! They actually don't stick out that much at all. In fact, typically I haven't really been noticing the difference unless there's direct sunlight on the scoop area, illuminating the shadows. I may just keep them silver for the contrast factor. The only thing that concerns me is really the airflow. But considering I run a K&N and I've also already removed the intake pipe, the combination of those factors plus enlarging the scoop by removing the OEM vent louver should compensate for any change... I hope. Do you have any pictures of the sets you made? I'd be interested in seeing how yours came out. As for the project, for me a huge part of the fun was in taking apart the car and just doing the tinkering and exploring. If I decided to go with black, I might just tape the area up and spray or going in there again should be a fairly quick endeavor now that I know how to go about it.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

I'll try and post a pic tomorrow.