Mesh grill feeler.

[Kiowapilot]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

I installed side ducts on my elise and the front end just doesn't seem right with the fins. Elise: My process of adding Exige side scoops

My request is only for the lower front 3 as of now. I found that after botching the first attempt with the customcargrills.com small hex mesh, that someone with more skill and patience would deserve my money. My attempt fit, but its wasn't smoothly bent with the nose and I cut it a little bit narrow. So, its a waste of metal. I kinda worry about the strength of the material too.

The eliseusa.com version looked ok, but I would rather have the mesh recessed like the exige. Their version comes out almost flush with the nose and the size of the mesh does not look to be similar to the factory, a bit wide. It probably wouldn't bother me as much if it was more recessed and therefore wouldn't get as much light/attention.

I would like to be able to replace the mesh without removing the front clam, but will just do it if it is required to get a good fit. It might be especially difficult for the oil cooler openings. A current oil cooler fin ate a bird at 60MPH without damage. Reinforcing mesh in the front may be difficult and maybe that is why lotus stretched them on the inside. Another detail, it would be nice if the center piece would have a hole for the tow ring and would also use tabs in the current holes and secure at the top with the factory clips.

Keep us posted on developments.

The front center grill will have 2 options. 1. No hole for tow hook. 2. Hole for tow hook. It will be fully framed and you will not have to remove the front clam. It will install just like your current front grill. 1 minute tops. You will have to remove the wheel liners at least partially to install the 2 outer grills but it should be pretty easy. I plan to do the front 3 grills next. It will either be soon if I get some sales from the engine lid or early next month when I have some extra bucks. I really need a welder to make it look right and be of the quality I/We demand.

[91MR2]

Man, that mesh looks awesome, wayyy better than the plastics. Great choice.

[Whiskey]

Originally Posted by Kiowapilot

The front center grill will have 2 options. 1. No hole for tow hook. 2. Hole for tow hook. It will be fully framed and you will not have to remove the front clam. It will install just like your current front grill. 1 minute tops. You will have to remove the wheel liners at least partially to install the 2 outer grills but it should be pretty easy. I plan to do the front 3 grills next. It will either be soon if I get some sales from the engine lid or early next month when I have some extra bucks. I really need a welder to make it look right and be of the quality I/We demand.

Does your car have oil coolers installed? I can't see a way to install by just removing the the wheel liner. This is the interesting detail of the install. Still look forward to the project.

[daniel_28]

S2 Grill Replacement Set - £0.00 : Lotus Elise Parts, eliseparts.com

eliseparts.com already make them. ALso well priced but lots of shipping for you guys. maybe good example for making them.

goodluck

[Whiskey]

I actually looked at them yesterday afternoon, put them into a shopping cart, added shipping, then reallized that it would cost about 130 GBP which is about $220 US. That is for the front three grills alone. I almost paid for the precut mesh and was going to bite the bullet and spend a couple of hours removing and reinstalling the front clam. If Kiowapilot's solution cost less, covers the current tab holes in the center grill, and doesn't require a full dismount of the front clam, then it sounds like a great solution. Covering the holes and having a removable center grill is a major plus. I am really interested in the design of the center grill. It can easily look like a cheap home-made job if not carefully constructed with a curve.

[Kiowapilot]

The front center grill is going to mount exactly like the original. It will use all the locating holes and the top clips. There will be a bend in it just like the stock grill so if follows the contour of the car. It will look like it was made to be there by the factory. I am thinking mid november I will have the money to get lots of material and the tools I need to get the job done right. You guys should have a new option by late november/early december. CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO YOURSELF!!!!

[ct_mazi]

I'm interested in a full set.

[richw350]

I am interested in the whole set!

Good Work!


My question is will the front center grill have the cut-outs for the driving lights?

[Kiowapilot]

Originally Posted by richw350

I am interested in the whole set!

Good Work!


My question is will the front center grill have the cut-outs for the driving lights?

I dont have driving lights on my car but I can sure make a set one-off that leaves room for driving lights. I just need to find out how and EXACTLY where they mount so I can put in the openings. Should not be to much trouble though.

[madden]

I'm so pumped for the front grills, I think youll sell a ton of them if install doesnt require clam removal and look clean

[sfelise]

I might be interested in the front grills if the clam does not need to come off.

[Phil S]

Are the grills going to be powder coated? Looking for a factory finish.

[Brikhaus]

Originally Posted by Phil S

I would be interested pending price but more importantly don't want it installed with tape. Should mechanically attached using stock locations so it can be reversed. PM me when its ready.

Cheers.....Phil

+1 for me on these and same issues -- installation has gotto look smooth.

[Kiowapilot]

Here is a new option for attaching hardware. I can also send out plastic pop-rivets for a smoother appearance on the outside of the lid.

[Kiowapilot]

Originally Posted by Phil S

Are the grills going to be powder coated? Looking for a factory finish.

Yes they are. I would not settle for anything less.

[darkSol]

Originally Posted by Kiowapilot

Here is a new option for attaching hardware. I can also send out plastic pop-rivets for a smoother appearance on the outside of the lid.

Should be even lighter too - I can brush the tops of the plastic rivets with my Graphite Gray touchup paint!

Can we order these yet? Is the entire kit going to be cheaper than if we buy pieces at a time?

[Brikhaus]

What about any rattling or shaking. I guess the only option that would make sense is to color match the rivets?

[Kiowapilot]

Originally Posted by Brikhaus

What about any rattling or shaking. I guess the only option that would make sense is to color match the rivets?

The parts that touch the lid that can rattle are covered in a rubber boarder so that should prevent rattles. I have not heard any since mine have been on so for what I can see it is not rattling.

Yes they are available as individual pieces. Refer to the first post in this thread. The price will end up being the same if you get it as a full car kit or one piece at a time as I develop them.

Once I get a little more money for development I will develop the front end of the car.

More sales = faster development. less sales = slower development. Once I make some and get set up I will be able to produce them pretty quick.

Plastic rivets will look better I think. They can be paint matched but will come from me black. You can hit them with a touch up pen if you like.


So, Here are the mounting options you can use.

1. Stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers.
2. Plastic Rivets.
3. Double sided tape.

Any one of the three will work and none of them require modification to the engine lid.

[andrewgotanelise]

More pics!!

[Brikhaus]

Originally Posted by Kiowapilot

The parts that touch the lid that can rattle are covered in a rubber boarder so that should prevent rattles. I have not heard any since mine have been on so for what I can see it is not rattling.

Yes they are available as individual pieces. Refer to the first post in this thread. The price will end up being the same if you get it as a full car kit or one piece at a time as I develop them.

Once I get a little more money for development I will develop the front end of the car.

More sales = faster development. less sales = slower development. Once I make some and get set up I will be able to produce them pretty quick.

Plastic rivets will look better I think. They can be paint matched but will come from me black. You can hit them with a touch up pen if you like.


So, Here are the mounting options you can use.

1. Stainless steel bolts, nuts, and washers.
2. Plastic Rivets.
3. Double sided tape.

Any one of the three will work and none of them require modification to the engine lid.

I am interested in a full kit -- pm me when you figure out pricing -- and yes pics for each option above would be great.