Mesh grill feeler. - Page 5 - LotusTalk

Kiowapilot · 11-07-2008, 01:34 PM

Hey just to verify that there has not been a design change from lotus. Will someone with an 07-08 elise check their lid and see if the holes are still there? Remember to look at it from under the lid. Thanks a lot.

Kiowapilot · 11-10-2008, 11:40 AM

Well Within the next day or two I should have a new radiator exit option. The front center grill is getting closer. Needs some more fine tuning to get it perfect. And I's gots ta get my welder up and running.

Keep the orders coming! They help speed up development. 10 more days for the reduced price then they go back up to $160. Get em while the gettings good.

madden · 11-10-2008, 01:41 PM

awesome man! Cant wait to see the progress!!!

Kiowapilot · 11-10-2008, 04:57 PM

Alright, Radiator grills are complete. Ran out of time so did not install the other side but here is a pic. These are much the same as other radiator grills people have made. They are available now. For $160 shipped to the contenental US.

CleanSC · 11-10-2008, 05:07 PM

Very nice!

Good to see you making swift progress towards a full kit.

madden · 11-10-2008, 05:18 PM

look great!!! Cant wait for the full kit too

Kiowapilot · 11-10-2008, 05:32 PM

Ya, I'm looking at the oil cooler vents right now trying to figure out the best way to do it. I can use body clips which would work fine but it would almost bring the mesh flush to the front of the car

. The other option is tape, which I do not want to use. I will just have to figure it out when I get it all torn apart. My biggest hold up right now is my welder. I need it for the front center opening otherwise it just will not look good enough. I should have the welder up and running here in a few weeks.

rugger1345 · 11-10-2008, 07:41 PM

I got the engine grills. Due to some time constraints, I can't get them installed for a couple of days. Kiowapilot did message me and say that he found that the tape was way too loose and tended to come off due to the heat and that I should heat up the tape and press the adhesive sides together through the mesh. I did that, and I like the look. I stretched the tape down slightly for a "tighter" almost shrink-wrapped look and I like it:

Comparison:

Kiowapilot · 11-10-2008, 08:27 PM

Ya I noticed that the other day on my grills. Now that I found a fix I will be sure to do it to all the future orders. I started to heat mine up earlier, got about half way through the process then the material showed up for the radiator grills. I got a little sidetracked and got the radiator grills done. I will have to finish my engine grills tomorrow. The radiator grills are kind of a pain in the butt. Getting the bend just right to fit is especially tough because everything is visible. But I got it all to work out ok. I am pleased with the way they turned out.

To add to the deal for the engine grills. Here is another one. Engine and radiator grills as a set. $275 Shipped. The regular price will be $320 shipped. Available until 20 November. I think I might just attack the next set tomorrow.

Kiowapilot · 11-11-2008, 08:07 PM

Ok, I found a problem. I can do the side vents but I need to be able to use the old vents as a frame. "built much the same as seen on sands museum." I tried multiple concepts for attaching the mesh without the vents being used with no avail. So I can do it but I need the stock vents to be able to make it work out. I will look into injection molding and fiberglass but I just dont think it will end up being cost effective for myself or for the customer. Just think of the space shuttle and that is what would end up happening to the price. lol.

I will continue to try other methods...... If your willing to have your stock slats cut up I will do them for you. Here is a picture of what I have so far. It is rough and as you can tell it is held together by zip ties because I did not want to permenantly attach it yet. Let me know what you think. I need some feedback on this one.

Kiowapilot · 11-11-2008, 08:53 PM

There was a design change of the engine lid in mid-late 2005 and later model cars. The holes do not exist that are used for my mounting system.

There are 2 options.

1. Drill holes.

2. Double sided tape. I know the mention of tape is a sin but there is no other way to make them work on later model cars.

rugger1345 · 11-12-2008, 07:07 AM

I called up Kiowapilot about this last night. I'm have an extremely late build 2005 with the last four digits of the VIN being 4850 and I have the 2006+ decklid. Unfortunately I left my tools at a friend's house where I am storing my Elise right now (it's on jackstands getting the wheels powder coated black). I will try and get the mesh installed tonight and take pictures. As it looks right now, I'll be drilling and riveting!

jesterbot · 11-12-2008, 08:12 AM

One full set here guaranteed... your work looks top notch, btw~ I've been waiting for a decent meshkit for years!

Can you show us pics of the various mounting options (engine mesh)? Even one or two holes of each type would help. Otherwise I'm considering having the holes filled and repainted, then going to tape...

Kiowapilot · 11-12-2008, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesterbot

One full set here guaranteed... your work looks top notch, btw~ I've been waiting for a decent meshkit for years!

Can you show us pics of the various mounting options (engine mesh)? Even one or two holes of each type would help. Otherwise I'm considering having the holes filled and repainted, then going to tape...

I need to finish putting the aluminum rivets in mine anyway so I think I can slap in a few mounting options and take some pics. I will say that from a picture you will be hard pressed to see any difference. I will follow it up later.

Demonized · 11-12-2008, 05:31 PM

Can't decide whether to do this, or get carbon fiber pieces ><

Kiowapilot · 11-12-2008, 05:36 PM

I was thinking about carbon fiber. I have debated making carbon fiber frames for all these grills. I think they would look absolutely awesome. But decided it was not cost effective for me to be able to keep the price down around the $500 range if I went the carbon route. I have seen the carbon fiber slats and they look pretty darn good too. (mine are still lighter) lol.

Kiowapilot · 11-12-2008, 05:38 PM

One thing I was thinking about. I could build the to small grills so they mount the other direction. Then the existing holes would get put to use but you would still need to use tape on the other side.

rugger1345 · 11-12-2008, 08:54 PM

I did get the old grills off and I did break them in the process. And, the new style decklid DOES still have tape on the ends but not on the sides. After getting the first grill in place, I drilled two of the holes and sadly got a paint crack from one of them

My drill battery died after only two holes got taken care of. I riveted them in place. I guess tomorrow means I'll have to go slow, sand down and touch up the paint on the rivets, and take some more pictures.

Phil S · 11-12-2008, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiowapilot

There was a design change of the engine lid in mid-late 2005 and later model cars. The holes do not exist that are used for my mounting system.

There are 2 options.

1. Drill holes.

2. Double sided tape. I know the mention of tape is a sin but there is no other way to make them work on later model cars.

Have you considered the surface mounted grills for those of us that are reluctant to drill holes. They will cover most of the paint scuffs that are hidden under the stock slats and likely more secure having to use tape.

jesterbot · 11-12-2008, 09:28 PM

Really, how secure is double sided tape around the heat/vibration of the engine bay?

11-07-2008, 01:34 PM	#81 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Hey just to verify that there has not been a design change from lotus. Will someone with an 07-08 elise check their lid and see if the holes are still there? Remember to look at it from under the lid. Thanks a lot. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-10-2008, 11:40 AM	#82 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Well Within the next day or two I should have a new radiator exit option. The front center grill is getting closer. Needs some more fine tuning to get it perfect. And I's gots ta get my welder up and running. Keep the orders coming! They help speed up development. 10 more days for the reduced price then they go back up to $160. Get em while the gettings good. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-10-2008, 04:57 PM	#84 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Alright, Radiator grills are complete. Ran out of time so did not install the other side but here is a pic. These are much the same as other radiator grills people have made. They are available now. For $160 shipped to the contenental US. Attached Images __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-10-2008, 05:07 PM	#85 (permalink)
CleanSC Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 48	Very nice! Good to see you making swift progress towards a full kit. __________________ Jose R. - Miami FL -Sell me your AW Elise 2006 Mini Cooper S 6MT - Astro Black - SOLD! 1992 Lexus SC300 turbo 5MT ~440hp

11-10-2008, 05:32 PM	#87 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Ya, I'm looking at the oil cooler vents right now trying to figure out the best way to do it. I can use body clips which would work fine but it would almost bring the mesh flush to the front of the car . The other option is tape, which I do not want to use. I will just have to figure it out when I get it all torn apart. My biggest hold up right now is my welder. I need it for the front center opening otherwise it just will not look good enough. I should have the welder up and running here in a few weeks. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-10-2008, 01:41 PM	#83 (permalink)
madden Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 616	awesome man! Cant wait to see the progress!!!

11-10-2008, 05:18 PM	#86 (permalink)
madden Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northern, VA Posts: 616	look great!!! Cant wait for the full kit too

11-10-2008, 07:41 PM	#88 (permalink)
rugger1345 Simplify and Add Lightnes Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 131	I got the engine grills. Due to some time constraints, I can't get them installed for a couple of days. Kiowapilot did message me and say that he found that the tape was way too loose and tended to come off due to the heat and that I should heat up the tape and press the adhesive sides together through the mesh. I did that, and I like the look. I stretched the tape down slightly for a "tighter" almost shrink-wrapped look and I like it: Comparison: __________________ If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable. -Louis D. Brandeis DID YOU HEAR THAT, COP IN BIG LAKE, TEXAS?

11-10-2008, 08:27 PM	#89 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Ya I noticed that the other day on my grills. Now that I found a fix I will be sure to do it to all the future orders. I started to heat mine up earlier, got about half way through the process then the material showed up for the radiator grills. I got a little sidetracked and got the radiator grills done. I will have to finish my engine grills tomorrow. The radiator grills are kind of a pain in the butt. Getting the bend just right to fit is especially tough because everything is visible. But I got it all to work out ok. I am pleased with the way they turned out. To add to the deal for the engine grills. Here is another one. Engine and radiator grills as a set. $275 Shipped. The regular price will be $320 shipped. Available until 20 November. I think I might just attack the next set tomorrow. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-11-2008, 08:07 PM	#90 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Side vents. Ok, I found a problem. I can do the side vents but I need to be able to use the old vents as a frame. "built much the same as seen on sands museum." I tried multiple concepts for attaching the mesh without the vents being used with no avail. So I can do it but I need the stock vents to be able to make it work out. I will look into injection molding and fiberglass but I just dont think it will end up being cost effective for myself or for the customer. Just think of the space shuttle and that is what would end up happening to the price. lol. I will continue to try other methods...... If your willing to have your stock slats cut up I will do them for you. Here is a picture of what I have so far. It is rough and as you can tell it is held together by zip ties because I did not want to permenantly attach it yet. Let me know what you think. I need some feedback on this one. Attached Images __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-11-2008, 08:53 PM	#91 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	Engine lid grills. There was a design change of the engine lid in mid-late 2005 and later model cars. The holes do not exist that are used for my mounting system. There are 2 options. 1. Drill holes. 2. Double sided tape. I know the mention of tape is a sin but there is no other way to make them work on later model cars. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there---> Last edited by Kiowapilot : 11-12-2008 at 05:14 AM.

11-12-2008, 07:07 AM	#92 (permalink)
rugger1345 Simplify and Add Lightnes Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 131	I called up Kiowapilot about this last night. I'm have an extremely late build 2005 with the last four digits of the VIN being 4850 and I have the 2006+ decklid. Unfortunately I left my tools at a friend's house where I am storing my Elise right now (it's on jackstands getting the wheels powder coated black). I will try and get the mesh installed tonight and take pictures. As it looks right now, I'll be drilling and riveting! __________________ If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable. -Louis D. Brandeis DID YOU HEAR THAT, COP IN BIG LAKE, TEXAS?

11-12-2008, 08:12 AM	#93 (permalink)
jesterbot "Are you in a band??" Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 456	One full set here guaranteed... your work looks top notch, btw~ I've been waiting for a decent meshkit for years! Can you show us pics of the various mounting options (engine mesh)? Even one or two holes of each type would help. Otherwise I'm considering having the holes filled and repainted, then going to tape... __________________ 20XX Lotus Evora SC 2009 Star Raider 2007 F-150 Lariat 2006 SY Elise - SOLD

11-12-2008, 05:31 PM	#95 (permalink)
Demonized NOT ßANNED! Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,546	Can't decide whether to do this, or get carbon fiber pieces >< __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise, Katana Supercharger, LSS Wheels, 2Bular exhaust & cat, rear panel delete, Cup Airbox, Volt / Oil temp gauge, Ohlins double adjustable coilovers, Dual Oil Coolers, S111 RTD Brace, Moroso Oil Pan, MicroMirror, S111 "V-Force" Harness bar, Manly Engine Mounts, Odyssey PC680 & RLS Bracket, Saikou Michi OCC, CF Scoops, CF Bootlid, CF Front Lip.

11-12-2008, 05:36 PM	#96 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	I was thinking about carbon fiber. I have debated making carbon fiber frames for all these grills. I think they would look absolutely awesome. But decided it was not cost effective for me to be able to keep the price down around the $500 range if I went the carbon route. I have seen the carbon fiber slats and they look pretty darn good too. (mine are still lighter) lol. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

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11-12-2008, 05:38 PM	#97 (permalink)
Kiowapilot Mesh grill guy Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ft. Lewis, Washington. Posts: 140	One thing I was thinking about. I could build the to small grills so they mount the other direction. Then the existing holes would get put to use but you would still need to use tape on the other side. __________________ 2005 Elise "magnetic Blue" Bone stock..... Not for long. "Fun in the sun..... Lotus Elise." "fun in the sand.....OH-58D Kiowa Warrior." If the line for most people is right here, I will be hanging out over there--->

11-12-2008, 08:54 PM	#98 (permalink)
rugger1345 Simplify and Add Lightnes Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 131	I did get the old grills off and I did break them in the process. And, the new style decklid DOES still have tape on the ends but not on the sides. After getting the first grill in place, I drilled two of the holes and sadly got a paint crack from one of them My drill battery died after only two holes got taken care of. I riveted them in place. I guess tomorrow means I'll have to go slow, sand down and touch up the paint on the rivets, and take some more pictures. __________________ If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable. -Louis D. Brandeis DID YOU HEAR THAT, COP IN BIG LAKE, TEXAS? Last edited by rugger1345 : 11-21-2008 at 06:23 AM.

11-12-2008, 09:28 PM	#100 (permalink)
jesterbot "Are you in a band??" Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 456	Really, how secure is double sided tape around the heat/vibration of the engine bay? __________________ 20XX Lotus Evora SC 2009 Star Raider 2007 F-150 Lariat 2006 SY Elise - SOLD