FINISHED - springs, wheels, aero, corners, painted grille
. Looking forward to more pics.
#19
06-12-2005, 03:19 PM
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More Pics!!!
Thanks for all the comments guys! Here are some answers to a few questions.
The kit came from everythingg35.com for the price on their website ($1,945). The kit came with everything needed for the installation, including very good instructions and hardware - you just provide the work and tools! The factory matched paint is perfect.
The easiest part were the sides. Removal of a screw on each end, as well as several along the bottom. Pop it off, remove the old clips, replace with new ones from the kit, and pop it back on. (15-30 minutes per side)
The front required a little more effort, but it was still easy. I didn't remove the front tires to access 2 screws through the inner fender cover. I just turned the wheels in to access them with an extention on my socket driver. Those two screws go through a bracket that is riveted on the bumper facia. You need to remove those brackets from the old facia and put it on the new one. If you don't have a rivet gun you'll need one. Other than the brackets there were several other screws along the bottom and a couple black plastic pop rivets to remove. (1-1.5 hours)
The rear was the biggest pain in the *rear*. To do it right, and to be able to access 2 very hard to reach bolts, you need to remove the rear bumper. That required removing all the "finisher" pieces in the trunk to access the bolts holding the rear facia to the fenders, and the tail lights to get access to 2 plastic pop rivets. There was also A LOT of measuring to center the new piece to the rear facia and to locate the several holes that needed drilling. There were templates supplied with the instructions, and if you took your time this wasn't a bad install. (4-5 hours)
As for the front grille, it was pretty easy too. Once removed it needed to be sanded A LOT to give the surface something for the paint to stick to. If you don't sand (or grind) the grille then just a bug splatter will cause it to chip. I can't say enough how important it is that you don't skip sanding. If you take your time and do it right the paint job will last a long time.
The primer, paint, and clearcoat is from DupliColor. Just follow the directions on the cans. I used 3 coats of primer, the last being the heaviest coat. I also did the same for the black paint and the clear coat. Since the paint WILL BE SOFT, let it sit in the sun for a couple of days after it has started to dry. This will help it dry faster and harden. If you drive right away with only a few hours of dry time on the paint, you will have bug splatter impressions! I know from personal experience!!!
I love working on my own cars, so this project was fun for me. I'm very happy with the results, and I really appreciate everyone's comments.
The pictures are on in the next 2 replies because I had a lot of pictures.
Best Regards,
John
The kit came from everythingg35.com for the price on their website ($1,945). The kit came with everything needed for the installation, including very good instructions and hardware - you just provide the work and tools! The factory matched paint is perfect.
The easiest part were the sides. Removal of a screw on each end, as well as several along the bottom. Pop it off, remove the old clips, replace with new ones from the kit, and pop it back on. (15-30 minutes per side)
The front required a little more effort, but it was still easy. I didn't remove the front tires to access 2 screws through the inner fender cover. I just turned the wheels in to access them with an extention on my socket driver. Those two screws go through a bracket that is riveted on the bumper facia. You need to remove those brackets from the old facia and put it on the new one. If you don't have a rivet gun you'll need one. Other than the brackets there were several other screws along the bottom and a couple black plastic pop rivets to remove. (1-1.5 hours)
The rear was the biggest pain in the *rear*. To do it right, and to be able to access 2 very hard to reach bolts, you need to remove the rear bumper. That required removing all the "finisher" pieces in the trunk to access the bolts holding the rear facia to the fenders, and the tail lights to get access to 2 plastic pop rivets. There was also A LOT of measuring to center the new piece to the rear facia and to locate the several holes that needed drilling. There were templates supplied with the instructions, and if you took your time this wasn't a bad install. (4-5 hours)
As for the front grille, it was pretty easy too. Once removed it needed to be sanded A LOT to give the surface something for the paint to stick to. If you don't sand (or grind) the grille then just a bug splatter will cause it to chip. I can't say enough how important it is that you don't skip sanding. If you take your time and do it right the paint job will last a long time.
The primer, paint, and clearcoat is from DupliColor. Just follow the directions on the cans. I used 3 coats of primer, the last being the heaviest coat. I also did the same for the black paint and the clear coat. Since the paint WILL BE SOFT, let it sit in the sun for a couple of days after it has started to dry. This will help it dry faster and harden. If you drive right away with only a few hours of dry time on the paint, you will have bug splatter impressions! I know from personal experience!!!
I love working on my own cars, so this project was fun for me. I'm very happy with the results, and I really appreciate everyone's comments.
The pictures are on in the next 2 replies because I had a lot of pictures.
Best Regards,
John
#23
06-12-2005, 06:46 PM
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#26
06-12-2005, 07:26 PM
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Originally Posted by skeleton_cru
Thanks for the better pics. I really, really, really like the look of the grill. I may have to copy you, sorry.
Regards,
John
#27
06-12-2005, 07:32 PM
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#28
06-12-2005, 07:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ahgahpeh
hot... im thinking about painting my grill too. do you think it would be easier/better if i just took it to a shop to do it?
Total expense for materials was just over $20 to do it myself.
Regards,
John
#29
06-12-2005, 08:02 PM
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#30
06-12-2005, 08:57 PM
