outahere Posted November 23, 2007 Share Posted November 23, 2007 Well the stuff I used was from my custom shop days (any stereo shop should have some). The ABS is great because its thick and holds the form after heated (easier to just epoxy and clamp)....... Plastic is better though, it makes the epoxy step easier (if its the type you can mold to shape). Was there any specific reason why you used epoxy, instead of ABS Cement? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSTMIZR Posted November 25, 2007 Author Share Posted November 25, 2007 Well, epoxy (two part adhesive) provides for a wider range of surface adherence properties. An ABS specific compound might show some deficiency in bonding strength on the OEM plastic (not ABS specifically). Really the patching of those openings can be done using any rigid material, but the key is in a strong cross-material adhesive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outahere Posted November 25, 2007 Share Posted November 25, 2007 ....... An ABS specific compound might show some deficiency in bonding strength on the OEM plastic (not ABS specifically). ........ I believe the OEM grille is ABS, because on the backside there is the molded in imprint "Subaru-ABS". Anyway, I will take my scrap pieces of grille and test them with the ABS Cement I have left over from a plumbing job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XVR_legacy Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 looks great man...real nice job...like the different color -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSTMIZR Posted November 26, 2007 Author Share Posted November 26, 2007 I believe the OEM grille is ABS, because on the backside there is the molded in imprint "Subaru-ABS". Anyway, I will take my scrap pieces of grille and test them with the ABS Cement I have left over from a plumbing job. Now that I think about it.... you're right, The OEM grille is ABS. Still, I use epoxys when working with factory materials as kind of a rule b/c there are some funky chalky type plastics that often make appearences in factory parts and its better safe than sorry. Also, there is another thing to consider; the "body" of the adhesive. Especially if you are trying to fill gaps using just a screen, and not some solid material. This is so you are assured that the adhesive has plenty of surface cotact and isn't just touching the edges of the screen holes but covering the thickness of the screen. Either way, good luck and post some pics when you're done. looks great man...real nice job...like the different color -Brian Thanks man. We were really happy with the way it turned out and we actually finished the lower grille mods too, I've just been too lazy to post anything on it. I'll see if I can dig up a quick pic of the work and throw up something more comprehensive later. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CSTMIZR Posted November 26, 2007 Author Share Posted November 26, 2007 Here are a couple of (admittedly crappy) pics of the lower bezel. We cut out the center support and made a vinyl inlay to fit the base of the opening. Finished it off with the same paint method used on the grille and fogs. I'll put together a description of the process when I get a chance. Cheers. http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x215/CSTMIZR/mwlbsbs.jpg http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x215/CSTMIZR/P9220856.jpg http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x215/CSTMIZR/PICT0180.jpg http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x215/CSTMIZR/PICT0181.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merc6 Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 Looks nice. 2005 Satin White Pearl Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Unlimited 5EAT (Project Car) 2019 Agate Black Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (DD) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outahere Posted November 26, 2007 Share Posted November 26, 2007 I believe the OEM grille is ABS, because on the backside there is the molded in imprint "Subaru-ABS". Anyway, I will take my scrap pieces of grille and test them with the ABS Cement I have left over from a plumbing job. After letting my test pieces cure overnight, I tried to break the glued joint and broke the plastic before breaking the joint. Plenty strong I would say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
outahere Posted January 6, 2008 Share Posted January 6, 2008 Now that I think about it.... you're right, The OEM grille is ABS. ........Either way, good luck and post some pics when you're done. ................ Here is what I ended up with. The two oval holes are clearance for driving lamps. http://lh5.google.com/outahere2/R4C2BH5wFEI/AAAAAAAAAFk/0V7q6uRvl_8/s800/DSC00363.JPG Additional photos are at: http://picasaweb.google.com/outahere2/Grille1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
g2redgsr Posted April 30, 2008 Share Posted April 30, 2008 subscribed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cwiggz05legacy Posted May 3, 2008 Share Posted May 3, 2008 nice write up, the white grill def looks better than the black, i'm going to attempt to do this to my 05 soon.....hope i have as much patients as u do haha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiniStiGuy Posted May 5, 2008 Share Posted May 5, 2008 its very simple to do. just don't rush the sanding process because once its painted you'll notice all the imperfections from your sanding. OEM HID's Rx330 Retro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnymack Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 I'm glad I found this! I spent $260 on Grill Craft upper and lower grills for my 2006 WRX. Worst mod/biggest waste of $$$ IMO. I think you did it the right way. Now if I can just repeat the process exactly how you did it, it should be all good. We'll see. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HipsterDoofus Posted September 25, 2009 Share Posted September 25, 2009 Question, im about to attempt the same thing, but my cars a bit older. i see some strange snap things holding my stock grill in place. I need to get it off, but im worried i might snap these things if i mess up. does anyone know how these work? should i provide pics? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawlwawl06 Posted October 10, 2009 Share Posted October 10, 2009 Sooo the mesh is being held on by the zip ties? Could anyone explain that step? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breakingtrapt Posted December 10, 2009 Share Posted December 10, 2009 Can anyone give me directions on how to remove my grille without having to remove the bumper. I have a 2009. I opened the hood and saw 4 little latches on top of the grille that you can easily pop off. however on the left and right sides there are 2 circular plastic screws holding the grill in place and they will not unscrew for some reason. if anyone could give me directions it would be much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaze165 Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 Sooo the mesh is being held on by the zip ties? Could anyone explain that step? ya i cant figure out how to attach the mesh to my grill either Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merc6 Posted December 14, 2009 Share Posted December 14, 2009 the mesh is flat..... like this *|* you have overlap mesh material(as in the grill is slightly larger than what you need) that goes towards radiator of that mesh like this *[* The zip ties go on the pieces overlapped out of sight. you drill small holes to top and bottom of grille to secure mesh to plastic. End result is from front you don't see the zip ties but behind the grille you do. After looking @ the last 2 questions, the cross bar is cut/chopped/dremel whatever method you use to cleanly remove it. 2005 Satin White Pearl Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Unlimited 5EAT (Project Car) 2019 Agate Black Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (DD) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawlwawl06 Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 im lost. . .so the gutter guard mesh is tall enough to fit over and under the outer rim of the grille? Then its just secured in place with zip ties... when you say the grille is slightly larger than what you need...that confuses me. I assume you don't need two seperate pieces of gutter guard to fill the gap? I should just take measurements of the grille and my question would be answered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merc6 Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Yes mesh slightly larger than grille. The tabs folded back in this "[" On those folded tabs, use the zip ties(black imho) to secure it to top sides and bottom of grille(or bumper depending on what you are meshing). White zip ties on a grille like this "|" will end up looking like this. This was also an option... View from radiator side of grille. instead of glue the zip ties would be there. http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2858/1601/32143300189_large.jpg 2005 Satin White Pearl Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Unlimited 5EAT (Project Car) 2019 Agate Black Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (DD) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawlwawl06 Posted December 21, 2009 Share Posted December 21, 2009 Ahh ok gotchya, I was hoping that it would be that simple, and it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossman05 Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 where did u buy those color foglights yellow? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merc6 Posted September 8, 2010 Share Posted September 8, 2010 Wow one of my pics completely disappeared. You can find color bulbs anywhere for the fogs, real question is the fogs halogen or HID. 2005 Satin White Pearl Subaru Legacy 2.5 GT Unlimited 5EAT (Project Car) 2019 Agate Black Ford Explorer XLT 4WD (DD) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmertom390 Posted December 6, 2012 Share Posted December 6, 2012 I just started working on this when I was at lowes getting the gutter guard I picked up free samples of vinyl siding that worked great to fill the holes on the bottom and sides. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superbro Posted July 31, 2013 Share Posted July 31, 2013 I recently bought an 05 and the guy before me did this but the sanding imperfections are horrific and the paint chipped like a mofo. If I start over and sand it right will I be able to fix the imperfections?? I was also thinking of painting the mesh red along with my calipers.. Any opinions on that part? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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