autoexe grille w/ stock mesh

[P5 Rally]

k....

i'm thinking of buying an autoexe grille but i wanna keep the same type of plastic mesh without the Mazda emblem. Is this possible by perhaps cutting a peice from 'donor' mesh?

If i wanted to keep the emblem, can I just use what is already there?

the reason i'm doing this is bcause any other mesh wont match what's on the bottom portion and I dont reaally wanna change it(shrug)

 

[JOS3]

yes it is possible. i have done it (as well as digitalpro5). you need to buy a lower grill portion from you dealer and cut it to fit the autoexe grill unless you can find someone who will give you theirs. all you need is some epoxy and you are good to go.

as far as badging, it depends what you want to use. i put a 'mazda' badge similar to the one from the rear hatch (jdm style). the mesh should cost about $25 USD. and extra badges will run a couple bucks.

 

[P5 Rally]

nice.......do you have any pics?

can you sort give me a step by step of how do get a smooth cut that fits well...thanks

also...how would i fasten the mesh to the grille?

 

[JOS3]

i think the only pics i have are from a trip we took and my car is covered in dead bugs. ill post it if i remember when i get home.

there really isnt a sure way of doing it. just trim it little by little until its the right size. i cut some and then held it up against the AE grill to see how much more i had to cut. once you get it to fit, mix the epoxy and apply it at the points where the mesh meets the grill. you have to work fast because the epoxy only has a working time of about 4-5 minutes.

 

[digitalpro5]

Yup, heres mine...with pics.

To get the right measurements, I simply took too pieces of computer paper and tapped'em up, and just drawed the inside of the grill on it, and simply added 1in (2.5cm) on the outside, and that would be my template to use when cutting the lower mesh.

 

[P5 Rally]

thanks guys....

What did u use to cut the mesh?
I've got a mazdaspeed emblem ready to go on the mesh

cant wait!!

 

[wscottl]

I used a band saw, but since most people don't have one, you could use a hack saw blade by hand. Wire cutters or tin snips might work, but I'd try on practice piece to make sure the plastic doesn't crack. The plastic is pretty soft and flexible.

-Scott

 

[P5 Rally]

kewl...thanks

 

[dosle]

i used metal snippers, it gave a clean sheared edge. except i cut too much grill and made gaps

 

[geomatics_tech]

Cut mine with a pair of side cutters, worked very well. Also, to get the right shape I attached the chicken wire as a template to the mesh I got from the dealer with pieces of wire (like a twist tie), held in place perfectly.

 

[never Ender]

Yup, heres mine...with pics.

To get the right measurements, I simply took too pieces of computer paper and tapped'em up, and just drawed the inside of the grill on it, and simply added 1in (2.5cm) on the outside, and that would be my template to use when cutting the lower mesh.

mad sick yo....mad sick. (headbang)

 

[digitalpro5]

mad sick yo....mad sick. (headbang)

Thanks!

I swear this car is a labor of love.

 

[never Ender]

heh, wouldn't doubt it.

 

[thewrench]

Here's mine:

 

[P5 Rally]

it looks as though 'thewrench' has his mesh secured within the grille and 'digitalpro5' has his mesh behind the grill.....i think behind would make it look cleaner

 

[mountjonas]

how do you attach the mesh to the grill?

 

[never Ender]

our stock grills are by far the best grills out. imo.

 

[evolv]

where does one buy an autoexe grill ???

 

[never Ender]

where does one buy an autoexe grill ???

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81111

i think he's still selling his. $190 is what he's asking for.