Thoughts: Carbon Fiber "TRD" style 97+ grille?
12-11-16 | 11:54 AM
#46
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 382
From: Nor CA
Here is a pic of the OEM product installed:
Here is a pic of the grill nestled in the slot....
The fit is similar to the OEM grill.... Not liking the slight sag in the middle but that is easily resolved with double sided 3M tape.
Here is a pic of the backside of the OEM next to the APTech product.
The OEM product is plastic and uses self tapping screws so be careful in removing it so as not to damage or strip the hole. I did not permanently install the APTech grill as those holes will also need self tapping screws and the ones used on the OEM install may be a bit too thick.
Here is a pic of the screws on the OEM grill before taking it out.
Not sure the mesh Irving sent will work out. Since I did not remove the bumper to attempt to install the mesh, cutting it and fitting behind the grill is not that simple.
Overall I like the look and black of the CF against the body color. I do not like the slot with out something.... the mesh was one idea but it may sell better as an option or replacement of the OEM product if they run a CF bar in the middle similar to the OEM style (and then the support in the middle becomes functional and the grill hides it's presence.). If I can't get a mesh that I like to work with this unit I will want to see how an OEM configured CF option looks and fits (if APTech decides to offer that ....).
Here is a pic of the grill nestled in the slot....
The fit is similar to the OEM grill.... Not liking the slight sag in the middle but that is easily resolved with double sided 3M tape.
Here is a pic of the backside of the OEM next to the APTech product.
The OEM product is plastic and uses self tapping screws so be careful in removing it so as not to damage or strip the hole. I did not permanently install the APTech grill as those holes will also need self tapping screws and the ones used on the OEM install may be a bit too thick.
Here is a pic of the screws on the OEM grill before taking it out.
Not sure the mesh Irving sent will work out. Since I did not remove the bumper to attempt to install the mesh, cutting it and fitting behind the grill is not that simple.
Overall I like the look and black of the CF against the body color. I do not like the slot with out something.... the mesh was one idea but it may sell better as an option or replacement of the OEM product if they run a CF bar in the middle similar to the OEM style (and then the support in the middle becomes functional and the grill hides it's presence.). If I can't get a mesh that I like to work with this unit I will want to see how an OEM configured CF option looks and fits (if APTech decides to offer that ....).
Last edited by Duck05; 12-11-16 at 12:19 PM.
01-30-17 | 04:26 PM
#51
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 382
From: Nor CA
Once I saw this pic I swapped the other one for this style but Irving has been off the grid and have not heard when he will ship the replacement....
03-21-17 | 04:38 PM
#52
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Texas
04-09-17 | 04:47 PM
#54
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,032
Likes: 382
From: Nor CA
APTech came through and sent the OEM style CF grille.... It was worth the wait and I prefer the look and fit over the open slot version. I applaud them for continuing to develop products for our cars.....
Here is the item installed into their bumper......
Here is the item installed into their bumper......
04-11-17 | 11:28 AM
#57
04-11-17 | 04:14 PM
#59
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Texas
05-14-18 | 10:50 PM
#60
Driver
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: LA
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