Patrick Bateman
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2018
- Threads
- 8
- Messages
- 334
- Reaction score
- 245
- Location
- Florida
- Vehicle(s)
- ‘18 FK8, ‘19 XC60 R-Design, ‘17 ZL1, ‘02 SS
Loved that Rampart game.
Sponsored
Corrected the fitment issue by using painter’s tape to mark the proper gap then used a red sharpie to color the exposed area to remove. Opted to DIY and save on body shop labor costs.
Used a flat hand file to take off the big stuff, in long flat sweeps. Wore eye protection and a respirator to protect against fiberglass dust.
Used 80 and 180 grit sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block to finish the edge when it got close. The dog was no help.
Got the gap to where I wanted it. Checked the fit several times. Found I should have held off installing the foam to the upper groove until the grill was fit, because there were gaps at the tabs. Removed the foam and replaced it with weatherstripping foam from Home Depot cut to the correct lengths.
Only sanded the edges. The gray sanded marks were how the grill was received.
When I was happy with it, took the grill to Beto’s Auto Body and Paint. They primered, corrected scuffs, painted and clear coated. (2) day turnaround. They do beautiful work. Cost was $230
Fitment looks so much bette
Any gap issues is due to the improvised weatherstripping. Home Depot didn’t have the correct size, so had to cut it down. I can always replace the foam if locate somethjng
Still need to install a center emblem. Hopefully one arrives soon.
Had PFF and ceramic applied to the Morimoto/OLM headlights and wing today. Will have to wait (29) days for the grill paint to fully cure until it’s ready for PFF/ceramic.
The black chrome emblem works but it is a little small for the holder.Black Chrome Badge
OEM badge
Custom painted badge
Or badgeless
Looking good and mean. I'll go with the Honda access black emblem, or stick with the oem red badge to match the rear.View attachment 215267
Thanks guys it was an interesting challenge to tackle. Like I mentioned previously, metal_driver’s post was huge getting me pointed in the right direction.
Looking forward to seeing his installed. Is gonna look great on Rally Red.
Here’s another pic with the sunset. Have got a couple options for the emblem:
Black Chrome Badge
OEM badge
Custom painted badge
Or badgeless