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Author Topic: Solstice Recessed Grills  (Read 263581 times)

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Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #250 on: March 05, 2013, 10:10:06 PM »
Sorry this has taken so long I guess staring at CAD models 10+ hours a day has taken it's toll on my free time and desire to go home and stare at more CAD files but here a few pictures The first one is what Arabas's car would look like if he had a Sol instead of a GT and GJ visited.  The grill on the right is the recessed one, on the left is stock.  Let me know if you want close up shots or different angles
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline bb_kaytor

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #251 on: March 05, 2013, 10:19:49 PM »
Very nice!  Excellent job sir.

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Offline POS VETT

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #252 on: March 05, 2013, 10:22:45 PM »
If only manufacturing things is as easy as drawing a 3D model ...

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #253 on: March 05, 2013, 10:27:48 PM »
SA, was any modification required since you got the GXP front bumper to play with? Looks sharp!
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #254 on: March 05, 2013, 10:37:41 PM »
The fascias are different on how the grills are placed but the grills themselves look to be dead on exact between the GXP and the NA.  When I overlaid the grills the bezel and mounting tabs are the same so this should work on both with no problems.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #255 on: March 05, 2013, 10:39:10 PM »
If only manufacturing things is as easy as drawing a 3D model ...

Sometimes it's easier.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #256 on: March 05, 2013, 10:41:35 PM »
I'm thinking out loud here but I wonder if the grill itself should be a little smaller with the recessed tapered it a bit more like this.

Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline POS VETT

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #257 on: March 05, 2013, 10:44:59 PM »
I miss manufacturing bad; I wish someone would hire me as a manufacturing engineer.  I miss creating something out of "nothing".

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #258 on: March 05, 2013, 10:47:38 PM »
The problem with having more draft to the part is that it will cause a restriction to airflow.  I don't know how much the stock grills will flow or if restricting it will be a problem.  A big part of the stock grill is actually blocked by the foam and bumper.  I would hate for people to install this and then find out it's causing cooling issues.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #259 on: March 05, 2013, 11:42:28 PM »
Haven't had an issue with Rudy's grills nor have I heard of any. DDM Dave, have you heard of an issue regarding cooling?

Remember too that center grill insert for Rudy's grills had a large ring around it that would have further restricted the air flow. Yours would flow better.  A little more draft would look sharp.
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #260 on: March 06, 2013, 07:29:47 AM »
Sol Asylum, I think the grills look great and I know you have put a ton of work into these up to this point. As I mentioned, the edge around The other grills, that are no longer available, have a ridge all around that would also block air flow. I really do feel that with the center just a little smaller it would set them off.

If anyone has thoughts on this now is the time to make changes.   :cool:

Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline opjohn

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #261 on: March 06, 2013, 08:33:22 AM »
I would have to agree with Sly Bob, that would set them off nicely. Awesome job is an understatement ! WOW !
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2007 - 2.4 - Black - Hahn Stage 3, Hahn Hi-Flow CAT, Solo SQR-2, Foose Nitrous 20's with 452 Falken tires, Norm's Finned Diffuser & Fenders, GReddy BOV & PRofec-B Spec-II B/C, Autometer Mech Boost & Electric Oil Temp gauges, DDM Two gauge A-Pillar POD & Powdercoated valve & engine covers, Illuminated WR, JPM Centre Console, Arm Rests & Visor Covers, ASAP Front, Side, Rear Light Covers & Custom Fuse Box Cover, Stubby Antenna, SprintBooster, DDM Street Backbone, BC Coilovers, Z0K Sway bars

Offline POS VETT

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #262 on: March 06, 2013, 10:01:34 AM »
On mine, the originals are not wide enough to cover the notches and some of the lips on the bumper cover where they are attached.  Could these be made about 1/4-3/8" oversize ?

Other than that, the design seems spot on.
« Last Edit: March 06, 2013, 09:53:03 PM by POS VETT »

Offline Critterman

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #263 on: March 06, 2013, 10:25:28 AM »
don't forget that they have to be available in pink, oh wait he doesn't have a Soul, or a sol
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named IXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"
DDM StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs, Ported and polished head, Exedy Stage II Clutch,
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Offline old goat

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #264 on: March 06, 2013, 02:12:26 PM »
The grills are not a major source of cooling remember in a lot of states there is a big ol license plate in front of them and people don't have cooling issue's. If you reduce air flow you might actually increase gas millage. There are replacement bumpers out there with no vents at all and they work just fine, most of our cooling comes from under the car, one of the reasons our cars have the same aerodynamic profile as a brick.

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #265 on: March 06, 2013, 02:28:17 PM »
don't forget that they have to be available in pink, oh wait he doesn't have a Soul, or a sol

I think GJ still has that Kia thing, wasn't that a Soul?

One mine, the originals are not wide enough to cover the notches and some of the lips on the bumper cover where they are attached.  Could these be made about 1/4-3/8" oversize ?

Other than that, the design seems spot on.


The ones I have drawn are basically a modification of the stock grills, given that the model of the fascia is also stock, both parts should be accurate and show any fit issues.  So far I haven't seen any gaps in the model but that doesn't mean that the manufactured parts and the model are a dead match which could be where your fit issue is.

I suppose that I could try and make the flange a little wider however it's not just changing a dimension and bam new part it's more like 2-3 hours of surfacing work.  How many people have a fit issue with the stock parts?  I will have to look at my car and see since I don't recall having this issue at the moment.

Bob I will look into what it takes to change the tapper.

Sorry Lil ndn, this project is going to take a little longer.
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Offline Critterman

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #266 on: March 06, 2013, 04:00:59 PM »
The Kia is his better halfs, he has no sole, soul or sol
GONE: (but not forgotten) 2006 Cool named IXABEL (BISH-AH-BEL) Mayan for "Good Roads"
DDM StageIII intercooled Supercharger, Wisco ceramic coated pistons, Carrillo rods, superTech valves and Springs, Ported and polished head, Exedy Stage II Clutch,
big brake kit, slotted/drilled Rotors w/Porterfield pads & blue juice, Backbone, Probeam, Cross Strut Brace Underhood, trunk, & door Lights, ZOK suspension
JPM Center console, door inserts, & dash Seat bolster & lumbar support
Focuztech Tri-Y Header & hi-flow cat, Solo Performance SQR-2, Norm's Rear facia, Heated Seats, Blackface gau

Offline Sly Bob

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #267 on: March 06, 2013, 04:39:33 PM »
Sorry SA if I'm being a pain in the butt but as I believe you mentioned some time ago, this is the time to make changes before these go to production.

The fit in the stock bumper I can't speak to as I don't have the stock grills any longer on the car. I do seem to remember some issues as POS VETT described though.

Hmmm, isn't design by committee what got the car companies into such a mess in the first place?  :D
« Last Edit: March 06, 2013, 04:43:07 PM by Sly Bob »
Just trying to do my part...

Mods: Lose the chicklets, VentureShield, Dual horns, AfterShock spoiler, Weathershield cover, Lil Chromies, Red calipers with black Solstice stickers, Opel GT antenna and Solo GXP-RCD exhaust with a Solo hi-flow cat!

Offline Tugeaux

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #268 on: March 06, 2013, 05:48:45 PM »
Think the model looks damn good SA. Impressive and excellent work thus far!

Thanks for all the effort!  :urock:

Offline LatinVenom

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #269 on: March 06, 2013, 08:26:45 PM »
I 2nd SLY BOB suggestion.
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Mods: Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust, DDM Backbone & ProBeam,ZOK suspension,LV Kappa Front Chassis Brace, BTF Turbo Upgraded Wheel, Windristrictor, JPM Center console,arms,tulip,side doors,DDM Upgraded wheel tune.

Offline Gentleman Jack

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #270 on: March 06, 2013, 08:59:29 PM »
Those look like crap. Do it again.
Make the right choices now

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #271 on: March 06, 2013, 09:12:19 PM »
Those look like crap. Do it again.

I know, but you shouldn't talk about those pictures Bob posted like that.  It's a good thing you sent this to me as a PM otherwise Bob's feeling might get hurt.  Hey wait a.....

Sorry SA if I'm being a pain in the butt but as I believe you mentioned some time ago, this is the time to make changes before these go to production.

The fit in the stock bumper I can't speak to as I don't have the stock grills any longer on the car. I do seem to remember some issues as POS VETT described though.

Hmmm, isn't design by committee what got the car companies into such a mess in the first place?  :D

Not a problem Bob now is the time to make changes that's why I posted the pictures.  The big problem for me right now is lack of free time to do this sort of thing.
2007 Aggressive GXP

Offline POS VETT

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #272 on: March 06, 2013, 09:25:34 PM »
I'll take a picture of mine and post it here.

Offline Sol Asylum

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #273 on: March 06, 2013, 09:29:44 PM »
I just went out and looked at mine and yes you can see where the opening in the fascia for installation tabs is a little wider then the flange of the grill.  I will look into making that change too.
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Offline POS VETT

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Re: Solstice Recessed Grills
« Reply #274 on: March 06, 2013, 09:52:13 PM »
The pictures are below; sorry the graduation on the ruler can't be clearer. The extension needed is up to 1/8" on all sides; not 1/4" to 3/8" I mentioned beforehand.  Even 0.1" would do the trick.

There is also another problem. The energy-absorbing foam will need trimming to fit a recessed grill. The OEM grill practically touches it.






 

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