Topic: Solstice Recessed Grills

[normsf]

When they replaced my front bumper cover (after the Accident) they didn't put any of the Foam back in .The  Intercooler sets far enough back, Not in the way of anything. Plus+ it gets more Air.

Hello, when using the stock front bumper facia the foam should be retained as its used to structually support the ureathane bumper from sagging in high heat conditions. Just saying.

[Sly Bob]

Hello, when using the stock front bumper facia the foam should be retained as its used to structually support the ureathane bumper from sagging in high heat conditions. Just saying.

I agree that removing the foam support entirely isn't a great idea. Trimming it back a bit to make room for the grills is one thing, throwing it way is another entirely

[rlhammon]

What are the racing rules about grills like?  I know with what I have drawn the grill area hasn't really changed any and should allow the same amount of air through.

It's more a general rule... "If we don't say you can do something, then you can't".  There is some discussion concerning aftermarket kits, and I've wondered if this would be allowed.  It's purely a looks type thing, but I've just never gone ahead and installed the Aftershock grills because I started competing on a National level and it wasn't worth the protest and a loss because of the grill.

[Sly Bob]

Went to the place where the car is and the intercooler definitely isn't in the way as there's LOTS of room. The extra depth with a 1.5" setback may be an issue touching the recessed area on the foam along the top edge but I doubt it. Looks to be enough room there. 

[Sol Asylum]

I will probably go ahead and finish up the part as is then.  Most likely won't be until this weekend though.

[opjohn]

Great work guys..... I am following this Big Time ! I really hope this gets produced.....would love it on my car. :-)

[Sly Bob]

Have to admit I'm partial to Rudy's design of how the outermost perimeter of the recessed bezel lips sits on top of the fascia rather than sitting inside the fascia openings.

I am too ChopTop. The problem that I find with my set of the Aftershock grills, and maybe it's only me, is that the front face doesn't really sit flush the way it should in relation to the bumper and the space around the perimeter isn't consistent. Some places there is no space between the bumper and the grills and some places there's a larger gap.

Maybe I'm too anal 'cause they really do look sharp on the car. Just don't look too close.   

[Critterman]

Let's just hope SA's fit properly.  Without several hours of filing and cleaning before you can use them.

[Sol Asylum]

I am hoping for that too Critter.  The bezel that I have drawn is actually the same as what is on a stock part so I would hope that it fits like the stock grills.  I can change the shape of bezel if that is what people want.

[Sly Bob]

Don't let my comments about the other grills sway ya' SA. A little fine tuning and your's are gonna look awesome.   

[Sly Bob]

Another issue that arises if an attempt is made to make the face of the grill flush with the bumper is what do you design it for? Unless two grills are designed, a single design doesn't fit both the NA and the GXP as the bumpers are different.

[Wartie]

Another issue that arises if an attempt is made to make the face of the grill flush with the bumper is what do you design it for? Unless two grills are designed, a single design doesn't fit both the NA and the GXP as the bumpers are different.

I hope to hear something soon from that guy with information regarding the rapid prototyping.

Not knowing much about rapid prototyping. Is there any adjustment needed to the model to allow for "shrinkage" of the finished part like we do with plastic injection molds?

[Dave@DDMworks]

Not knowing much about rapid prototyping. Is there any adjustment needed to the model to allow for "shrinkage" of the finished part like we do with plastic injection molds?

From the people I have talked to, there is no adjustment that has to be made, we just send them an .IGS file and they hit "print" (more or less)

[Sol Asylum]

Bob

Are the grill mesh inserts in Rudy's parts flat?  If so that is probably why he has so much variation in how recessed the grills are depending on where you measure.

[Critterman]

It is a shame we no longer have one member in the Kappa family, or I would pay for a set of 'pink' ones for him   Oh and by the way I am interested as well, but you probably already knew that.

[rlhammon]

From the people I have talked to, there is no adjustment that has to be made, we just send them an .IGS file and they hit "print" (more or less)

Correct... I do this all the time, in fact... I can see a 3D printer from where I'm typing this. 

The main issue you have after printing the first is cleaning up the part (they are not silky smooth), and then creating your mold to reproduce parts for everyone else.  You are not going to want to install the printed version and sell it like that.

[Wartie]

Correct... I do this all the time, in fact... I can see a 3D printer from where I'm typing this. 

The main issue you have after printing the first is cleaning up the part (they are not silky smooth), and then creating your mold to reproduce parts for everyone else.  You are not going to want to install the printed version and sell it like that.

And the bubble has been burst!!!!    I was wondering about the material strength of a printed part.

[Dave@DDMworks]

And the bubble has been burst!!!!    I was wondering about the material strength of a printed part.

I saw a handgun printed with metal fire off 100 rounds, so they can be strong Just depends on material used.

Depending on the machine and the process used, the pieces are kinda rough and like previously stated need a little work to make them usable for molding.

[Sly Bob]

Bob

Are the grill mesh inserts in Rudy's parts flat?  If so that is probably why he has so much variation in how recessed the grills are depending on where you measure.

No the grills aren't flat. I suspect that the different dimensions have to do with the fact that his rings come out flush with the front face of the bumper. I suspect that the grills are on the same plane as the stock ones were. On a GXP that's out farther on the bottom than on an NA. That front lip on the bottom of the rings is a lot thicker than the lip at the top. It's thicker torards the center of the car than it is as you go farther to either side as well.

You can't really see the curve in this picture but they are curved. Someone have a set of Rudy's grills center section that you can take a picture of?

http://www.kappaperformance.com/forum/index.php/topic,4298.msg58003.html#msg58003

[Sly Bob]

SA, you can get an idea what Rudy's grills look like by looking at some of the CAD drawings on his early posts on the BB.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f111/recessed-grill-46595/#post701287

There are others at the top of the page as well.

[ChopTop]

Bob

Are the grill mesh inserts in Rudy's parts flat?  If so that is probably why he has so much variation in how recessed the grills are depending on where you measure.

Nada, there slightly convex. 

Main reason I mentioned liking Rudy's sitting on top was it adds to the substance to bezels, plus with an inset design I can see another place for insects to get wedged into.  Regardless, it's not like it would stop me from wanting a set. 

Another thing, could the composite be plastic chromed?  I'd want the outer part of the bezel chrome and  the hexagon cells black.

[Sly Bob]

You can chrome or metal plate a 3D printed product. From their FAQ...

http://www.proto3000.com/faq.aspx?fci=0&topidcol=66

[2kwk4u]

Didn't Rudy also prototype foglamp bezels that had no honeycomb at all for the brake cooling ducts?  Would be interested in those as well.  The flush grill on the fog lamp bezels will look a little out of place next to recessed grills in the bumper, in my opinion anyway...

[cdflint]

I like the look even though I cannot use for my car. I do however have the original GXP bumper.. well... 3/4 of it. I'd love to make some sort of wall art with it. I sold my original grills when I knew I was going to the 430 look. It doesn't seem like you would but if you need that section it to assist in your design, let me know. The center section is good. just the driverside foglight section outward is gone.

[Sly Bob]

Didn't Rudy also prototype foglamp bezels that had no honeycomb at all for the brake cooling ducts?  Would be interested in those as well.  The flush grill on the fog lamp bezels will look a little out of place next to recessed grills in the bumper, in my opinion anyway...

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves.   

I never thought that recessed center grills looked out of place and I'm usually pretty anal about that stuff.