So...

I'm in Macy's this weekend, one that's closing up. They're selling the fixtures, the shelves, the dummies... everything. And what do I spy but 4 shelves, made of heavy (1/8") perforated aluminum?

So, of course, I buy them:



I run home and break out my Dremel and cutting wheels, pull on some eye protection and get busy... A while later, I have... This!



I dropped the result into my supercharger scoop opening, replacing the black hex-shaped plastic insert I had from my last car.

I think it came out rather well, personally. Plus, it's so strong, I bet it could deflect a crow, let alone bugs...

 

Looks great! Love the contrast.

 

 

So, what are you doing with the rest of them? Care to sell one?

 

Funny you should mention that...

And I'm really liking the aluminum color as well - it picks up the chrome headlight ring accent wonderfully.

 

I assume you might be interested in selling them then. If so, what are the dimensions? Second, can I be first in line?

 

Sent you a message. I made THESE a while back out of black plastic material so I have the perfect template... They just drop into the supercharger scoop. These will fit 2002-2006 (plus the 2007 cabrio). I can do the 2007+ turbocharged coupe if someone in Ohio can let me make a template out of their 2007 insert.

 

ok...since when did your car turn purple. i must have missed that thread..

 

When can we meet you new manikin friend? Not very nice to call her a dummie.

 

Oh, a while back...

 

Good job, looks great! Please give me a PM as I would be interested in one.

 

Thanks for saying so. I think they turned out well... I've been looking for material like this in the proper thickness forever, but everywhere else I looked wanted to sell me huge sheets intended for building purposes for lots and lots of $$$. I knew that patience would pay off eventually.

 

This looks really nice. And I'm jealous of anyone finding cool metal scraps! So do you expect this will darken when it's exposed to heat? I wonder if the heat will cause it to darken kinda splotchy.

 

those shelves would be perfect for people trying to build a false floor in the trunk. I'd love one myself...I could mount the amps and subs under there and they'd be able to breathe and I'd could toss junk in the back with no fear of ruining anything.

 

Nice!!
I'd be interested in procuring one,too.

Jim

 

Well, the cut-off wheel got REALLY hot, and it didn't discolor on the area of the cut, so short of an engine fire, I think you'll be OK.

I wish they were scraps - alas, I had to buy an entire Department Store clothing display for just the shelves... But given the quotes I was getting for the acres of material I had to get from building supply companies, it was still something of a bargain (I guess). I'll probably cut up half of them, see if people like these grilles as much as the plastic ones I was using before, and save the rest for "special projects" like the boot floor (yes, it would work great for that application, given its thickness).

 

I like the new car... any lighting yet?

 

No lighting MODs yet (sigh)... Procuring parts ATM. Soooooon....

 

Looks beautiful - very nice work!

One question, though - how is it "billet aluminum"? Looks like (thick) perforated aluminum sheet metal.

 

LOL... It is, but it has that "billet" look. It IS solid metal though (very solid).

 

+1 How much? Although I have a bigger scoop to cover (I have both the PU and M7 CF scoops).

 

Well, MY grille is also designed by a world famous artist (me), so they'd compliment each other, I'm sure.

I can make one custom for your PU or M7 scoops, I bet - can you trace the opening on paper and send it to me? Be sure to use the OUTER edge of the scoop (so some additional material is sandwiched between the liner and the bonnet metal) and I'll use your template for the cut-out instead of mine. LMK if you want to give it a whirl.

 

Have you thought about using a metal cutting saw blade and a saber saw?

 

Yes actually... I'm not sure of that will work or not. The aluminum is quite stout, and I was worried that the hole pattern would catch the blade and just snap it off. I imagine such a saw blade isn't cheap and if I snapped it after 15 seconds I'd be royally PO'd. At last cutting wheels are relatively easy to replace and not too expensive... We'll see how many I chew through making these things, though...

 

It will work quite well, just take it slow. Even thick aluminum is soft and the blades really arent that expensive.