Interior/Exterior Interior and exterior modifications for Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Interior/Exterior Bottched Aero Grill Mod

Old Apr 16, 2006 | 09:01 AM
  #1  
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Bottched Aero Grill Mod

I screwed it completely up yesterday. I removed the bumper, and that was a piece of cake. But.... upon trimming the grill down and leaving the tabs intact...... When I fitted the grill to the bumper, the big piece that had the tap on it for the stock colored slat was in the way. It simply WOULD NOT fit with that thing in there. Dumb me removed it. Still wouldnt fit right. So now I have a gaping hole in my front bumper, and no way to attatch a grill. Where did I go wrong? I cracked the grill removing it since it fit so tight. Is there any hope of being able to buy a new lower aero grill and fit it without tabs? Or have I screwed myself royal? Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2006 | 10:02 AM
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heya stargate... i finished that mod on mine yesterday too...

for the bottom I didn't cut off that big long piece..I know what you are talking about though... for mine, I think it does touch it, but not completely in the way....other have cut the long piece off and then spray painted that whole inside section.... i just left it since I hace astro black.. close enough...

I cut new holes for the tabs in the bumper for the new grill... some I have seen have cut all those tabs off and glued it on...

you can order a new lower grill from out motoring or the dealer, if the one you have is broke...

you have to mod the plate holder to a bit also...

I posted pics here.. https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ht=astro+black
 
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 09:33 AM
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I ended up cutting my tabs off and using JB Weld to glue it. I really want to take it off and fill & paint the space so it is solid.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 09:47 AM
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I screwed up my first lower aero rill as well. I just went a bought a new one.

I also had a problem with louver. it didn't let the grill sit flush. It pushed out about .5" so, I cut about 3/4 of the louver off (not .75") from the opening up. It fits alot better now.

You can see the hole behind the bumper but it doesn't bother me. I can always remove the bumper and paint the metal behind there black.



Be patient. It's easier the second time.

Fit, trim, fit, trim, fit.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2006 | 04:01 PM
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I think JB weld is a little extreme. Is there any other adhesive that people have used? I'm geting ready to order my second lower, and I know I can get it to fit if I cut the tabs...... Just curious what the best method of attatching it would be.
 
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 06:25 AM
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Can you post a picture of what you have done? I came across the same problem as you (i think?) and Mine seems to be fine using tabs only.

Did you cut out the whole louver to where it meets the tab slots or do you have some of the louver left on the bumper?
 
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Old Apr 19, 2006 | 09:37 AM
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I removed the entire louver. I dont have any pics. Right now I have the stock grill held on by hot glue. The colored peice is held in now with hot glue and the little bit that the chrome piece holds it on. But, its sitting funny. The untrained eye couldnt tell. But I can. Where I cut the louvers off...... there is not really much material left for the upper tabs. So I'm afraid some sort of adhesive is going to be my only hope.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2006 | 04:21 PM
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Anyone? I need to find a good tried and true attatchment method for no tabs.......
 
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Old Apr 24, 2006 | 09:42 AM
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Originally Posted by stargate823
I think JB weld is a little extreme. Is there any other adhesive that people have used? I'm geting ready to order my second lower, and I know I can get it to fit if I cut the tabs...... Just curious what the best method of attatching it would be.
I used a 2 part epoxy originally but it didn't hold up. The JB weld was easy to apply and has held up through storms, highway traffic, track day, drag strip runs, laser washes, etc for almost a year now.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2006 | 09:46 AM
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Exactly where did you JB Weld it? I suppose clean up is easy while it is still "liquid". I know I can cut the grill down to fit with no problem. Its now just a matter of attatching it well.
 
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