So we replaced the rear bumper cut outs / vents with these grills. My son and I really like the look but haven't decided if we need to -

a) leave as is.
b) blacken the heatshield behind it.
c) modify heatshield to make them functional.

So I thought I would bring this to all you NAMnuts for commentary.

 

I vote for b.

What is the mesh?

 

I'd vote B as well, but how would you do C??

 

Realize the pic doesn't show good detail - the mesh is perforated with small round holes. Peter of MinSpeed (aka MyMini) can tell you more about them since that is where I picked them up.

 

My first thoughts where to
a) trace the opening onto the heat shield,
b) cut out
c) cut light sheet aluminum (2-3 wide and the circumfurance of the opening)
d) connect the ends creating a large circle.
e) insert into cut heat shield opening
f) push back so it touches the new grill vents.

The thought here is to allow air to flow thru the vent (only) while maintaining the heat shield integrity by not allowing heat to get around the heat shield.

open to hearing other "how to" ideas

 

Good idea And if you painted the "vent" black, it wouldn't show at all

 

Actually, you would then see some of the mufflers.

 

Looks Great Bart, Option B for the final touch,

 

I guess I should've said the heat shield wouldn't show at all

 

I was bored one rainy weekend last Feb. and got the drill out...


Rob Mod

 

Just get under the car and bend the heat shields up so the ends are above the top of the vent screen. Easy to do by hand, looks good, and doesn't do any harm to the shields or anything else.

 

Mini really went out of its way to heat shield that area so I was concerned about the heat and the rear bumper. Paranoia on my part?

 

Must have rained ALL day!!!! Looks great

 

Understatemant, I actually had to drill each hole twice and then bevel the holes. Very time consuming but I am pleased with the results. Thanks!

 

I went through this same decision process about a week and a half ago.

here's my outcome.

via Jmonk of Nashville








I considered all those options you just went through. After going out and pounding on it a few times just to see how hot I could get the back exhaust. I decided that I didn't want to cut the heat shield just yet. It's still cool here so I don't think I'm seeing the full affect of how hot that can get. I don't think you could melt the bumper from the ambient air. But I'm waiting out this summer to find out first.

I vote for painting the heatshield for now as it's easy to do. And then ponder the positives and negatives as it gets 90+ hot and you are heating things up.

Looks nice.

 

while I like them both - I like the holes over the slots a tad more. I think you gotta do the center little grill or add the back-up light to complete the look.

Painted could look cool but I like the contrast - perhaps black on your car ?

Heat - I'm in Florida - thus the paranoia. I think at some point - perhaps a rainy day , I will dedicate to making a sleeve or ring insert into the heat shield thus retaining the heat shield with a duck leading to the grills.