Just having gotten my car back with new AC grill and bumper etc., etc., I decided to protect the grill with plastic black screen mesh I had in a roll in the garage, used for window and door screens. I used zip ties on some the the black vertical members of the bumper to hold it in place. Advantages: light weight, no interface with painted bumper surface.

Have yet to determine cooling compromise and does look a bit tacky; also I do not think it will stop pebbles or debris that well, but probably slow them down to prevent aluminum grill damage. The circumference of the bumper opening is also not well represented in the protection.

After I take the car in for 1 month buff/wax where I got the repair done (standard operating procedure for McCurdy Body Work in Pasadena) I might decide to go with the McCune mesh I have, but I like the screen matl so far.

 

Prolene-

Glad to here you got your car back. I saw it in there a couple weeks ago when I was getting an estimate. How did they do?
I'm scheduled to take mine in on monday for some minor bumper damage and I'm completely paranoid even though I've heard great things about them.

 

Hi bjl! They did an excellent job. I like my particular S2000 without the emblems. Let Bill McCurdy know you 'know' me (Al Shon). Bill is very personable and easy to work with. They are so busy due to demand, expect some time to get your work done, but close to perfection if not perfection is the desired result.

Just back from a 7mi test drive. 3 bars with ac on, but heater was on to fully mix coolant.... I am switching to mostly distilled water and Water Wetter. 2 gnats caught on the screen so far!

Some of the alloy lugnuts I put on prior to test drive also needed slightly extra torque.

 

Hey Prolene,

Glad to hear that you got your car back. I'm surprised you made it this long without having your S2K. It must've been like detox

I'm not sure about your mesh idea. I think it'd look a little tacky, just like you said. Maybe you should post pictures of it up.

I had lunch with Mingster, and I noticed that his painted air horn compressor, which is in the same place as the air conditioner thing, is starting to peel. I'm surprised that so much stuff actually makes it past the small opening to hit that area.

 

Yeah, it was tough, but having the S2K back now is so much the sweeter! Thanks!

I agree I have found it is helpful when folks post pix of what they are writing about, and I have thought about it. I am, however, 'digital pix challenged' for lack of resolve in getting a digital camera. I did catch 2 gnats in the mesh so far, though!

 

Thanks Prolene-

I'm glad to here they did a good job. It will put me at ease while I wait to get it back. I actually have a good friend that recommended them as well and they have been great to work with so far. I take it in on Monday and they said I should have it back by the end of the week. They just have to repaint the bumpers.

 

I've had the same screen on mine since I purchased it back in August '00.

I unbolted the 2 radiator anchoring points and slid the screen right in front of it. I then used the bolts to go through the screen to keep it taught and hold it up.

I didn't notice any cooling problems through the 100 degree days I encountered.

 

I have a similar mesh (2 mm holes) on mine but it is in front of the A/C cannister. When I did the intake temp recordings, I did runs with and without the mesh and there seemed to be no difference in the readings I got. Mine is a heavy weight mess and I think it would take a good hit from rocks and stuff.