How to Fasten Mesh Screen?

[32J]

Hi All,

I have some black aluminum mesh screen that I want to use for the hood scoop and front openings for rad, oil cooler, and brakes. Wondering if there is a preferred way to fasten the grills so that I don't have to drill any fiberglass or use permanent adhesive.

Or, if I have to drill the body, are there any particular type of autobody fasteners that are ideal for securely holding mesh grills?

But if most people end-up forming the grills and then gluing / silicone in place, then maybe that's what I'll do.

Thanks,

32J

[GrooveM]

Hi All,

I have some black aluminum mesh screen that I want to use for the hood scoop and front openings for rad, oil cooler, and brakes. Wondering if there is a preferred way to fasten the grills so that I don't have to drill any fiberglass or use permanent adhesive.

Or, if I have to drill the body, are there any particular type of autobody fasteners that are ideal for securely holding mesh grills?

But if most people end-up forming the grills and then gluing / silicone in place, then maybe that's what I'll do.

Thanks,

32J

I bought the Duct and Oil Cooler screens from Breeze and fabricated my own for the hood scoop. I used Lexel which is similar to silicone adhesive. What I liked about Lexel was that I could use a little water and my fingers to smooth the beads out while it was setting up. If you wait too long it eventually becomes firm and won't smooth out any more. Once cured it's firm yet still flexible. Just my 2 cents.

[narly1]

If you are looking for a "somewhat" removable adhesive product consider Shoe Goo.

Do note that it has a somewhat runny consistency though, so be careful/plan your work ahead.

Once cured it's harder and less flexible than silicone.

Earl

[BEAR-AvHistory]

No screen on my scoop but did the brake & oil cooler vents with silicone adhesive.

Installed in 2014 & still inplace.

[CraigS]

I used big ole beads of clear silicone for the brake duct openings since no one would ever see it. I think that would be a plan for the oil cooler duct also. The rad opening could be done w/ rivets into the fiberglass close to the inward facing edge of the opening. The hood scoop, I hope someone chimes in w/ a cool setup. Personally I would skip it because whatever you do is super obvious any time you open the hood. You might be able to find some glue-on studs that are small enough but I still am not sure I'd want to look at them.
https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-8trdi5a57j/images/stencil/400x400/products/6367/5350/stud__89698.1597268215.jpg?c=1

[Avalanche325]

You can get a clean edge by using masking tape, if you keep it thin where it hits the tape. I would definitely do a practice run or three on the bench. I did silicone on my brake ducts.....neatness not required there though.

What about 3m automotive double sided tape? There are several different kinds on Amazon.

[RJD]

I epoxied some posts from McMaster-CARR to either side of the openings and safety-wired the mesh screens to the posts. Same with the radiator grill mesh. A solid hold but still removable - just cut the safety wire.

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[NiceGuyEddie]

Like many before me, I used 100% silicone for the oil cooler opening. It lasted about 12 years and 15,000 miles. The mesh screen somewhere between my house and San Diego.

[NiceGuyEddie]

P.S. How does Superformance do it? My Superformance doesn't have any mesh screens.

(Sorry if I hijack, I've also had a Superformance for about a year.)