Quote Originally Posted by JB in NOVA View Post
Next, I installed Mike Everson’s nose aluminum panel (http://replicaparts.com/Roadster%20a...nel%20page.htm) . This is a really nice piece, but I must say it took me quite a bit of time and work to get it in place. Let me first say that if you are concerned about being able to safely insert the piece through the radiator opening of a freshly painted car, don’t be. It folds up and fits through the opening just fine. I taped all the painted edges just to be safe, but there really were no problems there.

That said, the installation itself was quite tedious. There are several reasons for this, including: (1) it is a big, wobbly, awkward piece of aluminum with lots of curves and angles; (2) because of this, it isn’t easy to tell where you need to trim to get it to fit properly; (3) every time you trim, you have to remove and then re-install the bulb seal; and (4) when it fits properly it will recess into a body groove moving everything forward ¾ inch, so you have to “imagine” this final fitment as you are trimming and adjusting—it is only at the very end that everything falls into place.

Anyway, I got it done. I can’t really tell you all the trims I made, but this should give you some idea of the process:



Once I got it to fit, I coated the visible surfaces with bed liner:



Once it is trimmed properly, it goes in very easily with just two rivets in the upper corners. Here is the final result:



Overall, I am happy with the product. It provides a nice, finished look to the grill area. But be prepared to spend some “quality time” in your garage to get it installed!
Hey JB. Very nice work! The car looks fantastic. Quick question for you on the Nomex cover + Mike Everson nose aluminum. Do you think the nose aluminum would have required trimming if you hadn't also installed the Nomex cover? I already have the aluminum piece but haven't installed it yet. I'm undecided on the Nomex cover vs. a stainless steel mesh screen that others have done. I like the idea of the Nomex cover but if using a SS screen avoids having to trim the nose aluminum that might be something to take into consideration. Do you have any more close-ups of the inside of the nose with the aluminum piece in place?

Thanks,
John