Writeup/Pics of my front grille block on my Saab

[viio]

I just completed my grill blocks on my new saab. Here's how I did it.

After removing the 3 grilles from the car:


I used polystyrene filled cardboard (used for signs etc) to make backing plates. I drew around the shape with a pen:


Then cut out the individual plates I needed:


Then I spraypainted the 3 plates in matt black to keep them hidden:


After a test-fitting:


I trimmed off any extra around the sides, using my dear wife's leatherman knife:


I then used a hot glue-gun to secure the backing plates to the grills:


After about 20 seconds held in place:


They were secure:


I refitted all 3 grilles to the car:


and you would never even know they were there:

[Daox]

Looks very nice.

I'd check back after a few weeks and again after a few months. Hot glue isn't the greatest stuff to hold things together.

[viio]

Good tip, thanks. I was originally going to try and use screws but couldn't get ones small enough at a fair price. Any alternatives to recommend?

[NeilBlanchard]

Black cable ties?

[big_dave]

Looks a lot tidier than the polo's mods

[viio]

You're a cheeky beggar Dave its a good job I like you.

Black cable ties aren't as stealthy as I'd like but they'd sure do the job.

[Lokalazeros]

I was wondering, is there a big difference in air flow between blocking the air before the grill, and after the grill, like you did ?

[viio]

Marginal benefit from blocking externally. Either way the air is forced to flow elsewhererather than into the engine bay, but this method keeps the standard look of the vehicle. In this method, air pressure will build up in the grilles slats before forcing it to "overflow" to the bonnet etc. Kind of like a bucket which must fill with water before it can overflow. I expect the difference would be slight.