DIY Vibe Grille / Fog Deletes
 

Well had the chance to day to remove the tape and work in the 90+ degree heat, (Mistake#1). So I went to Home Depot and picked up some 10" x 10ft, aluminum roofing material to make my grille and fog deletes. Here was my journey.

This was all I needed as far as materials. The aluminum, a pair of shears, a sharpie, some rivets, a rivet gun, and something to make a template with. I had some abs plastic laying around.
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0627.jpg

Using my template material I made the template for the fogs first.http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0628.jpg

Once cut I taped them on the vehicle for fitment.http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0629.jpg

Now because my bumper is FUBAR, I decided to rivet the piece into it. It turned out to be real easy, but will leave permanent damage in the long run via drilled holes ... So a couple minutes of drilling and riveting and the first side is done.http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0630.jpg

Because the two sides are mirror images I simply cut two pieces at once and flipped it over for the other side, so basically rinse and repeat ..http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0632.jpg

Now I got lucky in that the same 10" piece fit as a main grille block, so I took a piece and laid it over for general sizing and held it in place with tape to get the best placement.http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0633.jpg

Once cut properly I used the same method, drill and rivet all along the sides until the side was complete. Now because of he compound curve and the deformed bumper these pieces may never sit flat unles they are flat. So expect some waviness as I have. I personally think that imperfection does not out weigh its benefit, but only time will tell.http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0634.jpg

And as before I cut 2 pieces at the same time, so I simply flip the other over and repeated the steps.http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0635.jpg

All in all the project took 2 hours, with multiple breaks to get out of the sun ... Cost of the project was less than $20 and I hope the returns continue as they have with the tape. Now as a final mod I am having some red vinyl cut to fit over the panels to not make them as obvious as they are.
Funny enough last night a cop pulled me over thinking the blue tape meant the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Once I explained myself he apologized and applauded my efforts. LOL

Since I had some spare time left from this project, I decided to gut the vibe a bit more for maximum weight benefit to my limits ... Enjoy ..
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0636.jpg

trikkonceptz -

Wow, butch grill blocks AND major weight reduction. I salute you!!!!!!

CarloSW2

Looking forward to pictures with the red vinyl! :)

Well another day off and another chance to hack at the vibe. Today I added the vinyl tp the aluminum to make it less obvious and began step one of shaving the door handles ... I say step one because the fronts are easy, I could not for the life of me figure out how to remove the rears ... ANyone with a vibe, Matrix or bodyshop know how help me get the rears off?

Thank you and enjoy ..
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0654.jpg
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j2...e/IMG_0655.jpg

Well now, I missed this thread initially. Looks a lot better with the vinyl on it. Sorry, no clue on removing handles.

Nice red vinyl, :)

how do you open the doors?

Please note this is my single passenger commuter car. That being said all doors still open from the inside and for now I am not removing the DS front door handle. In the upcoming weeks I will add an extra selinoid I have to the my DS door in order to open it with a popper, just like on my xB. The other doors will remain manual from the inside. I rarely take any passengers at all, for me it was key ..

ah, I figured that or thought the vibe windows would go down like my old VR6 did

Who needs door handles when they have the Jaws of Life only a few more minutes away?

Looked like a snake to me :thumbup:

:thumbup:

cool ..I so want to do fog deletes but am not ready to mess up the bumper:(

wish I had an older car sometimes

just take your time with it.. form and function :thumbup:

Looks good. Takes balls to drill into a painted bumper!

Any backing on the handles for security?

Id be worried about people popping it and getting in:confused:

Nice mods
 

I see the nice mods.. total gril block

why did you bend the aluminum? it looked good flattened.You could have bolted at major points and used like caulking or shoe goo or something to the extent.and painting it would be as easy as a brillo pad rubbed in circular motions and a can of spray paint applied evenly and then lightly clear coat for sheen and durability of paint

I like the fog delete. Been thinking about that on my truck

Hey bud, I know you're all into the weight reduction, but make sure your spare tire, jack, AND jumper cables are secured inside the vehicle. If you are in an accident unsecured items become projectiles. Jumper cables are a few pounds and don't seem like much, but if you were to have a highway speed impact the cables could be a potential hazard. Just want all the eco-modders to be safe!

Some good work on your grill blocks and fog deletes! If you we like to straighten the top edge of your grill block out (and help air cruise over the hood), try using strap/band steel or aluminium to make a straight edge. It wouldn't take much to pop-rivet the bracing behind what you've already accomplished!

PS - I noticed that his thread was dug up from the grave after posting my response...

Where do you get your vinyl from?

Is it permanent or removable?

I was looking for some to smooth out some spots on my car for testing.

Thanks

It looks a little rough. But I bet functional. Maybe thicker material should be used over the grill to lessen the ripple effect. Props for the balls to try this!!
Please let us know the results.