Lower & Upper Grille Block Ideas (Toyota Echo)

[CigaR007]

Today I reinstalled my upper grille block after 2+ months under restoration. This time, I took the time (redundant I know !), to properly level out the surface to the best of my abilities, although time is always a factor. But I believe that this time around, it is sturdier, smoother and much better looking.

The 2 lower grille blocks have also been resurfaced (bondo + new epoxy resin coating) and primed and are awaiting the dual-colour paint. The middle piece (as seen in the photos), still needs to be restored since my actuated grille block was put on hold. I am currently smoothing the outer edges of the opening for improved airflow. I also plan on building an air-tight ducting (most likely with coroplast) from the middle opening to the radiator.

I am just glad that I have fun doing this, because it sure is time-consuming.

Here are some pics for those who are interested.

Cheers !

[HyperMileQC]

Each time I see a green Echo, I can't stop hoping one day I'll see yours!

If one day you see a guy who shakes his hands like a moron to give you a sign, it may be francis or me... In the opposite, if one day you see the Echo-Troll, give us a sign haha!

EDIT : You have definitely made the best looking and most discreet grille block IMO!

[CigaR007]

Thanks HyperMileQC ! Pretty sure we will meet eventually !

[alohaspirit]

good job with the block


i would follow suit if it wasnt so warm here

[thomason2wheels]

Originally Posted by CigaR007

Today I reinstalled my upper grille block after 2+ months under restoration. This time, I took the time (redundant I know !), to properly level out the surface to the best of my abilities, although time is always a factor. But I believe that this time around, it is sturdier, smoother and much better looking.

The 2 lower grille blocks have also been resurfaced (bondo + new epoxy resin coating) and primed and are awaiting the dual-colour paint. The middle piece (as seen in the photos), still needs to be restored since my actuated grille block was put on hold. I am currently smoothing the outer edges of the opening for improved airflow. I also plan on building an air-tight ducting (most likely with coroplast) from the middle opening to the radiator.

I am just glad that I have fun doing this, because it sure is time-consuming.

Here are some pics for those who are interested.

Cheers !

Awesome job on the grillblock...it looks better than factory! :-)

[CigaR007]

For the past few days, I have been contemplating about refining the front nose even more. It is obvious that it will not yield much considering that the flow at the front end is already good enough. Nonetheless, I figured, might as well fully optimize the front before tackling the rear.

Anyhow, here is what I was thinking. I used small strips of soft cardboard to shape the extension. I followed the hood's curvature and tried to make it even. I thought about making a mold by applying some epoxy resin on a piece of cloth instead of the white papers as seen in the pictures. I would then cover the hood and do the same to get the other half of the mold. Once that step is done, I would pour 2-part expansion foam into the mold and simply sculpt it the the desired shape, just like the grille block.

I was also considering applying epoxy resin over the cardboard strips as to solidify the nose's skeleton.

I would welcome any thoughts and building process ideas that would make it easier to build.

Many thanks !










I am aiming for a similar design concept of this Volvo

[MetroMPG]

I respectfully suggest your time & materials would be better spent on other parts of the car. As you say, the Echo's front end already has clean, attached flow with the OEM design. Outside of a wind tunnel, I just don't think it's possible to make an improvement with that kind of tweak.

I know that I would be disappointed if *I* put dozens of hours of work into a project and found no measurable benefit afterward! I generally try to avoid that kind of disappointment!

[CigaR007]

Thanks for the feedback. Indeed, gains, if any, would be hard to discern. I guess I will start a new thread since I am about to tackle a new mod; tapered rear-deck lid extension.

I might revisit this nose idea one day though !

[MetroMPG]

Looking forward to the new mod. Please post a link in this thread when you start the new one so regular readers can jump over to it!

[CigaR007]

New Project !

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...cho-23143.html