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Installation of an MS Design Grill
by Cardassian Cruiser (difficulty level: medium)
First impression: Small, flimsy, not all that well finished. When Craig of Compact Divisions first brought out this tiny box I
thought, "where is the grill" ... it was in the box. On examining the grill for the first
time it seemed not too sturdy, not a solid chunk of plastic but a thinly molded frame. Well, it was time
to start the project!
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| Grill kit contents |
On getting the grill ready for painting there was more flashing
and scratches than I would have thought. Out came the old model building tools,
a few files, x-acto knives and sand paper soon went to work on the finish. On to the primer, several coats and a bunch of
sanding in between gets ready for the top coat.
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| Primered |
Colour choice, body colour for the outer shell of course. Ebony
Black (gloss). The mesh grill? First thought was to paint it flat black the same as the regular grill and the lower grill.
This would look good on a Red, White or Silver GT but Black on Black is very uncontrasting. Also the mesh of the inner grill
"snaps" into place in the outer shell and it does require some bending and a tight fit (make that scrape) to get the cut edges
into the outer shell. OK, problem solved, it's going to be all gloss Black.
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| Almost ready |
Now it's time to top coat. I had just enough paint
in the touch up can for one coat, back to the store for another can! Second can, same as the first. Another option would be to
have it sent out to be painted. The cost of sand paper and paint may not be that far off from having the grill painted (it
is rather small).
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| Finished! |
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Installing the Grill
1. Remove hood deflector or bra (if equipped).
2. Remove original grill, six screw (phillips)
and two nuts (10mm).
3. Install six speed nuts (supplied) in the slots
in the grill and install grill with six screws (phillips - supplied), do not over tighten.
4. Reinstall deflector or bra (if equipped), do not
scratch grill, again.
5. Enjoy your new, good looking, custom grill!
Note: Do not open the hood using the
grill.
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