Radiator protection??

[lamcote]

I am eagerly awaiting delivery of my DRLs from Hamspeed so just looking at how to remove the front bumper.

Whilst it is off I was wondering if there was some kind of mesh I could install in front of the radiator which would be strong enough to protect it from stone damage but obviously without causing too much impediment to airflow. Does anyone know of any suitable material?

Also the top bolts for the bumper that go into the front wings by the headlights look a little tricky to get to, are there any sneaky tips to ease removal? There does seem to be a trim fastener in the wheel arch liner just above each bolt, is this meant to open a hatch to the bolt? If so how do you undo the fastener?

Thanks

[Joesson]

Only once, around four years ago,  have I removed the front bumper. The fixings do play hide and seek but I found them all which likely says something. Can' t remember any detail but it was not a show stopper. Use a thick old blanket or similar to put on the floor/ ground below the bumper to protect the paintwork. I do vaguely remember some 'removing the bumper pictures 'at one time, have you tried " search"?
I have not experienced any stone damage to a radiator in a lot of years, unless you are off roading in a convoy I wouldn't try to protect against something so unlikely.

[lamcote]

Thanks, I have found the write ups but they talk about levering back the plastic lining and as usual I'm a bit wussy about things like that because I normally break stuff.

As for radiator damage, my AC condenser is absolutely shot to pieces which I assume is stone damage (maybe it's not)? It would be nice to stop any more of it.

[Carolyn]

The plastic wheel arch liner is very forgiving.  You only have to move it a little to get at the fastener between the bumper and the wing.  Then it's the fasteners across the top (all easy) a couple at the bottom attaching to the liner and (as I recall) three, maybe four under the front.  Undo it it all first, then pop it off at the sides.  You'll be fine.

[lamcote]

Oh yes, bolts first then fasteners, that makes sense. I was going to do it the other way because it was the wing connection I was obsessing about!! You see, that's why things go wrong so quickly when you don't have experience.

[smarty72]

Once you unbolt the fixing by the wheel arch liner, you just need to pull the bumper beside it away from the car at a 90 degree angle to release some little tabs - it's all quite intuitive.
Another pair of hands might be helpful for when it's finally released if you're worried about damaging it.  Once you've released all the fixings and the bumper finally comes away, you will have to reach down and release the fog light bulbs from their holders (if it's a FL).

[gazza1286]

[attachment=0:1qccehan] ia0 20170812_112704.jpg ia0 [/attachment:1qccehan]

(my first post-photobucket image...)

You might find this helpful when your fogs arrive. If you zoom in on the outboard member to the right of the radiator you will see where I mounted the (right) module which is included in the kit. A couple of self-tappers did the trick. It's the best location but I couldn't see an alternative to drilling. Cable ties wouldn't have worked.

[lamcote]

OK thanks everyone. I have just pulled the liner back and felt the bolt, is it correct that it can be undone with just a screw driver, there's not much room to get a socket in there?

Also I was wondering where to mount those things.

Thanks again.

[smarty72]

OK thanks everyone. I have just pulled the liner back and felt the bolt, is it correct that it can be undone with just a screw driver, there's not much room to get a socket in there? Thanks again.

I use a fairly slim socket on a short extension for mine.

[lamcote]

Excellent, didn't think of an extension!!

You guys/gals are all wonderful, thanks, I think I really will give this a go myself.

[Carolyn]

Go Patrick!! Remember: You have nothing to fear but the sky falling on you head.

[delhusband]

In a bit late here, but have you seen this?
http://mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=61427&sid=64a4d79861a285a301df2cf8746c64f1

[lamcote]

Go Patrick!! Remember: You have nothing to fear but the sky falling on you head.

How reassuring!! Believe me, if the sky had fallen on your head every time I have made a mistake, you would have learned by now not to be anywhere near so bold in your encouragement...


Thanks for the link.

By the way, the lights have arrived from Hamspeed and they look lovely sitting in the box. Hopefully they will be fitted and working soon??

[Joesson]

There's no hiding place for those fixings now, but no further comment about your ( AC) radiator. I have no AC so cannot comment on that rad. but I would be very surprised if your main radiator was OE and still in good condition. Some of the alloy fins on my 2 seemed to corrode away as did the tubing and then leaked necessitating a change of radiator. Lots of info on here about that. But the damage / corrosion to mine was all on the rear of the rad.
I've not read about damage or corrosion to the front of the radiator/ s, maybe someone else has experienced that and can offer some advice?

[lamcote]

My car has had a new coolant radiator at some point and it is in decent condition. The AC condenser is looking very much worse for wear and I just assumed it was due to being hit by gravel but clearly that can't have caused the issue you describe if the back of the radiator was worst.

Interesting, maybe I am worrying unnecessarily?

[1979scotte]

I had a 55k miles 06 plate and both rad and condenser were well past there best.
Stone damage occurs rarely unless you are hooning around the Highlands like a lunatic.

[MisterK]

If I can manage to get the front bumper off and back on, anyone can   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:    I used Les's instructions and found them easy to follow, although the bolts under the wheel arch skin were a bit of a bu**er to get back done up   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  



The fitting of the fogs/DRL's was a doddle and the results are excellent.  With regards to radiator protection, I'm surprised no one has mentioned a Zunsport grille - a great mod which looks good and gives protection from stones etc.  Mind you, I think you're more likely to find your radiator will perish through old age like mine did if it's still the original.  I changed mine in the summer - it was 13 years old with hardly any vanes left   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:   It looked like the moths had been at it!!