Pete’s GS400 Build Thread by Sevenevez

5 minute(s) of a 283 minute read

8-17-2013

FYI: Attaching Lips, Spoilers, PolyUrethane Body Kits and Panels.

I have tried everything from Gorilla Glue, Epoxies, Screws, Extreme 3M Tape and More to attach my TTE Rep lip and my JP Rep Spoiler and various other parts. None seem to last long or withstand the test of time and water and washing.

I was told about Betalink by one of the members here. It's basically what BMW and OEM uses to attach factory body parts. However. I couldnt find it for sale anywhere.

Betalink K1. Then they made K2 ( which i found on eBay for over $100 )

Today i found the newest version by DOW and it's called BetaTech. It's only $17. I will do a write-up / DIY once it arrives in a couple days. Hoping this will do the deed

Here is the link to it --> http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2660840/

8-21-2013

Bout time to build another Mini-Me

haha, what you mean like this? 

8-27-2013

Project: Mesh Grille

So, i wanted a mesh grille. But not the one that costs like $200. You know me, Mr. Budget. So i found one for like $79 that looks like the TRD one. Remember, if you skimp on the money, you get what you pay for 

Came pretty fast considering it came from Japan.

show you difference

location of hood pull Tab is smaller and needs to be drilled out correctly

The mounting tabs and screws it comes with are garbage and dont line up at all.

made a paper template off the old one

you will need to cut these tabs off with a dremel or grinder to flush the lower part of the grille

test fit. looks good. let's paint!

I painted the backside of it first to ensure the mesh angles dont show or reflect the metal / silver

preppin' a new "endless" emblem. 

couple coats of black primer

i use generic auto store black enamel for my first coats so i am not wasting the more expensive and harder to get Black Onyx. So, couple coats of black enamel.

Now the Black Onyx is laid

3 coats of Clear.

A lot of people have complained about seeing through the mesh and seeing the angled core supports behind the grille. Member "VVT-i" in the forum swapped the grille mesh with gutter guard. So i got some from the hardware store for like $4.99. I am going to double mesh it though as the gutter guard is very lightweight plastic. That will ensure a dark full mesh i think 

Measured and cut new mesh. Then zip tied the outer most edges from the backside nice and snug

Installed!

One more view

I'll probably get used to this, wait for the paint to cure, wetsand, buff and then throw the emblem on.