| Fitting mesh in a bumper |
| Tools & Parts |
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| Step 1 |
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The following process is done on a 106 XR (mkII), but if you understand the general guidelines you will be able to use this info for your car too. The first thing you have to do is to decide what kind of mesh you want to fit. There are various types and dimensions available in the market and of different prices. The mesh used in this article is bought at a construction store. The mesh was in an alloy colour and is painted black after fitting. |
| Step 2 |
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You have to decide how you are going to work on your mesh. You can either take out the whole bumper or roll below your car and work from there, provided there is enough space for you to work. If you decide to remove the bumper be sure you know how to remove it and how to put it back in the right place. In this example the bumper was not removed. You also have to decide how to remove the standard mesh. On a 106 XR it is held in place with clips which are also used again for the new mesh. |
| Step 3 |
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Roll under the bumper and start removing the standard mesh carefully. Be careful not to ruin the clips because they will be helpful afterwards. |
| Step 4 |
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Here you can see where the mesh had to be cut to be removed completely. |
| Step 5 |
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Once the standard mesh is removed you have to clean the area around the intake where the new mesh will be glued. Clean it with a strong soap at first, then rinse the soap with water and wait for it to dry. Then clean the same area again using thinner to achieve the best contact between the silicone and the bumper. In the picture you can see the difference between the new and old mesh. |
| Step 6 |
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Now you should try and put the new mesh in place just to see if any extra mods are needed and mark the places where it will be glued to the bumper. Next to that you will have to mark any sections of the mesh that need cutting. Cut small pieces each time to be sure you will not make it smaller and be sure to leave extra mesh where it will be glued. When the mesh has the right dimensions glue it to the bumper with the silicone. Due to the existence of the clips it's already holding good but with the silicone you will be sure it won't fall off. |
| Step 7 |
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Now you should get your gloves on and start putting some silicone on the bumper where the mesh will hold on. Note that you should put a small layer of silicone on the bumper, then place the mesh and put another layer on top of the mesh as well. Before applying any silicone, cut small pieces of iron to hold the clips folded after putting the silicone. After the first layer of silicone, place the mesh in the right position, fold the clips with the iron pieces and put the second layer of silicone. Do each clip at a time and be sure to leave the metal plates on several hours so that the silicone will dry and be able to hold the clips on its own. Be carefull while using the silicone not to mess other parts too and use your gloves whenever you want to wipe or press any silicone. In the picture you can see how the clips folded for the silicone to dry. The picture does not show any silicone as it was taken while testing the length of each iron piece for each clip. |
| Step 8 |
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Once you are sure that the silicone has dried remove the iron plates and you are finished. |