Further to my previous thread on removing the lower grilles on the vRS front bumper I wondered if anyone else has drilled out the blanks on the passenger side lower grille and had any tips on how to get a neat finish. I know it would be easier to fit mesh but I like the OEM look.

I was thinking of drilling out each opening with a decent sized drill bit and then shaping with a dremmel but any tips would be welcome.

I used a Dremmel and it does look a bit messy on close inspection. I would say if you have access to one of those free standing drills use that instead and will more than likley give you a better finish....also make sure you put the grill in a vice.

I wonder whether I should have just bought the Milotec grills and saved myself the hassle.

I used a Dremmel and it does look a bit messy on close inspection. I would say if you have access to one of those free standing drills use that instead and will more than likley give you a better finish....also make sure you put the grill in a vice.

I wonder whether I should have just bought the Milotec grills and saved myself the hassle.

I considered the Milotec grilles but they work out quite expensive and I' quite a fan of the standard look. I'm not sure if a bench drill would help as the fake mesh is angled. Another option could be to use a fret saw but that's gonna take ages. Hmmph :(

i bought the milotec ones, much easier and look pretty standard, just a little different.

personal taste i guess

I considered the Milotec grilles but they work out quite expensive and I' quite a fan of the standard look. I'm not sure if a bench drill would help as the fake mesh is angled. Another option could be to use a fret saw but that's gonna take ages. Hmmph :(

Ah..yep it is angle and some of the "diamonds" are smaller.

I got "fuzzy" edges when using the Dremmel and using some kind of file gives that white oxidization kind of look. Perhaps drill as large as you can then use a very fine blade in a handheld jig saw.

Almost tempted to go buy and new one and try again.

Why not drill it, dremel, then spray it matt black?

Would not have the white fuzziness to it then?

/starts me thinking

Why not drill it' date=' dremel, then spray it matt black?

Would not have the white fuzziness to it then?

/starts me thinking [/quote']

There is always painting but it would come out shiny and look strange...IMHO.

There is always painting but it would come out shiny and look strange...IMHO.

My thoughts too.

I'll post up with my findings once I've had a go at drilling it out.

Often thought about removing the bits in between, but powertools and plastics don't mix

milotec is the lazy option

I tried with a drill last night and it just looked messy so I made it neat using an x-acto knife. I then decided to try the x-acto knife on it's own and with a little force it cuts through the plastic. By cutting at an angle it gives a very neat finish. It's time consuming but so far looks to be a neat job. I'll hopefully have the time to finish it tonight and post up a picture.

Does it just pull out like the Towing side one does?

Does it just pull out like the Towing side one does?

yes

Hmm. Might have a go tomorrow

Ah..yep it is angle and some of the "diamonds" are smaller.

I got "fuzzy" edges when using the Dremmel and using some kind of file gives that white oxidization kind of look. Perhaps drill as large as you can then use a very fine blade in a handheld jig saw.

Almost tempted to go buy and new one and try again.

adrain we have a guilloteen(spelling:O ) at work might cut better than your dremmel:D .so if your thinking of doing it again just pop along to me works ill do it for nowt.Bargain:D .

adrian we have a guilloteen(spelling:O ) at work might cut better than your dremmel:D .so if your thinking of doing it again just pop along to me works ill do it for nowt.Bargain:D .

Cheers Chris.

been thinking of this for a cold air feed.

drill out as much as possible,and then a small metal file,is what i was thinking.not had a good look at it yet.

just pulls out?no clips to snap then?this will give me something to do whilst i'm not drinking this weekend :(

The drilling method seems really messy.

The method I mentioned above using a knife is neat but VERY time consuming.

thinking aloud here,are the LHD ones opposites of ours?or is all the engine components on the same side? ie intercooler on that side aswell?

and is someone going to embarrass me publicly now?

Sounds logical.

May be the cheap solution

The engine bay layout is the same so unfortunately not an option.