Grille Mesh

[framey]

Hi,
just wondering if anyone out there has fitted that mesh stuff on the front of their cars (3rd gen particularly)?
Is it an easy job? having never attempted taking the nose cone off before, I need some advice.
I have some stone damage to the radiator and oil coolers but luckily no penetration - yet! just looking for some protection.
Also, what\'s the best stuff to use?

Thanks

[chrisBoid]

A couple of unrelated threads that include pictures of my front dams with mesh in them: -

http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2689" target="first">First

http://www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1889" target="second">Second

It was just the standard mesh bought from Halfords I believe, they did a cross or circular pattern, I had the cross pattern fitted.  All the work was done by MotorMall so I couldn\'t say how easy it was.

[J4P RX]

That worries me.  There looks to be a lot of blocked airflow from that.  It might only look like a piece of mesh, but if its thick then the air isnt going to flow through it properly.  

Would be interested to see if someone had done this with some decent oil/intake/water temps recorded, as Im thinking not so much air will go through and that which does will be disturbed and not flowing as good as it should be.

Lee

[GaryS]

I\'ve got to create one for mine (unless there is a place out there that does mesh grills for a MAzdaspeed type 15th aniversary nose).

The one on my MX-5 was made for me by a friend using high grade mesh from B&Q.  It has saved my engine bay from serious damage on one occasion when it took the full force of a rubber guide wheel from a  trailer - bent the grill in half, snapped 3 of the 4 secruing clips, but stopped the rubber from goijng any further in to m car (which was travelling at motorway speeds at the time).

TBH - I think the more obvious ones aren\'t worth the hassle as they do restrict airflow, I\'ll be making a fine mesh one.  Also make sure which ever one you get is stailess steel or better - a lot of teh cheapers ones aren\'t and won\'t last a winter.

[chrisBoid]

J4P RX : you\'re right, airflow would be reduced.  I wish I had before and after stats to see how much.

What with the air dams being bigger than standard, reducing the air flow through them with mesh _most likely_ does not reduce the flow below standard levels, so at the very worst it would be the same as standard.

My guestimate is that the air flow has been reduced by approx 25-30%.  I think the dams are at least that much bigger than standard anyway  so I think I come out on top.

Under the bonnet is almost standard too so I don\'t think I have to be worried.