Step 12 - Installing The Lower Radiator Panels
 
The new plastic radiator panels increase the frontal area, therefore improving air flow compared to the factory shrouding. In STEP 6 you installed the Middle panel under the front bumper. The next steps will be to install the Bottom and Side panels.The sides will now be closed off, with the new panels providing better airflow through the A/C evaporator and the radiator. If the panels require any additional trimming, use Tin-Snips to cut the plastic.

 

12.1 Installing The Bottom Panel

Hardware Package H-1

The Bottom panel is installed using Speed nuts with the texture side on the inside.

  • Install Speed nuts on the lower section of the bumper as shown in Photo 12-A.
  • Install one 10 x 25 mm long bolt and washer through the Bottom panel to help in aligning the bottom panel as shown in Photo 12-B. The bolts come in from the top.
  • Install the remaining bolts and washers into the Bottom panel and tighten.
  • Install the belly pan. The belly pan will now attach to the new Bottom panel on the front.
  • Install Speed nuts on the belly pan as shown in Photo 12-D with the tread section on the inside. The photo in 12-D shows the belly pan on the outside of the new front Bottom panel for illustration only.
  • Attach the belly pan to the new front Bottom panel with the belly pan on the inside of the new front panel using 10 x 25mm bolts and washers as shown in Photo 12-E.
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Photo 12-A: Install Speed nuts in the bumper Photo 12-B: Install 10 mm bolt into Bottom panel and into Speed nut Photo 12-C: Install Bottom panel
 
Photo 12-D: Belly pan with Speed nut Photo 12-E: Belly pan attached  

12.2 Install The Left And Right Side Panels

Install the belly pan before installing the Side panels. The left and right side panels install in the same manner using Speed nuts.

  • Install the panel with the textured surface facing inwards by feeding it into the front area of the car from the engine bay. It may take a bit of wiggling to get this to fit but the flexibility of the plastic will help get the panel into place.  Be sure that the front is wedged between the factory bracket and the bumper.
  • With the belly pan attached, use a white marker pen and make a mark through the new side panel hole on to the belly pan where a mounting hole will be drilled as shown in Photos 12-F and 12-G. If you do not have a white marker, put masking tape on the belly pan where the mark will go and use another color. Use a 1/4" drill bit to drill a hole through the marked panel.
  • Attach a Speed nut, to the belly pan over the new drilled hole as shown in Photo 12-H.
  • Secure using a 10 x 25 mm bolt and washer as shown in Photo 12-I.
  • Follow the same procedures for the other side panel.
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Photo 12-F: Mark through the side panel to the belly pan side panel Photo 12-G: Mark shown on belly pan side panel Photo 12-H: Speed nut attached to belly pan side panel
 
Photo 12-I: Side panel attached    

Next - Step 13: The Final Adjustments

Step 1: Removal Of Factory Parts Step 8: Installing The Power Steering Cooler
Step 2: Modifying The Radiator Brackets Step 9: Installing The Radiator
Step 3: Modifying The Radiator Cross Member Step 10: Installing The A/C Evaporator Coil To The Radiator
Step 4: Installing The I/C Mounting Support Panels Step 11: Installing The Intercooler Pipes
Step 5: Modifying The Evaporator Canister Step 12: Installing The Lower Radiator Panels
Step 6: Installing The Upper Radiator Shroud Panels Step 13: The Final Adjustments
Step 7: Installing The Intercooler Index: Introduction

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