Installation

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Installation Instructions

Complete, fully illustrated instructions are provided below for specific models and generic applications.

Please don't hesitate to contact us should you have installation questions!

Email: racemesh@sbcglobal.net Phone: 925.628.7502 ( Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM PST )

NOTE: For some, it may be necessary to contact a local restyler or a body shop to complete the installation.

General installation note about Lower Intake RaceMesh™ Grilles -

To ensure a complete "fill" of the RaceMesh Grille in the bumper opening, the trim gasket can be pressed outward around the entire perimeter of the unit so that it forms a glove like fit against the surrounding bumper opening. This can best be accomplished by taking two screwdrivers and placing them through the RaceMesh and against the inside edges of the trim gasket, and beginning at the center of the bumper (top and bottom) begin pressing outward (up and down) and continue along the edges in one direction and repeat in the other direction. This same process should be done on the ends or sides as well.

Generic (all models) - RaceMesh™ Grille Lower Intake installation instructions (Including Pop-Off Sleeve use)

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NOTE: Place the RaceMesh unit into the opening, select a location to thread the zip-tie through where the RaceMesh wire and the OEM plastic grid best lines up. Thread the zip-tie through and around both the RaceMesh and OEM grille as pictured, then pull both ends of the zip-tie until the Pop-Off Sleeve pops off, then secure the zip-tie. Repeat for each zip-tie location that you have selected. Cut off zip-tie leaders, tuck each knuckle behind RaceMesh so only the thin zip-tie is showing.

Optional: Using a Silver Sharpie permanent marker or silver touchup paint, by applying a dab on the zip-tie where it overlaps the RaceMesh wire will completely conceal the zip-tie.

E39 5-Series specific - RaceMesh™ Grille Lower Intake installation instructions

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Specific E60 5-Series 3-piece RaceMesh™ Grille Lower Intake installation instructions -

1) Remove the Center OEM black plastic grid - simply remove by hand by unclipping the unit from the two center vertical supports and the left and right tabs.

2) Position the center RaceMesh grille in the opening to test fit/position the unit. Drill a 1/8" hole in the left and right tabs and thread a zip tie through the RaceMesh, through the hole and back through the RaceMesh, then secure the zip tie, cut off leader, tuck the knuckle behind RaceMesh.

3) Using the zip ties with Pop-Off Sleeves, thread through RaceMesh and around vertical supports (there are two, so repeat process for each) of OEM bumper, and back through RaceMesh, then secure the zip tie, cut off leader, tuck the knuckle behind RaceMesh.

4) Left and Right Fog Light housings - Using a letter opener or similar thin flat tool, slide tool between bumper and fog light housing where tabs are located (reference the supplied RaceMesh fog light housings for tab locations) to release tabs and work your way around until the OEM fog light housing releases and remove them and set aside.

5) Snap in the left and right RaceMesh fog light housings.

CORVETTE

C6 Corvette - RaceMesh™ Grille Lower Intake installation instructions ( 3 options )

(Option 1)

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NOTE:   Place the RaceMesh unit into the opening, select a location to thread the zip-tie through where the RaceMesh wire and the OEM plastic grid best line up. Thread the zip-tie w/Pop-Off Sleeve through and around both the RaceMesh and OEM grille spoke as pictured, then pull both ends of the zip-tie until the Pop-Off Sleeve pops off, then secure the zip-tie. Repeat for each zip-tie location that you have selected. Cut off zip-tie leaders, tuck each knuckle behind RaceMesh so only the thin zip-tie is showing. Optional: A dab of silver touchup paint on the zip-tie where it overlaps the RaceMesh will completely conceal the zip-tie.

NOTE: Due to the width of the OEM grille spokes, the zip-tie w/Pop-off Sleeve may not thread easily. An option is to drill a small 1/8" hole through the OEM plastic spoke at the leading edge and simply thread the zip-tie through the RaceMesh, and through the small hole(s) and back through the RaceMesh.

(Option 2)   OPTIONAL ( Preferred ) ATTACHMENT Method

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(Option 3)   OPTIONAL ATTACHMENT Method - recommended for our PC Black model ( also applies to the C6 Z06 )

11-01-2006, 12:46 PM #12

siffert

CF Senior Member

http://forums.corvetteforum.com

I sawed and Dremeled off the horizontal eggcrate piece completely and did the same to the vertical teeth pieces EXCEPT for saving about 3/8" top and bottom so to make attachment points to the Racemesh. I then drilled holes through these so to attach the zip ties. Then the stock grill was re-installed (sans eggcrate) and voila, I now had a stiff frame again to attach the Racemesh grill. Pics below show the steps and for the final installed pics taken outdoors you wont see any of the stock eggcrate grill showing through!! I would like to thank the owner of Racemesh who was kind enough to spend some time with me on the phone over this custom install....and the Racemesh Grill is a very high quality item.

Hi...a number of folks have asked me through other threads or PM's on this mod I did. I really cant help on actual removal and reinstall of the stock grill, that's up to you but basically its:

1.You'll remove the spoiler, brake cooling duct inlet covers and front inner wheel well panels. Drop the lower part of the bumper fascia which you'll pull down to access some of the grille screws and push pins. You'll use your hand through the wheel well openings to take out the remaining side push pins. Work the grille back and slightly down at an angle and to one of the side openings and it will come out. Make sure that your front fascia extension is secure as it also uses the side grille push pins.

For more info, there is an excellent C6 OEM stock grill removal/install instructions at:

http://www.c4dhr.com/C6%20Grille%20Install%20Inst.htm

2, Once out, its hacking time on the horizontal and vertical bars of the OEM grill. Remove completely the horizontal bars EXCEPT for leaving about 3/8" horizontal bar at each end of the frame. This will lend a bit of support for that small curved cutout on the sides of the painted intake. Basically, you just want it flush.

3. You can use a hacksaw to get most of the bars out but I left about 1/2" of material on the vertical bar ends and horizontal ends and then used a Dremel cutting wheel to do the finer cutting.
You want no less than 1/4" and no more than 3/8" on each bottom and top side of the vertical bars. Why?
A) you need enough thickness as you are going to drill a hole through it to thread the zip ties as an attachment point.
B) You don't want too much as you don't want it going higher than the RaceMesh trim. The whole point here is you don't want to see any egg crate

4. Some tips if your going to use the method I used to attach the RaceMesh using zip ties to the now hacked stock grill.

a) Make sure the holes in what is left of the vertical bars (baby teeth?) that the zip tie goes through is big enough for the tie to easily slide/move through it, otherwise you are in big trouble when you are ready to really tighten it and need to swivel it. Luckily, I thought about that possibility at the last minute and drilled the holes a bit bigger - 1/8" bit will do just fine.

b) When attaching the RaceMesh, I put the tie ends through the grill and just tightened the tie enough to hold them but with LOTS of slack and started with the bottom ones first. Then the tops. Once accomplished, then I started the actual zip tie tightening process. You will use a total of 10 ties...5 bottom and 5 top.

c) Make sure you have the RaceMesh grill ends exactly and evenly spaced at each end of the painted intake opening before you start tying down the zip ties.

d) When zip tied up, use a screwdriver to push the zip tie knuckle back into the back of the grill, ala like the RaceMesh install instructions say. Also, I used an artist brush and flat black rustoleum to paint over the glossy zip ties that are hooked around the mesh.



C6 Corvette - RaceMesh™ Grille Fender Ducts installation instructions

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Step One: (optional - remove wheel) Remove fasteners with forked screwdriver, and 3 screws from bottom of wheel well panel. NOTE: Removing the wheel is recommended, as it creates a much more comfortable work environment and easy access to the application area.

Step Two: Detach two contact points (bonded by double sided tape) of inner fender liner and push toward engine and secure it with masking tape to keep it out of the way while working on the application area. We used blue painters tape for this purpose as seen in pictures 5 & 6.

Step Three: ( VERY IMPORTANT STEP ) Clean the inner fender around the duct and then go over the area with rubbing alcohol to insure a clean surface so the 3M tape/epoxy has a clean surface to adhere to.

NOTE: As you probably noticed, the mesh material is flexible and can also be un-woven with a little effort as it has no weld points (which is the nature of the material). Given the flexibility of the mesh material, it can be contoured / bent to lay flat against the opening in preparation of the attachment step.

Step Four: Place the appropriate (notice that each is labeled) RaceMesh Grille Fender Duct insert over the application area and secure or preferably "tack or position" the RaceMesh with the supplied double sided 3M tape as shown, and use RTV Clear Silicone in addition to the 3M double sided tape.

NOTE: We prefer a combination of a few small 3M tape contact points (to position and tack the RaceMesh in place), and RTV Silicone for secure permanent fabrication.

Included in each kit: 3M Tape & RTV Silicone



Optional attachment method -

Purchase VHB (two-sided) tape from an auto parts store, 1/2" wide tape is preferred, and apply it on both sides of the inside fender side vent opening (cleaning this area prior to VHB tape application is vital for proper adhesion). Next, press the RaceMesh Fender Duct Grilles onto the tape. Next, use two additional pieces of tape on the outside edges of the RaceMesh to secure it to the fender. Next, cover both sides with duct tape to protect the VHB tape from water.

C6 Z06 Corvette - RaceMesh™ Grille Lower Intake installation instructions

NOTE:   See C6 RaceMesh instructions above for general reference. Place the C6 Z06 RaceMesh unit into the opening, (reference the C6 Z06 pictures below) beginning in the center, thread a zip-tie around the center rib of the OEM plastic grille and through and around a single wire of the RaceMesh Grille and loosely secure the zip-tie. Move to the side ribs and repeat, and finally the end points as pictured. Once all zip-ties are in place, begin at the center by tightening the zip-tie, but do not over tighten. Once all zip-ties are secured, cut off the leaders, and tuck each knuckle behind the RaceMesh Grille. NOTE: Zip-Ties w/Pop-Off Sleeves do not work very well for this application.

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C6 Z06 Corvette - RaceMesh™ Grille Fender Ducts installation instructions

NOTE:   See C6 RaceMesh instructions above for general reference - wheel and fender liner removal. Each of the 4 Fender Duct Inserts are two-piece elements that snap together from inside and outside the fender. The inner sections will be reused, while the outer sections are replaced with the pre-fabricated RaceMesh Fender Ducts Inserts. See photos (Rear Brake Ducts are shown here) for illustrations of how to separate the inner / outer sections as well as what the pieces look like. Start from the bottom and work your way around the perimeter until all the clips release, while pulling the inner section away from the outer section. Reassembly is simple, just place the outer RaceMesh Fender Duct Insert in the outer opening and press/snap the inner section around the outer section.

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C6 Z06 Corvette - RaceMesh™ Grille Air Inductions nose scoop installation instructions

NOTE:   The C6 Z06 nose scoop has 4 small tabs, two very small ones on the top edge about 1 1/2" from each end and two slightly larger ones on the bottom edge about 1 1/2" from the ends. We suggest taping off (blue painters tape works well) the painted area around the nose scoop prior to removing the stock unit and replacing it with the RaceMesh unit.

Using a letter opener or similar flat tool, slide the letter opener between the body and stock nose scoop where the tab is located at either end of the bottom edge. While pressing downward on the body and gently lifting up an the nose scoop releasing the bottom edge of the nose scoop. Continue gently lifting the bottom edge while pressing down on the body from one side to the other until both tabs release. Then, pulling toward you and upward until both bottom tabs release and the top edge tabs release - your done.

Reverse the process when installing the RaceMesh unit into the opening. Start by placing the RaceMesh unit top edge into the opening then gently press the bottom edge down into the opening while pressing down on the body. The bottom two tabs will snap into place. Remove protective tape and your done.

C5 Corvette - RaceMesh™ Grilles installation instructions

Front Brake Duct Installation

The grilles are appropriately marked for left and right installation. Please note the top is the straight edge.

The RaceMesh is shaped to fit inside the flow tube and against the inner rib or lip.

NOTE: You SHOULD remove the lower fender panel to access the tube.

The ducts are installed from the front buy pushing back the tube end and pressing the RaceMesh into the tube end and into the first rib (see picture), then using a pair of needle nose pliers, pull the RaceMesh / tube back into its original position.

Front Fender Ducts Installation

Remove the wheels so you can get a better view of the panels, however, it is not necessary to remove the wheels. With a 7mm socket wrench remove the panel from the inner fender. There you will find 2 more 7mm screws that hold in the inside fender plastic.

IMPORTANT:

After you remove this piece clean the inner fender around the fender vent thoroughly and then go over the same area with rubbing alcohol to insure there is no dirt or grease.

Place the appropriate RaceMesh Fender Duct into the opening and use the 3M tape to "tack" the piece into the desired position. Use the RTV Clear Silicone to secure the unit into place - allow approx 30 minutes for it to set.

It may be required to shape or form the RaceMesh to fit flush in the opening so don't be afraid to manipulate the RaceMesh to suit your taste.

Rear Muffler Ducts Installation

IMPORTANT:

After you remove this piece clean the inner fender around the fender vent thoroughly and then go over the same area with rubbing alcohol to insure there is no dirt or grease.

Place the appropriate RaceMesh Fender Duct into the opening and use the 3M tape to "tack" the piece into the desired position. Use the RTV Clear Silicone to secure the unit into place - allow approx 30 minutes for it to set. TIP: You can also use zip-ties wrapped around the center bar to hold the parts in place while the RTV Silicone Adhesive cures, them remove them when done.

It may be required to shape or form the RaceMesh to fit flush in the opening so don't be afraid to manipulate the RaceMesh to suit your taste.

BMW RaceMesh™ Kidney Grille installation instructions

Since the OEM Hood Catch release arm protrudes forward between the vertical slats of the OEM grill, it needs to be modified since this path is gone once the RaceMesh kidneys are installed.

This is accomplished by cutting a portion of the OEM release arm length and drilling a 1/8" hole where the RaceMesh hood catch release wire is secured. The wire path is from this pivot point through the RaceMesh. A 90 degree bend in the wire just outside the surface of the RaceMesh Kidney is the pull lever, where the final catch point is released by pulling the lever toward you while simultaneously lifting the hood.

NOTE: Some OEM Kidney units are two part (inside or backing and outside or surround) assemblies and the hood is sandwiched between the two parts and are secured with clips. Other kidney units are two parts but don't require the two parts to be separated to remove/install. Please check your individual make/model to see how they are removed and replaced. You may also contact your local BMW service department for telephone support assistance if unsure how your OEM Kidney's are removed / installed.

CAUTION:

Hood release lever MUST be modified before installation of RaceMesh Kidney's, specifically before closing the hood! You won't be able to open the hood! TIP: Thread the release lever through an opening to allow for the best leverage angle to fully release the hood release catch - i.e. the highest possible square opening, while maintaining a 90 degree or horizontal travel path.

E39 5-Series / M5 Shown

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E46 M3, E65 7-Series Shown

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NOTE:   E46 M3 kidney’s do not need to be separated to install, simply press the entire unit in from the front. Begin with the left (passenger side) unit. Next, do the right (driver side) - Line up the RaceMesh hood release catch through the mesh opening as you position the kidney grille then press in the RaceMesh kidney unit.

2007 GMC Yukon Denali - RaceMesh™ Grilles

Installation:

1) Remove stock upper grille by 1st removing the 6 screws along the top edge of the assembly and the 2 in the lower left and right area of the grille face. Next reach behind the grille surface from the top with a stubby slot screwdriver and depress the plastic clips around the chrome frame edges (see the RaceMesh grille for location of these clips for reference) beginning at the top left and right ends working your way around to the bottom. You are working blind somewhat, so be patient as you work to release the clips.

2) Install the RaceMesh upper grille by placing the bottom edges / clips into the slots around the perimeter working your way toward the top ends of the chrome frame. Replace the 6 top edge screws (note: the two bottom screws are not accessible due to the small mesh weave openings) and your done.

3) Remove the stock lower grille by releasing the clips, with a stubby slot screwdriver, around the perimeter of the grille (see the RaceMesh grille for location of these clips for reference).

4) Install the RaceMesh lower grille by placing it into the opening lining up the clips with the slots they snap into. The ends of the RaceMesh have mounting blocks with double sided tape attached, remove the red liner tape to expose the adhesive tape and press into the opening to meet the bumper surface where appropriate, and your done.

2007 Chevy Tahoe/Avalanche/Suburban - RaceMesh™ Grilles

Installation – RaceMesh Tow Hook Inserts

1) Test fit each Tow Hook Insert - Place the designated RaceMesh inserts into the opening as marked, they should be approx 1/2" deep into the opening. NOTE: Some bending / flexing may be required to get a flush / uniform fit along all four sides.

IMPORTANT: CLEAN (Simple Green works well) the areas where the rubberized trim will contact the bumper, and prep with rubbing alcohol to promote 3M tape and RTV Silicone adhesion. Use the supplied 3M tape along the 4 backside / top edges (approx 2" pieces) of the inserts and RTV silicone to the remaining areas and attach the RaceMesh inserts into the openings. NOTE: The 3M tape is more to "tack" the inserts into position to allow the RTV silicone to cure and bond securely to the surfaces. Please allow approx 1 hour for the RTV Silicone to cure before driving the vehicle.

2006-current Lexus GS - RaceMesh™ Grilles

Suggested attachment points for both Upper & Lower RaceMesh Grilles

The RaceMesh Brake Duct Inserts are inserted from underneath the bumper, and are a friction fit into the space with the duct tube pressing against the back face of the RaceMesh Brake Duct insert. The use of a single zip-tie attached (or two) from the bottom of the center bar will prevent the piece from shifting. Drill a 1/8" hole and thread a Zip-Tie through the hole (from behind brake duct opening) and then come back through the mesh at an appropriate point and secure the Zip-Tie, cut off leader. You can also use an RTV Silcone around the perimeter at a few locations if desired.

The RaceMesh Lower Intake (see Generic instructions at top of page) is secured with as many Zip-Ties w/Pop-Off Sleeves as you wish, but 3 or 4 will secure it sufficiently.

The RaceMesh Upper Grille is as simple as removing your stock grille and attaching the OEM modified RaceMesh Grille.

Chevy Trailblazer SS

Each of the RaceMesh OEM modified parts are direct replacements for the OEM stock parts. Simply remove the OEM stock parts and replace with the RaceMesh OEM modified parts. Contact your local dealership if any questions.

The two small inserts located under the headlights require removal and are replaced with the RaceMesh inserts. See picture.

Pontiac

Pontiac GTO RaceMesh Kidney Grilles

Remove the stock grilles. Use the 3M Tape, cut into a few 1" (approx) strips, to "tack" the kidneys into place, and between the 1" strips, apply the RTV Silicone to make a permanent bond. Allow approx 1 hour for the RTV Silicone to set before driving the vehicle. NOTE: The RaceMesh Kidney Grilles may need to be test fit and reshaped prior to final installation.

( VERY IMPORTANT STEP ) Clean the surface areas where the RaceMesh Kidneys will contact the fascia around the edges, then go over these areas with rubbing alcohol to insure a clean surface so the 3M tape / RTV Silicone has a clean basis to adhere to.

Pontiac G8 RaceMesh Grilles

KIDNEYS

REAR DIFFUSER

Place RaceMesh Rear Diffuser into opening, locate at least 4 spots to loop the supplied 20 gauge wire attachment hardware, drill two 1/6" holes, one on each side of one RaceMesh wire, thread the 20 gauge wire through the two holes, and secure from the backside of the rear diffuser.

LOWER VALANCE - see Generic instructions at top of page

HOOD SCOOPS

From under the hood, locate the tabs that hold the stock Hood Scoops in place to remove the parts. Align the tabs with the slots and press the RaceMesh Hood Scoops into the hood.

Dodge Charger RaceMesh Grilles

Hood Scoop -

Remove the stock hood scoop by releasing the two tabs on the bottom and sliding the part out of the hood housing.

Install the RaceMesh Grille Hood Scoop by sliding it into the hood housing and snapping the two tabs into position.

Upper Grille -

Remove the stock grille by removing the 4 screws that hold the stock grille in place. 2 screws are located in the center vertical rib, and one each are located at each end of the center horizontal rib. Next, there are 4 tabs (two top and two bottom) around the edges of the grille assembly that need to be flexed to release the stock grille from the fascia.

Install the RaceMesh Grille by placing it into the fascia opening and securing it with the 4 screws removed in the previous step.

Lower Valance -

NOTE: RaceMesh Grilles highly recommends that a professional body shop or your mechanic who has experience with this type of installation do the Lower Valance installation.

Raise the front of vehicle for easier access.

Remove the lower engine cover to gain access to the lower valance / stock grille area.

Remove the lower stock grille.

The tabs that held the stock grille will need to be remove in order for the RaceMesh Grille to be attached flush against the lip of the opening.

Use a masking tape to mark the lines to follow when removing the tabs. The tape also reduces the possibility of chipping the paint as you remove the tabs.

Use a cutting tool (a Dremel tool is preferred) to remove the tabs and create a flush lip all the way around the opening.

( VERY IMPORTANT STEP ) Clean (Simple Green or similar product) the surface areas and surrounding areas behind the opening where the RaceMesh Grille will contact the lip, and around the edges of the lip. Next, go over these areas with rubbing alcohol to insure a clean surface so the adhesive of choice has a clean basis to adhere to.

To God be all Glory and Power

RaceMesh™ Grilles Brentwood, CA 94513 USA. - Office: (925) 628-7502 - Email