riprodder
02-05-2012, 03:56 PM
I know that a lot of you out there would like an S13 Silvia radiator cooling panel but they seem to be kind of hard to come by. So I thought I'd share what I did with you all so you can enjoy one too.
First off, I started by purchasing one for the 240sx with the flip up headlights. But the problem with this one is that it has two ears that stick off for the front mounting points as you can see in the pic. You will need to cut these off so you panel will fit in the pocket between the headlight supports.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/Silviacoolingpanel001.jpg
I marked a straight line with masking tape and used my air powered cut-off wheel to cut along the line. If you're careful, these can be cut off without hurting the finish. A dremel would also work but I wouldn't try a hack saw or sheer because it might distort the aluminum when you cut it. After making the cut, dress the edge with a block sander or file so it's not sharp.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/Silviacoolingpanel006.jpg
Now it should fit on your car. I had to adjust one edge a couple of times to get the latch section to line up just right but with a little patience you can make one fit too.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/Silviacoolingpanel008.jpg
These also look really nice with a pair of my headlight finish panels. You can contact me for more info about them if you would like a set.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/EnginebaydressupStage1005edit.jpg
First off, I started by purchasing one for the 240sx with the flip up headlights. But the problem with this one is that it has two ears that stick off for the front mounting points as you can see in the pic. You will need to cut these off so you panel will fit in the pocket between the headlight supports.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/Silviacoolingpanel001.jpg
I marked a straight line with masking tape and used my air powered cut-off wheel to cut along the line. If you're careful, these can be cut off without hurting the finish. A dremel would also work but I wouldn't try a hack saw or sheer because it might distort the aluminum when you cut it. After making the cut, dress the edge with a block sander or file so it's not sharp.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/Silviacoolingpanel006.jpg
Now it should fit on your car. I had to adjust one edge a couple of times to get the latch section to line up just right but with a little patience you can make one fit too.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/Silviacoolingpanel008.jpg
These also look really nice with a pair of my headlight finish panels. You can contact me for more info about them if you would like a set.
http://i864.photobucket.com/albums/ab207/riprodder/EnginebaydressupStage1005edit.jpg