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View Full Version : How To: S13 Silvia Radiator Cooling Panel


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

S-Nation S13
02-05-2012, 04:20 PM
I like what you did here...very interesting and looks clean very clean

ghost_silvia
02-05-2012, 04:23 PM
You should have posistioned LIAM NEESONS face above the panels demanding you buy these!
I have silvia front end could you send me a pickup price for the 3 pieces?

riprodder
02-05-2012, 04:42 PM
I actually don't make the center cooling panel. This is just a write-up on how to modify one from a 240sx to make it work with the Silvia front clip. But I did send you a PM about the headlight panels.

ghost_silvia
02-05-2012, 04:55 PM
Responded, but what did you use for the tetxture bed liner?

riprodder
02-05-2012, 05:04 PM
The headlight finish panels have a textured finish ingrained into the plastic and the cooling panel I bought was powder coated wrinkle black.