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Permanent Stealth FMIC trim kit - Need test vehicle and review


KCwagon

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NOW TAKING ORDERS FOR THE "FMIC STEALTH TRIM KIT"

 

Kits include (made from .040 Black Anodized Aluminum):

 

2 - 4"x6" Anodized Aluminum pieces for the endtanks

8 - 1/4"x 30" anodized aluminum bar trim pieces.

1- 12" strip of heavy duty rubber trim for the endtank pieces- this is the good stuff btw

 

Please pm me for Paypal information . You will be added to the list in post #4 when payment is recieved. The list will be updated when the kit is shipped.

 

REVIEWS : post #34 http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/permanent-stealth-fmic-trim-kit-need-test-vehicle-and-review-198989p4.html

 

Pricing for the "Intercooler" kit will be $65 packaged and shipped to your door. (48 states)

 

I also have recieved a great deal of interest in the "bumper divider delete". Pictures and pricing are on the way. This is a more involved project so be patient with me on this one.

 

 

 

History behind the project:

 

Problem :

 

I installed non-painted FMIC on my car about a year ago. For me the silver aluminum intercooler was very obvious and I did not care for the look. I quickly ordered some expensive "name brand" radiator paint to remedy the "non-stealthiness". I prepared, cleaned and painted the fmic core and re-installed it. It looked great, for about a week, with small chips being visible early on. After a long drive in the rain, easily half of the paint had chipped away from the bar and plate surface. After this, I was determined to find a permanent, durable solution for this as I still wanted a stealthy looking intercooler.

 

Q: Why is aluminum so difficult to paint compared to other metals?

A: Most aluminum is manufactured in China, even the Aluminum that is used in name brand Intercoolers. This Aluminum is manufactured very inexpensively and contains a good deal of impurities including oil. This oil can be cleaned from the surface but will likely re-appear after some time. This "lower quality" aluminum is also more difficult to weld.

 

Q: What is Anodizing?

A: Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish. Aluminum is ideally suited to anodizing, although other nonferrous metals, such as magnesium and titanium, also can be anodized.

 

 

Solution:

 

Using Black Anodized Aluminum, I carefully measured and cut strips for the core. I also cut end pieces to use as an air dam (in my case) and trim the end edges of the intercooler strips. I sanded carefully the existing paint, cleaned the surface and adhered the strips to the intercooler using 3M trim adhesive. I trimmed the edges with fitted pieces, creating not only an air diverter, but also trim for the edges of the intercooler. After nearly 8 months of use, the intercooler looks excellent.

 

 

PICS :

 

Note : The "kit" I am referring to is the bottom pic which includes the intercooler bar and plate strips and the end trim pieces.

 

You will notice that I have also removed the center divider in the bottom opening of the bumper. I also created a trim piece for this as well. This is the next stage - This post will be updated with progress on this kit (bumper divider delete)

 

These pics are after 8 months of use and lots of driving in rain, snow and behind large trucks.

 

PICS :

 

1) This is the "Intercooler" kit as well as the "Divider Delete" kit.

2) Notice that the fins need a touch up but the bar/plate area is just fine

3) What will be included in just the "intercooler" kit

 

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/shoneal55esp/DSC00003_zps598d2ad2.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/shoneal55esp/DSC00004_zps545fa162.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss178/shoneal55esp/DSC000032_zpsa2deffa6.jpg

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I'm in. Running a RX FMIC that is (was) painted black.

 

Fresh - http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/legacygt/huge/IMG_3407.JPG

 

Hammered to shit - http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/legacygt/large/IMAG0595-1.jpg

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I'm in. Running a RX FMIC that is (was) painted black.

 

Fresh - http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/legacygt/huge/IMG_3407.JPG

 

Hammered to shit - http://photos.imageevent.com/mattg/legacygt/large/IMAG0595-1.jpg

 

Good god, that intercooler is Hammered to $hit.

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It hasn't been painted since 8-2011. Has been driven 17k miles since then with 60+ trips to the mountain.

 

The fins are in good shape. ;)

 

If you are interested in doing a review I will send you a kit. I just ask that you install and review quickly, as I would like to get started on this project. (plus, your before pics will be awesome :))

 

The strips will come covered in a plastic protective film. You just need to sand and and clean the bar/plate areas, apply the strips and lightly paint the fins. After the paint is dried, remove the protective plastic and you are good to go. I would also ask that you use the end trim pieces to trim out the intercooler.

 

Optional: Follow a large dump-truck that is carrying gravel ;) before you review.

 

PM me and we can discuss the details.

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This is awesome! I also have a RX fmic that I painted black that is also not very black anymore lol if you need another test fitter let me know

 

MattG and DocHolliday23 were the first to respond. I have already had alot of interest so this thing looks to be happening. Anyone who commits before January 31st will still get these for the intro price.

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So are these basically aluminium strips that are stuck over the existing bars and end tanks on the core? If the parts are anodized black what do you need to paint. You have this available in various sizes? I was thinking I need to cover up my newly installed turboxs kit somehow.

 

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d3/desperatedano/IMG_20121210_151308.jpg

 

I'm interested anyway!

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KC are you f*ing serious I just got rid of my racer x.

 

This is awesome man nice work! Everyone with a racer X should buy this kit, great pricing too.

"Remember Danny - Two wrongs don't make a right but three rights make a left."
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KC are you f*ing serious I just got rid of my racer x.

 

This is awesome man nice work! Everyone with a racer X should buy this kit, great pricing too.

 

This kit will work on any FMIC. I am making two lengths (24" and 30") which should fit any FMIC available. I am assuming you don't have a FMIC anymore? Anyway, thanks, this should be a fun project.

 

Shawn

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Update:

 

I will be working on creating CAD measurements/drawing this weekend for the bumper divider "delete". I will share the design and ask for feedback.

 

Also : These will also need to be laser cut for the best finish. The piece also needs to be bent/shaped to conform to the gentle downward slope of the bumper. There will also be some waste when they are cut from the larger sheet. As such, the $80 target for this is not likely. I would like some feedback regarding the cost/value of this particular piece. So, as an example, if these ended up being $120, would that still be considered a good value. To me, it would be worth it, but it might not be for others.

 

However, I could always offer the the entire kit, package it in one box, and save on packaging and shipping costs so it is very likely that the intercooler pieces and divider "delete" could be made, packaged and shipped for around $160......Any feedback anyone could offer is welcome.

 

Shawn

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sorry, but what is the bumper divider delete?

 

Take a look at the opening in the bumper (bottom) where the intercooler is located on my car and then take a look at the pic in post 3. You will notice that the large center divider has been removed on my car.

 

That divider is nearly 5" wide at the intercooler. On an intercooler that is 22" wide (racerx), 20% is covered up by that divider. That is the reason I removed mine and created the "divider delete piece" (that covers the area that was removed).

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Good idea and appreciate the initiative. Given the scope, have set you up as a homebrew vendor for the time being.

 

I'll likely be installing my BNIB Black WBR FMIC which has a huge cross-section, so will this require custom fitting? 30" core and 3" end tanks by 9" high.

 

GL with the project.

- Pro amore Dei et patriam et populum -
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