AutoExe or MPS Front Grill

[REZXPERT]

does anyone have the mod'd front grill offered by either? i remember buddy from the dealership telling me the MPS front grill option wouldn't fit our cars b/c of the TMIC set-up. if that's true, what's up w/ MPS parts not fittin MPS??:complain

here's the link to S/U & the AutoExe grill..
http://www.streetunit.com/AutoExec_Front_Grill_MS3_p/mbm2500.htm

[MPS]

you need to cut ur bumper

[REZXPERT]

cut it for the MPS version, too? no interference w/ the TMIC? you think it's worth it?

[RX9]

if they looks similor, not worth.

[MPS]

MPS version ??? post a pic

[REZXPERT]

can't. it's a PDF file via Mazda's website, MPS catalogue.

here's the link to the catalogue, see pg4:

http://www.mazda.ca/files/2006MazdaspeedBrochure_Eng.pdf

[MPS]

wow this is Mazdaspeed grill made for Mazda 3
not a chance of fitting that

[REZXPERT]

just more aftermarket nonsense from Mazda.

[MS3Pilot]

just picking up my autoexe grille tomorrow morning...should have it painted and installed soon!

Pete

[mleblond]

yeah only reason I am not going autoexe route is the stupid fiberglass....not a fan at all...but may have no choice in the end.... :(

[Unoriginalusername]

yeah only reason I am not going autoexe route is the stupid fiberglass....not a fan at all...but may have no choice in the end.... :(

if it is the same stuff ssg uses it is much better then the old stereotypical fiberglass... duraflex or something its called

[Fobio]

isn't the autoexe a duraflex/urethane piece and the replicas are made from fiberglass?

I love the autoexe front bumper, but right now I love the $800 more that it'd cost to buy and paint...show us when you have it installed!

[mleblond]

SU just says fiberglass....buy it and let me know...ok ;) you can get the bumperand grill so you don't have to cut anything :) plus i love where the fogs go on that kit!

[MS3Pilot]

I find a little puke in my mouth when I look at the front bumper...thus, badgeless grill I went! I'll be sure to whore out my car a little once I have it installed! ;)

Pete

[Nextmod]

I almost made that grill, but I cancelled the order as soon as I found out you have to cut the bumper

[MS3Pilot]

the bumper skin is cheap...if I want to go back, I'll order another bumper. it's the cost of looking THIS good! ;)

Pete

[Fobio]

yeah...I do want to know the work you'll be putting in to look THAT good! specifically, the amount of cutting required...good luck!

[MS3Pilot]

a little teaser pre-installation pic:

http://www.bcmazda3.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=13186.0;attach=453 5;image

[WhiteSpeed3]

pic isnt working

[mleblond]

Thats what they call a real teaser :P

[MS3Pilot]

Try again?! lol

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll27/MS3Pilot/AutoexeGrille.jpg

[WhiteSpeed3]

looks good but the colour doeant look like its gonna match unless its the flash on ur camera

[MS3Pilot]

looks good but the colour doeant look like its gonna match unless its the flash on ur camera

it's the picture...the colour is just right! also the grill is very dusty in the pic

[WhiteSpeed3]

thats wat i thought cant wait to see the final product

[Notorious MS3]

Can't wait to see it on the car. I really like the grill but I just not a fan of cutting into the bumper.

[MS3Pilot]

On the BC Mazda 3 forum, have a look at the DIY thread I created about the grill. The installation is time consuming, difficult, and not recommended unless you sucker someone else into doing it for you for a cheap price!! lol I kinda wish it came with some instructions...or pictures of what should be done. this is why I have taken the liberty of taking pictures en-route and putting together a bit of a guide for the installation!

Pete

http://www.bcmazda3.com/forum/index.php?topic=13270.0;topicseen

[MS3Pilot]

ok, so here's a few shots of my ride with the grill on it...Many thanks to a local member SS3!

Enjoy,

Pete

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/StevieSpeed3/IMG_3900copy.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/StevieSpeed3/IMG_3884copy.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/StevieSpeed3/IMG_3873.jpg
http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh201/StevieSpeed3/IMG_3858_59_60.jpg

[WhiteSpeed3]

very nice

looks like it was perfect fitment to

[Unoriginalusername]

very nice

looks like it was perfect fitment to

x2

[Fobio]

finished results looks clean...nice clean debadging job too!

any nitty-gritty shots of the operation being performed?

[MS3Pilot]

The grill fits well...but the installation is a total PAIN IN THE ASS!!! I had about 5.5 hours into the install and I'm no stranger to modifying things...this is by far not the first car I've worked on.

If you want the nitty gritties about how to install, have a look up a few posts, I put together a little DIY thread on BCMazda3...

Cheers,

Pete

[Fobio]

FINE! you made me register with BCMazda! =)

I see what you mean now...it's not so much that it's difficult, but more that it's time consuming and tedious...I guess cutting up the vent grill behind the piece is daunting...

I give you props for completing a grueling install!

Best way to deter someone from doing the same thing and copying you:

"...if you are a MS3 owner and have thoughts of doing this to your car...buy beer, I will supervise and never do it again! haha

I'm now about 4 hours deep into the project...for someone just looking to loose the badge, this is way too much work!!"

LOL

[MS3Pilot]

it's all just a deterrant to keep others from doing the same mods as me!! :chuckle :chuckle :chuckle

hahaha

seriously though...by the time I was all done, looking at 5 hours to install it and it still needs a little tweaking to be perfect.

Pete

[Fobio]

out of curiosity...what did you do with your stock grill?