ScoobyNet.com - Subaru Enthusiast Forum - Pre'96 DIY 22B Style(ish) Bonnet Vents.

1st off, thanks go to Markus for his old Bonnet Vents.

Following on from the Pre'96 Grill mod, I have now commenced a Pre'96 Bonnet Vent Mod.
Well I've almost finished the Off-Side Vent, and so far it looks good, just need to add the mesh to the lower half.

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Take a pair of origional Pre'96 bonnet vents.

2. Cut the Upper and Lower 2 louvres from the vent, leaving 2 louvres in the middle (a hot knife or soldering iron work best).

3. Using a Dremmel or similar with a small sanding attachment, smooth of the area's where the louvres were removed.

4. Take one of the longer louvres that were removed, and place in-between the 2 that are still attached (leave approx 5-10mm gap each end). Tack each end in place with a fast acting glue (Note : these lovres have a slight bend in them so ensure you get it the right way round).

5. When the above is dry and still using a glue of sorts (a slower acting thicker glue i.e evostick could be used), secure the now 3 louvres tightly together and hold in position with masking tap (i.e ensure there are no gaps between louvre 1 & 2 and 2 & 3).

6. Leave Overnight.

7. Remove masking tape, now comes the filling.......

8. Apply 3 layers of masking tape on the top side of the vent, over the 5-10mm gaps of the center vent, this will aid the process of filling the 5-10mm gap from behind.

9. Using standard body filler, fill the 5-10mm gap and also smear filler along the entire length of the louvres for extra strength.

10. Still using filler, smooth/tidy the area's where the old louvres were removed.

11. Wait for filler to dry, remove masking tape then sand/smooth all area's to a satisfactory finish.

12. Clean with white spirit and apply primer (platic primer if available).

13. Apply colour of your choice. I used Code 307 (Dark Green Mettallic), which was mixed and placed in a spray can by a local motor factors (about £8 for a large can).

14. Apply laquer top coat if required.

15. For each bonnet vent cut 2 lengths of wire mesh (obtained from B&Q for £5)to size.

16. Spray mesh with 'Satin Black' paint.

17. Glue mesh in position using fast acting glue, and further secure with mastic or evostick if required (as mentioned above, there is a slight bend in the louvres which should also apply to the mesh).

18. Stand back and admire.

19. Polish/cut top coat after approx 1-week if desired.

(I will post piccies as soon as complete, or maybe stage by stage if I can get a digi-camera).