Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Just got my FedEx customs bill for 22.70. I now know why Dave is so grouchy... If I had to pay duty on everything being shipped to me, I'd be pissed off all the time. It was stated you would have to pay any import duties that might be due. Going out and take a photo of ole blue...too damned cold to pull her out of the garage so, will have to deal with looking at my messy garage....I will post a photo soon....
Attached photos. The camera does not pick up the wire in the grilles, therefore it make everything in the background stand out. That isn't the way they really look. They look great. I still have to attach the SRT6 emblem and paint my hose clamps black. Too cold today. The other photo is for Anthony (Grip Grip) to look at. He's looking for a one of these as a DD.
I take that back...My Iphone camera sucks at taking photos of the grilles...they look nothing like that....may have to break out another camera... Anyway, just keep clicking until you get the real close up and that is what they look like.
Attached photos. The camera does not pick up the wire in the grilles, therefore it make everything in the background stand out. That isn't the way they really look. They look great. I still have to attach the SRT6 emblem and paint my hose clamps black. Too cold today. The other photo is for Anthony (Grip Grip) to look at. He's looking for a one of these as a DD.
I take that back...My Iphone camera sucks at taking photos of the grilles...they look nothing like that....may have to break out another camera... Anyway, just keep clicking until you get the real close up and that is what they look like.
Last edited by oledoc2u; 12-30-2013 at 02:15 PM.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Does seem odd that everyone is betting dunned for a different amount, did you buy two grilles ?
Duty fee OK but to have it more than doubled by FedX for their handling it is a bother.
Duty fee OK but to have it more than doubled by FedX for their handling it is a bother.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
OH, I agree with that....I wasn't happy about it, but figured it would catch up sooner or later. And yes, I bought 2 grilles shipped together.
The before and after
The before and after
Last edited by oledoc2u; 12-30-2013 at 02:33 PM.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
The little alien car is growing on me.
I'm really liking the grille and inserts too. I can't believe I just wrote that, but I actually think it looks sharp and low-key.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Thanks for fixing my photos... Not to get off topic, but the X-90 project will get a rear end like the wavetrac...more of a locker though. It will get a new suspension in the future from calmini. Partially camo'd and rack for the trunk lid.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Here's a suggestion for "blacking out" things behind the wire mesh grille . . .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Caring-Cohesive-Bandage-BLACK-2in-x-5yds-Self-Adherent-Sports-Tape-/131071805140?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=7Nc2oKV8DfPFcWHsZeeYrqVlK3M%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
I used this to wrap the hose clamps on the DCAI filters and also to wrap the center support piece to black it out. Much easier than painting things . . . inexpensive . . . reversible!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-x-Caring-Cohesive-Bandage-BLACK-2in-x-5yds-Self-Adherent-Sports-Tape-/131071805140?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&nma=true&si=7Nc2oKV8DfPFcWHsZeeYrqVlK3M%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
I used this to wrap the hose clamps on the DCAI filters and also to wrap the center support piece to black it out. Much easier than painting things . . . inexpensive . . . reversible!
Last edited by RED DOG; 12-31-2013 at 04:38 AM.
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Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
I'm trying to determine the type of paint on the black mesh grills. Only the term 'polymer' was used which is considered to be a sealant.
Can anyone give me a better description? I've determined that the black mesh on my black XF is perhaps a bit too subtle, plus, I've never been a fan of the silver windshield surround/bezel.
Also, am I safe in assuming that the clear on the XF's is chemical, not water based, so that a single stage paint can be applied over it without any concerns?
I'm hoping to pick up a pint of paint tomorrow which hopefully will be compatible on both.
If it turns out as hoped, I'll include a photo. If not, back to the drawing board / paint supplier.
Biba
Can anyone give me a better description? I've determined that the black mesh on my black XF is perhaps a bit too subtle, plus, I've never been a fan of the silver windshield surround/bezel.
Also, am I safe in assuming that the clear on the XF's is chemical, not water based, so that a single stage paint can be applied over it without any concerns?
I'm hoping to pick up a pint of paint tomorrow which hopefully will be compatible on both.
If it turns out as hoped, I'll include a photo. If not, back to the drawing board / paint supplier.
Biba
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
I'm trying to determine the type of paint on the black mesh grills. Only the term 'polymer' was used which is considered to be a sealant.
Can anyone give me a better description? I've determined that the black mesh on my black XF is perhaps a bit too subtle, plus, I've never been a fan of the silver windshield surround/bezel.
Also, am I safe in assuming that the clear on the XF's is chemical, not water based, so that a single stage paint can be applied over it without any concerns?
I'm hoping to pick up a pint of paint tomorrow which hopefully will be compatible on both.
If it turns out as hoped, I'll include a photo. If not, back to the drawing board / paint supplier.
Biba
Can anyone give me a better description? I've determined that the black mesh on my black XF is perhaps a bit too subtle, plus, I've never been a fan of the silver windshield surround/bezel.
Also, am I safe in assuming that the clear on the XF's is chemical, not water based, so that a single stage paint can be applied over it without any concerns?
I'm hoping to pick up a pint of paint tomorrow which hopefully will be compatible on both.
If it turns out as hoped, I'll include a photo. If not, back to the drawing board / paint supplier.
Biba
If you send an e-mail to sales@Zunsport.com, Peter will be fast to respond and answer your questions about painting over your black polymer grilles. My thought is that you might be best selling your black grille set and buying a replacement set that is "unfinished" and ready to paint (like OleDoc2U) did. Anyway, I hope everything turns out the way you want . . . Happy New Year!
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
They really should be powder coated. If I ever find a good powder coater who can match my blue, I will get it done. Black is no problem for them. Just find a powder coating firm near you. The paint I used is water based, and will chip if hit hard, so it is a constant thing to keep them looking good. I like them, and like the look. Zunsport did a good job.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
They really should be powder coated. If I ever find a good powder coater who can match my blue, I will get it done. Black is no problem for them. Just find a powder coating firm near you. The paint I used is water based, and will chip if hit hard, so it is a constant thing to keep them looking good. I like them, and like the look. Zunsport did a good job.
Pro Kote Indy
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
I advised Peter at Zunsport that the only tarnish on our entire project was that our USA buyers were hit with a delayed billing from FedEx for an import fee and a related administrative fee. He was not aware that would happen, he was concerned and he is looking into it.
In my personal experience, I have never been aware of having to pay an import duty on any products I have purchased throughout the world that were shipped to me here in the USA. I'll let everyone know when I hear back from Zunsport.
Also these stainless steel wire mesh grilles are currently available for purchase by forum members through me at $270.00 for the 3 pc set or $200 for the upper grille only. That includes delivery to your door anywhere in the CONUS. Please contact me if you want to order . . . RedDogNumber1@aol.com . . .
In my personal experience, I have never been aware of having to pay an import duty on any products I have purchased throughout the world that were shipped to me here in the USA. I'll let everyone know when I hear back from Zunsport.
Also these stainless steel wire mesh grilles are currently available for purchase by forum members through me at $270.00 for the 3 pc set or $200 for the upper grille only. That includes delivery to your door anywhere in the CONUS. Please contact me if you want to order . . . RedDogNumber1@aol.com . . .
Last edited by RED DOG; 01-15-2014 at 08:55 AM.
Senior Member
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
I advised Peter at Zunsport that the only tarnish on our entire project was that our USA buyers were hit with a delayed billing from FedEx for an import fee and a related administrative fee. He was not aware that would happen, he was concerned and he is looking into it.
In my personal experience, I have never been aware of having to pay an import duty on any products I have purchased throughout the world that were shipped to me here in the USA. I'll let everyone know when I hear back from Zunsport.
Also these stainless steel wire mesh grilles are currently available for purchase at $300.00 for the 3 pc set or $225 for the upper grille only. That includes delivery to your door anywhere in the CONUS. Contact me if you want to order . . . RedDogNumber1@aol.com . . .
In my personal experience, I have never been aware of having to pay an import duty on any products I have purchased throughout the world that were shipped to me here in the USA. I'll let everyone know when I hear back from Zunsport.
Also these stainless steel wire mesh grilles are currently available for purchase at $300.00 for the 3 pc set or $225 for the upper grille only. That includes delivery to your door anywhere in the CONUS. Contact me if you want to order . . . RedDogNumber1@aol.com . . .
The initial fee is what they (FedEx/UPS) call a brokerage fee, they also collect a sales tax, and a fee they call an administrative fee, I think that is what it's called. These fees can really rack up the cost and make it pointless to buy anything from outside the country.
If we have something shipped by mail then we may only have to pay a sales tax and a fixed administrative fee, sometimes no tax/fee at all when the article cost is below some figure - maybe $100.
Consequently I try and avoid the couriers.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Are they over by Zionsville? I think I know who these are if they are. Just off 421 Michigan Road?
Last edited by oledoc2u; 01-11-2014 at 05:58 PM.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
One process worth mentioning is treating stainless steel with IVD - ion vapour deposition - to give an aluminium coating. You can then anodise it in the same way as aluminium. This process has basically replaced cad plating of SS and can be applied in greater thicknesses (up to several mils thick), which would surely help the thin mesh of these grilles. IVD also provides galvanic protection for these alloys allowing dissimilar metal usage. Only downside would probably be cost of application.
Quote from Dow Automotive:
Quote from Dow Automotive:
Topcoats, such as paints, sealants and lubricants improve the performance of the underlying basecoat. For example, topcoats are used to improve corrosion resistance, improve erosion resistance, or change the coefficient of friction of a finish system. The application and successful performance of any topcoat is dependent on basecoat qualities such as coverage, uniformity, and adhesion. IVD aluminum is characterized by excellent adhesion, coverage and uniformity. Evaluation of the penetration of an epoxy primer into the columnar structure of an IVD aluminum sample by scanning electron microscopy indicated a skeleton of primer penetrating into the structure. This feature considerably enhances topcoat adhesion. Both IVD aluminum and cadmium are soft coatings that are not particularly well suited for erosion resistance when used alone. IVD aluminum outperforms vacuum-applied cadmium in resisting abrasive forces and diffused nickel-cadmium when subjected to an erosion/corrosion environment. Economically, IVD aluminum can be applied thicker than cadmium and, therefore, is more abrasion resistant than cadmium. Also IVD aluminum is well suited to accepting topcoats of abrasion-resistant materials.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
One process worth mentioning is treating stainless steel with IVD - ion vapour deposition - to give an aluminium coating. You can then anodise it in the same way as aluminium. This process has basically replaced cad plating of SS and can be applied in greater thicknesses (up to several mils thick), which would surely help the thin mesh of these grilles. IVD also provides galvanic protection for these alloys allowing dissimilar metal usage. Only downside would probably be cost of application.
Quote from Dow Automotive:
Quote from Dow Automotive:
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
RedDog and others, What spray product and method will you be using to keep the polished grilles looking factory fresh? And to preserve from that salty environment you live in? I have similar salty air here on the left coast. Other than using an air hose after washing, those holes are too small to clean individually; at least for me.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
I painted and clear coated mine. But a wash mitt will be fine to keep them clean.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
RedDog and others, What spray product and method will you be using to keep the polished grilles looking factory fresh? And to preserve from that salty environment you live in? I have similar salty air here on the left coast. Other than using an air hose after washing, those holes are too small to clean individually; at least for me.
Last edited by RED DOG; 01-12-2014 at 05:52 PM.
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Thanks John...I will give them a call.... I would much rather have them powder coated. I can see after painting the stainless steel, they won't hold very long. I should have prepped them more.
Are they over by Zionsville? I think I know who these are if they are. Just off 421 Michigan Road?
Are they over by Zionsville? I think I know who these are if they are. Just off 421 Michigan Road?
Re: Group buy / crossfire custom stainless steel wire mesh grilles
Thanks for responses. I thought perhaps a spray on protectant was necessary. But just need to keep it clean then.