Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB

Hybrid Effects · 03-22-2008, 09:02 PM

The Hybrid Grille Block with the big holes will allow plenty of air flow with the plugs removed. If you look there are two types of big plugs, only one of the plug samples works properly due to part thickness this is what is so time consuming in developing a decent product. The flat looking plugs are the ones that I will be using. In some of the photos you will notice smaller plugs the second prototype will incorporate around 12 to 16 holes and use smaller plugs due to the fact that I want to incorporate some unique features into the product. I will offer both styles. The product will attach using double sided stick tape unless the product is ordered otherwise. I will also offer the product with no holes at a lower cost.
Any feed back would be awesome.
Thanks for every ones help and hopefully once I can get some funding from this first product I will be working on some wheel skirts and such.
They will hopefully be on the market at the end of the month.
Thanks Franklin
Hybrid Car Accessories and Effects by Hybrid Effects

**efusco** · 03-23-2008, 10:24 AM

Let's see it on a Prius...not that the Mustang isn't nice.

Hybrid Effects · 03-23-2008, 01:50 PM

There seems to be a shortage of Prius's in my neighborhood.

bestmapman · 03-23-2008, 02:08 PM

How is it going to attach?

Hybrid Effects · 03-23-2008, 03:14 PM

The product will attach using double sided stick tape unless the product is ordered otherwise.

The tape will be around the outer edge of the HGB.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 03-23-2008, 09:30 PM

How is the bottom grill attached?

What if the Grill Block didn't mount over the grill but rather replaced it?
After all, someone who is going to go to the trouble of ordering the Grill Block and pay for the Grill Block is also likely to go through the trouble of removing the original grill and replacing it with the Grill Block. If, that is, they don't have to be a Certified Tech in order to do it. This is, after all, a modification; someone ordering a modification just might be willing to truly modify.

So in my opinion it would be worth looking into foregoing the double-sided tape in favor of replicating the mounting system of the grill itself.

bestmapman · 03-23-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyPSchaefer

How is the bottom grill attached?

What if the Grill Block didn't mount over the grill but rather replaced it?
After all, someone who is going to go to the trouble of ordering the Grill Block and pay for the Grill Block is also likely to go through the trouble of removing the original grill and replacing it with the Grill Block. If, that is, they don't have to be a Certified Tech in order to do it. This is, after all, a modification; someone ordering a modification just might be willing to truly modify.

So in my opinion it would be worth looking into foregoing the double-sided tape in favor of replicating the mounting system of the grill itself.

What is the price and when will you ship them. Also, what about paiting to match OEM color?

Hybrid Effects · 03-23-2008, 11:49 PM

Well here in lies the problem I will most likely have to get my hands on a Prius and take the grill out to see how it is attached. I have searched and dwell-ed over many ways to attach the grill block and one thought was to use long screws which just might fit in the original grilles attaching holes but until I can explore this option more I will have to get my hands on a Prius.

The main reasoning behind thinking of going on and using stick tape is to keep the cost down by reducing the amount of time I have to spend on research and design. Also I feel the product will be more stable, look better, and function all around better being attached to the bumper with double sided stick tape. I am sure there may be many ways to attach this grille the fact is that it might take forever to find the perfect way and the more you look for better ways to attach it the more time consuming and complicated matters get. In the beginning I wanted to install adjustable vents but the price was going up up up.

I am pricing this product lower than what similar sized fiber glass products sell for. Plus the plugs, trim around the edge, stick tape etc.

I am shooting for $129.00 for the complete product tape, plugs, edge trim.

I still have to box the product I am trying to package it so that it is not over sized because over size shipping is very expensive. I would like to include shipping if at all possible. I will have inventory built up in a little over week hopefully. So when a product is ordered it will ship the next day.

I can paint to match your original paint code or black for $40.00.

So far the products will be black gell coat in color. Every thing should be coming together better here in a week or so and I will know more of what the true prices and product will be like.

It takes a lot of time to make inventory, wait for supplies to arrive and all the other little bits to come together. But I am trying to make a decent product at a decent price and the fine line seems to get tangled along the way.

If you want a basic HGB with no holes or plugs or paint or tape $95.00 and after I make the boxes and figure shipping I might be able to include shipping and edging trim.

Thanks Franklin

Kremtok · 04-13-2008, 11:51 PM

Howdy,

I'd be very interested in the product you're developing. If you were anywhere near where I am, I'd be in your driveway with my car and a couple of Sierra Nevadas so that you could do your R&D. Your idea of replacing the original lower grille is, in my opinion, the superior option. As for the upper grille, I'm simply not sure. My personal preference is for a look that looks, well, like it's not there. If you go for an 'OEM' look, it would look much better to me.

That said, unfortunately I have no real ideas to offer you. Maybe make the grille blocker so that it attaches from the inside and is more or less invisible? Maybe take OEM grilles, then modify and sell them as replacement parts? In any case, I'll keep an eye on this thread and what you come up with. If it looks nice and clean and has good fitment, you can expect an order from me.

One last idea - have you checked local junkyards for wrecked Prius(es)? You may be able to find the parts you need for R&D at reduced cost that way. Best of luck to you!

TheForce · 04-14-2008, 12:11 AM

How about some kind of friction fasteners to hold the thing on? You know something like the shape of a pine tree that fits between the grille slats. The wide end of the fasteners would go just past the back of the slats and the wide end would be more rounded so you could easily pull it out. Most of the trim inside the Prius is held together with these friction fasteners.

03-22-2008, 09:02 PM	#1
Hybrid Effects Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Madison Heights, VA Posts: 89 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Friends: 0	Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB The Hybrid Grille Block with the big holes will allow plenty of air flow with the plugs removed. If you look there are two types of big plugs, only one of the plug samples works properly due to part thickness this is what is so time consuming in developing a decent product. The flat looking plugs are the ones that I will be using. In some of the photos you will notice smaller plugs the second prototype will incorporate around 12 to 16 holes and use smaller plugs due to the fact that I want to incorporate some unique features into the product. I will offer both styles. The product will attach using double sided stick tape unless the product is ordered otherwise. I will also offer the product with no holes at a lower cost. Any feed back would be awesome. Thanks for every ones help and hopefully once I can get some funding from this first product I will be working on some wheel skirts and such. They will hopefully be on the market at the end of the month. Thanks Franklin Hybrid Car Accessories and Effects by Hybrid Effects __________________ Hybrid car Accesories http://www.HybridEffects.com email@HybridEffects.com

03-23-2008, 10:24 AM	#2
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 17,231 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 49 Thanked 249 Times in 148 Posts Friends: 37	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB Let's see it on a Prius...not that the Mustang isn't nice.

03-23-2008, 01:50 PM	#3
Hybrid Effects Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Madison Heights, VA Posts: 89 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Friends: 0	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB There seems to be a shortage of Prius's in my neighborhood.

03-23-2008, 02:08 PM	#4
bestmapman "Dream" Prius Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cincinnati, KY Posts: 989 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 3 Thanked 35 Times in 23 Posts Friends: 6	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB How is it going to attach? Last edited by bestmapman; 03-23-2008 at 02:11 PM.

03-23-2008, 03:14 PM	#5
Hybrid Effects Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Madison Heights, VA Posts: 89 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Friends: 0	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB The product will attach using double sided stick tape unless the product is ordered otherwise. The tape will be around the outer edge of the HGB.

03-23-2008, 09:30 PM	#6
TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 10,498 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: Package: #9 Thanks: 39 Thanked 165 Times in 106 Posts Friends: 23	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB How is the bottom grill attached? What if the Grill Block didn't mount over the grill but rather replaced it? After all, someone who is going to go to the trouble of ordering the Grill Block and pay for the Grill Block is also likely to go through the trouble of removing the original grill and replacing it with the Grill Block. If, that is, they don't have to be a Certified Tech in order to do it. This is, after all, a modification; someone ordering a modification just might be willing to truly modify. So in my opinion it would be worth looking into foregoing the double-sided tape in favor of replicating the mounting system of the grill itself. __________________ Proud father of Priapus: the '04 Tideland BC9 with an OEM EV button and sense of self-righteousness Current Mileage Chicago Prius Group Website Chicago Hybrid Group on FaceBook Find me on faceBook Last edited by TonyPSchaefer; 03-23-2008 at 09:33 PM.

03-23-2008, 11:49 PM	#8
Hybrid Effects Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Madison Heights, VA Posts: 89 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post Friends: 0	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB Well here in lies the problem I will most likely have to get my hands on a Prius and take the grill out to see how it is attached. I have searched and dwell-ed over many ways to attach the grill block and one thought was to use long screws which just might fit in the original grilles attaching holes but until I can explore this option more I will have to get my hands on a Prius. The main reasoning behind thinking of going on and using stick tape is to keep the cost down by reducing the amount of time I have to spend on research and design. Also I feel the product will be more stable, look better, and function all around better being attached to the bumper with double sided stick tape. I am sure there may be many ways to attach this grille the fact is that it might take forever to find the perfect way and the more you look for better ways to attach it the more time consuming and complicated matters get. In the beginning I wanted to install adjustable vents but the price was going up up up. I am pricing this product lower than what similar sized fiber glass products sell for. Plus the plugs, trim around the edge, stick tape etc. I am shooting for $129.00 for the complete product tape, plugs, edge trim. I still have to box the product I am trying to package it so that it is not over sized because over size shipping is very expensive. I would like to include shipping if at all possible. I will have inventory built up in a little over week hopefully. So when a product is ordered it will ship the next day. I can paint to match your original paint code or black for $40.00. So far the products will be black gell coat in color. Every thing should be coming together better here in a week or so and I will know more of what the true prices and product will be like. It takes a lot of time to make inventory, wait for supplies to arrive and all the other little bits to come together. But I am trying to make a decent product at a decent price and the fine line seems to get tangled along the way. If you want a basic HGB with no holes or plugs or paint or tape $95.00 and after I make the boxes and figure shipping I might be able to include shipping and edging trim. Thanks Franklin Last edited by Hybrid Effects; 03-23-2008 at 11:54 PM.

04-13-2008, 11:51 PM	#9
Kremtok Smug Alert! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 53 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #3 Touring Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 1	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB Howdy, I'd be very interested in the product you're developing. If you were anywhere near where I am, I'd be in your driveway with my car and a couple of Sierra Nevadas so that you could do your R&D. Your idea of replacing the original lower grille is, in my opinion, the superior option. As for the upper grille, I'm simply not sure. My personal preference is for a look that looks, well, like it's not there. If you go for an 'OEM' look, it would look much better to me. That said, unfortunately I have no real ideas to offer you. Maybe make the grille blocker so that it attaches from the inside and is more or less invisible? Maybe take OEM grilles, then modify and sell them as replacement parts? In any case, I'll keep an eye on this thread and what you come up with. If it looks nice and clean and has good fitment, you can expect an order from me. One last idea - have you checked local junkyards for wrecked Prius(es)? You may be able to find the parts you need for R&D at reduced cost that way. Best of luck to you! __________________ This is where most people put something clever.

04-14-2008, 12:11 AM	#10
TheForce I Plug-In My Prius Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wheelersburg, Ohio Posts: 2,734 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 1 Thanked 157 Times in 116 Posts Friends: 22	Re: Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB How about some kind of friction fasteners to hold the thing on? You know something like the shape of a pine tree that fits between the grille slats. The wide end of the fasteners would go just past the back of the slats and the wide end would be more rounded so you could easily pull it out. Most of the trim inside the Prius is held together with these friction fasteners.