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Hybrid Grille Block/ HGB

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Hybrid Effects, Mar 22, 2008.

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  1. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    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
     
    #1 Hybrid Effects, Mar 22, 2008
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Let's see it on a Prius...not that the Mustang isn't nice.
     
    #2 efusco, Mar 23, 2008
  3. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    There seems to be a shortage of Prius's in my neighborhood. :(
     
    #3 Hybrid Effects, Mar 23, 2008
  4. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    How is it going to attach?
     
    #4 bestmapman, Mar 23, 2008
  5. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    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.
     
    #5 Hybrid Effects, Mar 23, 2008
  6. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    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.
     
    #6 TonyPSchaefer, Mar 23, 2008
  7. bestmapman

    bestmapman 04, 07 ,08, 09, 10, 16, 21 Prime

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    What is the price and when will you ship them. Also, what about paiting to match OEM color?
     
    #7 bestmapman, Mar 23, 2008
  8. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    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
     
    #8 Hybrid Effects, Mar 23, 2008
  9. Kremtok

    Kremtok Smug Alert!

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    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!
     
    #9 Kremtok, Apr 13, 2008
  10. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    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.
     
    #10 TheForce, Apr 14, 2008
  11. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    With Spring/summer approaching I'm not in a huge hurry to get this, but I'd sure like to see a finalized version available for a Prius with fog lamps and some sort of adjustable opening that is painted to match my Seaside Pearl color by this fall.
     
    #11 efusco, Apr 14, 2008
  12. mxvet

    mxvet humble

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    I can buy a lot of pipe insulation for $100.00.......
     
    #12 mxvet, Apr 14, 2008
  13. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    I have fog lights but have never used them so the lack of foglight holes doesn't bother me. Even though it doesn't get too cold where I live, I do notice a faster warmup time with this product installed. So I have slightly better mileage during the first 5 minutes. I used a bead of clear RTV to attach it and it is very secure. If I did it again, I would only use a small dollop at each corner and 2 more in the middle.

    Mostly I do highway driving and have had seen no ill effects so far. I have no vents in the lower grille block and have cruised for hours on the highway at temps up to 85F without noticing an increase in the normal coolant temperature, 186F. Last year, when I used duct tape to block both upper and lower openings, I did see the cooling fan cycling on and off between 196F and 206F. I plan on leaving the upper grille open this summer to see how hot it needs to get outside to raise the coolent temp above 186F. If my fan starts cycling, I will probably cut a few holes in the lower block for additional cooling.
     
    #13 krousdb, Apr 14, 2008
  14. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    That's a thought...and theoretically it would provide a tighter seal than one with cut-outs...I do like the look of having the fog lamps, but I'm not hung up on that. I do think I'd want the piece painted though...it looks like a huge gapping yaw.

    My next whine you ask....upper grill block!!
     
    #14 efusco, Apr 14, 2008
  15. Kremtok

    Kremtok Smug Alert!

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    Is there any reason why a clear, plexiglass-like material couldn't be used? Only the black plastic looks kind of silly. Clear would be much less visible and would allow persons with fog lights to continue their use without a different product being developed specifically for those cars. I'm heading to the hardware store tomorrow to see what I can come up with.
     
    #15 Kremtok, Apr 14, 2008
  16. Qlara

    Qlara New Member

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    I don't see how it could 'block' anything with so many big holes in it. ;)
     
    #16 Qlara, Apr 17, 2008
  17. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    NICE :D:ballchain::yield:

    I am still working on the HGB and it will have Vent Plugs, Clear Poly Plugs, Nickle Plated Plugs or White or Black Plugs 3" or 2". Tinted Clear Fiber Glass, Invisible Carbon Fiber, 2x2 twill Carbon Fiber, Sea Side Pearl or any Prius Color code produced. Check for availability in sizing. You have to wait and see.

    Plexiglas gets brittle when it gets cold and has no strands kinda like ABS = ( I need a big oven) maybe one day I will figure it all out.

    Thanks Franklin
     
    #17 Hybrid Effects, Apr 17, 2008
  18. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    O and I heard the fog lights blow up when you get water on them.

    I am looking for fog lights


    Dany call me

    Franklin
     
    #18 Hybrid Effects, Apr 17, 2008
  19. krousdb

    krousdb NX-74205

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    [​IMG]

    Finally got to wash my car now that the water restrictions have been relaxed.

    Yesterday, on the way home from work (37 miles on I-95), with a 12 MPH tailwind, 72.1 MPG at 59 MPH, 86F. A new record for me.

    For the entire 67 mile trip, 73.5 MPG, also a new record.
    After 126k miles, I think it has finally broken in.
     
    #19 krousdb, Apr 19, 2008
  20. Hybrid Effects

    Hybrid Effects Junior Member

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    That's amazing Dan. How do you think the car will do when it is 100 degrees outside and you are siting at a stop light? I guess we will just have to wait and see.

    If you think you will need some venting you can always plot out and drill some 2" or 3" holes and I can send you some vent plugs they have small holes in them that should allow air to be pulled in from the radiator fans if need be. I also believe that the vent plugs will also give good aerodynamics at highway speeds.

    Franklin
     
    #20 Hybrid Effects, Apr 19, 2008
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