Fellow Element owners,

Please take a look at the following product:

http://www.hondas2000accessories.com/prod01.htm

I have this product for my S2000, and it is top notch! It's a year old and looks like the day I bought it.

If you would be willing to purchase this product at the price you see it offered for, please do two things:

#1 Email your interest to the company. Follow the links to "contact us" and click on an email link.

#2 Post your interest here (of course).

Note: I am not associated with Coastal Metals in any way... I just want them to make this product for our vehicle, since it needs it so badly!

Definitely interesting. Looks nice. Worth paying for something that looks good and is propery designed to fit.

Any chance they can ship it to Canada? I think there would be a few of us interested in it.

Just noticed there is a "Universal Grill Kit" as well which is much less expensive, but does require you to cut it to size your own vehicle.

Thanks.

Iskie

Great idea.

The universal grill kit appears to be made of aluminum, probably so that it can be cut by everyday tools. The grill insert I received for the S2000 is stainless steel, and cut with a production process. The rugged polymer trim border is nicely trimmed and applied, too... I'm not sure I could do so well myself.

I don't know about shipping to Canada... ask in your email.

[quote:4acc26c57c="isketerol"]Definitely interesting. Looks nice. Worth paying for something that looks good and is propery designed to fit.

Any chance they can ship it to Canada? I think there would be a few of us interested in it.

Just noticed there is a "Universal Grill Kit" as well which is much less expensive, but does require you to cut it to size your own vehicle.

Thanks.

Iskie[/quote:4acc26c57c]

I got a response email from them, they are making a prototype!

They said to expect the attachement and looks to be much like the one they make for the 350z:

http://www.350z-accessories.com/schedule.htm

Looks great! If they're quick, it may be availble when I finally get my E. Price looks good if it's about the same as for the 350Z.

First I would like to thank Einstein for contacting me and encouraging others to contact us.

We will be manufacturing a Element Protection prototype by next week and hope for production very soon after that.

The grills will be made from stainless steel and will attach with brackets similar to those we make for the 350Z
http://www.350z-accessories.com

So there will be no cutting or drilling needed.

Also as far as a price range the Element Protection Grill will be around $70-$80 dollars shipped in the U.S, and we will ship internationaly.

At this time we will be setting up a website for the products and will keep you up to date on the progress.

Regards,
David McCune Jr.
Coastal Metals
http://www.hondas2000accessories.com

Will the grill just be for the lower area in front of the condenser or will there also be one to replace the upper area where the H is :?: I am going to replace the grill with the H and would like it to match the bottom.

Thanks Einstein. Thanks axcilla!

Anxiously awaiting further updates. I really hope both a condensor grill *and* a replacement for the OEM grill are forthcoming.

[quote:8985ed8c0b="ExpressElement"]Will the grill just be for the lower area in front of the condenser or will there also be one to replace the upper area where the H is :?: I am going to replace the grill with the H and would like it to match the bottom.[/quote:8985ed8c0b]


Yes we will be offering a matching set. We will be working with a Element from a local dealership and will make grills for the top and bottom.

axcilla

Big kudos to einstein and axcilla, et al. Well done, gents.

THE ELEMENT OWNERS HAVE SPOKEN

The Element Portection Grill is now a top priority to manufacture. We have recieved many e-mails and messages for this product. We will be making this product available ASAP and will have pictures within the next week.

And once again I would like to thank the support of the Element Community for this opportunity.

We are currently working now with Einstein for measurements and some prototype products.

We will also be using a dealership model to test any ideas many of you may have for products.

As soon as pictures are available they will be posted.

Regards,
David McCune Jr.
Coastal Metals Auto Accessories
http://www.hondas2000accessories.com

This is very very good stuff.

This is a best use example of this thing called The Internet.

It's good to be us.

8)

This is so cool! I love to see a compnay that is willing to listen to what the people want & actually do something about it :)

Thanks to everyone involved in making this possible. It is greatly appreciated!

I want one NOW Daddy!!!

I am eagerly awaiting this product......



Btw, axcilla, if you need someone to volunteer and test out this product and give some reviews and views on it before it's commercially available, I'd happily take on this burden... :D

For any other Canucks reading this thread, I have been told that shipping to Canada is not an issue. I was told that they can offer to split the shipping costs to Canada which is a very kind offer.

Definitely on my list of things to strongly consider.

Iskie

E-mail these guys and let's let them know there is a market - a demand.

That looks sweet !!!

[quote:f4e2c21a2a="isketerol"]For any other Canucks reading this thread, I have been told that shipping to Canada is not an issue. I was told that they can offer to split the shipping costs to Canada which is a very kind offer.

Definitely on my list of things to strongly consider.

Iskie[/quote:f4e2c21a2a]

Outside the continental U.S. we do split shipping charges under 5 pounds. some pictures tommorow of the gas line,and a possible protector, open for comments.

The grill on the ELEMENT is a little weaker (structurally) than we first imagined. This is a product we are ready to show you prototypes of, however want to get the product right the First time.

The grill is needed however after crawling under an ELEMENT to see the probelems with the fuel line, (almost no protection) these are the important matters at hand.

As the ELEMENT owners have spoken we are trying to produce products correct the first time, so no changes are needed.

Regards,
David McCune Jr.
axcilla2@yahoo.com
Coastal Metals Auto Accessories

We're going to need protection for the windshield, too! :o

Are you coming up with a full-frontal kit? :lol:

But seriously, thanks for taking your time to get these products right. 8)

I went on the S2000 OBX drive this weekend, and more people had your grill inserts than didn't. I seen one person tried to make their own knock-off, you could really tell it was amateur work and materials (jeez, I hope he/she doesn't read this!)

Here are the first pics of the Element Protection Grill.

I'm going to find an Element to attach the grill this weekend for more pictures, more to follow

http://www.hondas2000accessories.com/element.JPG

http://www.hondas2000accessories.com/element2.JPG

Pictures Of Prototype #1

Regards,
David McCune Jr.

let me know when availiable I am VERY interested. is there going to be a black one?

I'm anxious to get a grill insert also.

Dave, I do hope you all will have a black one or charcoal grey besides the silver.

Awaiting ordering info.

Brooks

What is the black around the grill :?: Shouldn't it attach from the back of the bumper so there is no trim :?: Is there going to be two parts, one for the top where the "H" is and one for the bottom :?:

[quote:968e2c0b73="ExpressElement"]What is the black around the grill :?: Shouldn't it attach from the back of the bumper so there is no trim :?: Is there going to be two parts, one for the top where the "H" is and one for the bottom :?:[/quote:968e2c0b73]

The black material is trim-loc which protects the metal from harming the paint and exterior around. When the grills are powder coated black, it will not really show up. The trim-loc provides a sure fit, and a finished look.

Also with the prototype it was made from aluminum. The polished stainless will look much better. we use aluminum for prototypes, to easily change shapes and contours. It is then we go into production with a finished product.

We Will be offering a top piece, and should have some pictures in the next few days. However,the bottom piece will be produced first, and anyone to purchase the top piece later, would still get a combo, (reduced) price.

The protection of the condenser is key, with the warm weather, off-roading, and debris in general.

We have manufactrued grills for almost 15 years. We have heard stories of possums, birds, rocks and other debris to harm the condenser. I have personally encountered birds, a rabbit, and many many bugs.

There have also been stories of birds being sucked into the air clearer box (honda s2000) and the birds found alive days later.

While the Element does have a different air, engine bay set-up the condenser is still always exposed to the unknown.

Regards,
David McCune Jr.

Looks good, very nice indeed. But how easy will it be for the not-so-mechanically inclined to install? I would imagine I would have to shimmy under the "E" to put it in.

I'm in for both the top and bottom pieces.

Since it has black trim around the edges, I assume it will not bolt on from behind the bumper but instead in front of the bumper :?: I'm confused, if it bolts on from behind the bumper, there should be no worry about it scratching anything. Will you be able to see the trim when looking at the grill when it is on the E :?:

http://www.cardomain.com/id/elementxt

http://atgrills.com/
Ask for Tyler if you call, sets run about $60-$70 I think.

Let me know when both are available as well.

Cheers

I'm also very interested in the grill protection. I routinely check the condenser fins now, just to see if anything has found its way in there. Please let me (and everyone else) know when they become available! I think it's a great idea and will be a must-have add-on. :D

I posted a picture for you guys. This should answer a lot of your questions about how the grill is installed without taking off the bumper, what the material around the perimeter looks like, and how the grill holds up after 13 months of hard driving.

I looked for an old picture of a grill full of about 30 big grasshoppers, but couldn't find it. Even with all that blockage, my temperature gage has NEVER budged. Just imagining what those critters could have done to my condenser makes me shiver!

h t t p : / / w w w . h o n d a e l e m e n t . o r g / s h o w t h r e a d . p h p ? s = & p o s t i d = 1 3 3 3 7 # p o s t 1 3 3 3 7

http://www.hondaelement.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=13337

What about one that attaches from the back :?: The black trim and being able to see the grill behind and seeing the screws make it look so cheap...I'm sorry. Anyone can go to Pep Boys and buy the APC Universal grill, cut it and put door bumper trim around it and screw it in the the bumper....for $20-$30.

This link shows a grill that looks "installed", not glued on:
http://www.cardomain.com/id/elementxt

ATGrills.com, Tyler did the grill.

And it is so easy to take the front bumper off to install a grill, just a few screws!

Which one looks better?

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/JamesTSheppard/Grill/index.htm

You can honestly buy a universal grill insert and door trim at Pep Boys and make your own for $20 to look like the one these guys are trying to sell you.

[quote:acdaa7caad="ExpressElement"]Which one looks better?

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/JamesTSheppard/Grill/index.htm

You can honestly buy a universal grill insert and door trim at Pep Boys and make your own for $20 to look like the one these guys are trying to sell you.[/quote:acdaa7caad]

Neither one of those in the picture appeals to me, personally. They both have that $20 look. Obviously, one is less bad than the other.

I really like the appearance of the grill material in the picture of Einsteins S2000, but I don't like the way it's installed. Since removing the nose of the Element is not a prohibitively difficult feat, I intend to use the products that axcilla is developing, but I will install them from behind the nose, rather than in front of it unless there is some reason that makes it a non-starter.

I'd appreciate a response from axcilla on this topic.

I agree the material used on the Orange Element in my pics isn't the greatest but it still looks way better than bolting something cheap to the front of the car. If there was a better material, and bolted on the inside, it would look great :!: But take some time and do it right...and know what you are paying for. If anyone here is willing to spend $80 on what these guys are selling, I will do it for $50 and it will look the same....or they can do it themselves with stuff you can get at Pep Boys for $20.

Cost is not the issue for me. It has to look good and it has to look professional or I'll pass.

I think what some don't like is that the center bar of the lower grill opening makes the grill insert stick out too far.

What do you think about two thinner grills, still connected to the front, but sitting back against the vertical plastic pieces that connect the center bar to the top and bottom of the openings?

[quote:2cf4784d8b="Einstein"]I think what some don't like is that the center bar of the lower grill opening makes the grill insert stick out too far.

What do you think about two thinner grills, still connected to the front, but sitting back against the vertical plastic pieces that connect the center bar to the top and bottom of the openings?[/quote:2cf4784d8b]

It would look better, not my preference to put the grill on top of the exsisting grill because you can see what is behind it and it is so easy to take the bumper off...looks bad in my opinion. Plus you can still see they bought a roll of door bumper trim and put it around the grill....looks cheap.

http://www.hondaelement.org/showthread.php?s=d5d95375b2ded417f5a8e32415cab8a1&threadid=1966&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

Neither one of those in the picture appeals to me, personally. They both have that $20 look. Obviously, one is less bad than the other.

I really like the appearance of the grill material in the picture of Einsteins S2000, but I don't like the way it's installed. Since removing the nose of the Element is not a prohibitively difficult feat, I intend to use the products that axcilla is developing, but I will install them from behind the nose, rather than in front of it unless there is some reason that makes it a non-starter.

I'd appreciate a response from axcilla on this topic.

Since we do not own an Element and have to use dealer cars, we don't have the ability to take apart the front of the car. The grill though woudl fit behind th slats ib the front, it would just have to be connected differently. The z-bracket is a universal bracket that allows us to attach a grill to almost any car, without the need for cutting or drilling.

axcilla

[quote]
Neither one of those in the picture appeals to me, personally. They both have that $20 look. Obviously, one is less bad than the other.

I really like the appearance of the grill material in the picture of Einsteins S2000, but I don't like the way it's installed. Since removing the nose of the Element is not a prohibitively difficult feat, I intend to use the products that axcilla is developing, but I will install them from behind the nose, rather than in front of it unless there is some reason that makes it a non-starter.

I'd appreciate a response from axcilla on this topic.

Since we do not own an Element and have to use dealer cars, we don't have the ability to take apart the front of the car. The grill though woudl fit behind th slats ib the front, it would just have to be connected differently. The z-bracket is a universal bracket that allows us to attach a grill to almost any car, without the need for cutting or drilling.

axcilla[/quote:c8ae25a33d]

Ask for people in your area to let you use their Element. I have seen it done on multiple posts and been a huge sucess.

Example:
http://www.hondaelement.org/showthread.php?s=6a2f80615cf56b4c539b42a65e476a8e&threadid=1630

[quote:8d9ef4f2b6="axcilla"]
Since we do not own an Element and have to use dealer cars, we don't have the ability to take apart the front of the car. The grill though woudl fit behind the slats in the front, it would just have to be connected differently. The z-bracket is a universal bracket that allows us to attach a grill to almost any car, without the need for cutting or drilling.
axcilla[/quote:8d9ef4f2b6]

Ok, I understand that, but I would imagine there is an eager Element owner near you who would happily be your pilot project vehicle. In any event, though, I guess my concern is now will the pieces be large enough for me to have a way to attach it from the inside without any visible sign from the outside once installed.

If not, I may still use the product for the lower condensor cover, but not for the grill itself... But since I'd like them to both be the same, I would have to ponder what I want to do and how to go about it.

Thanks very much for the responsiveness, that helps cushion the let down.

http://www.hondaelement.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=13519#post13519

With the demand for one to go behind the grill we will soon be working on that.

However we will be pre-ordering the grills

$74.95 including S&H for the bottom grill

$139.95 including S&H for the top and bottom

Pre-ordering will begin tommorow.

Call toll-free
1-866-575-4085 M-S 10am-6pm EST

When the website is finished on-line ordering will be available.

Regards,
David McCune Jr

So, we will not be able to see how the behind grill looks or how it bolts on before we buy it :?:

We won't be pre-ordering the behind grill until we have made it and have pictures.

The pre-order is for the grill that sits in front

axcilla

Any update on when the "behind" grill will be available?

[quote:8e4e6170ee="ExpressElement"]Any update on when the "behind" grill will be available?[/quote:8e4e6170ee]

PM sent

I have the two-piece grill now, fits exactly as I had hoped!

Got the two-piece grill in black...

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/ElementGrill1.jpg

Axcilla,

Do you have a site which shows pics of all of the Element grill options somewhere?

Is anybody else's Coastal Metal system RUSTING? (See picture below)

Looks like it's coming from the black painted brackets, not the screws or grill itself.

It probably wouldn't be so bad if I got the black grill I wanted instead of the plain brushed stainless steel.

Bottom line: a stainless steel grill requires stainless steel hardware.

Make sure the supplier you go with does not send any hardware made of plain steel.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/rust109.jpg

Update:

I have removed the grill, and indeed the hardware was to blame for the rust.

I removed the outer trim and polished up the grill. It looks better than new.

I will be reinstalling it with black UV resistant nylon wire ties, real close to the trim if not under it.

After a couple hours of patiently installing 4" wire ties, the result is super. Note: I removed ONLY the silverish bumper trim in order to get my fat hands and needle nose pliers behind the bumper!

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/wireties1.jpg

There is twp wire ties at each post, one at top and one at the bottom, so it's much more rigid than using the screw hardware!

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/wireties2.jpg

Notice how they are almost completely tucked in behind the trim.

Einstein,
To remove only the "silverish bumper trim," how many clips did you have to pull? Were they all from beneath the bottom of the bumper? After you removed the clips, was there much to removing the piece?
Fin

First, put a carpet remnant below your bumper.

There were 6 pop-rivets that can be removed with a flat-blade screwdriver. This loosens the bottom, then what you do is pull the lower part of the bumper cover forward. Lay on your back and look up inside (protective glasses would be a good idea cuz of dirt) and you can see about 8 places where the bumper trim is snapped into the main bumper. Start at one end and work toward the other to unsnap these clips, all you have to do is push up.

If you have trouble getting your hands in, you may want to also remove the lower bumper bolts, there are 2 of them per side and they are 10mm. This may depend on how cold it is... when the bumper is warmer it's probably more flexible.

Nice Job Einstein :)

The rust did come from the clips. We have since made sure all hardware has been powdercoated before shipping.

With the grills now sitting flush in there have you had any issues do you believe with airflow or do you think it does not really make much difference.

Also for anyone that has to have a front license plate but would still like a Grill to protect the condenser we have about 10 grills in stock with the fron license plate cutout, BTW these are the one-piece grills.
http://www.my-element.com

Regards,
David McCune Jr.

i had to modify my two piece grille to fit around the front license plate bracket. the bottom one was neatly clipped with a set of aviation snips to fit around the license plate bracket. it took some back and forth but it came out to my liking and overall wasnt that difficult.

still very happy with axcillas product (little bolt rust. but if you look at my thread on "Exterior" and road salt. youll understand why.)

best of luck!
D.

Well since I installed the wire ties, I took the front bumper off to install fog lamps anyway. So I snugged up the wire ties even better.

If I had to do it again, I would have REMOVED THE WHOLE BUMPER to install the grill inserts with wire ties. Overall it would have taken less time, it's really not that difficult to remove the whole bumper.

The grill is still completely rust-free despite weeks of precipitation and road salt.

I've had no issues with airflow.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/uploads/files/einsalty.jpg

I like the 2 piece lower grill option, but do not see it on the website. Is it available to order? If so, how do I order it?

Looks nice now i have to do mine.

I ordered my one piece lower grill today in Powdercoated Black, for $74.95.

High quality stainless steel and CNC-Plasma Cut. Check it out at. . .

http://www.my-element.com/