My rear challenge grill install

For many years when I owned my first 360 6spd, I resisted the temptation to install a rear challenge grill. I really liked the look of the solid rosso corsa rear end. But after purchasing my second 360 6spd the itch came back. I recently received an email from the buyer of my 1st 360 and learned that he installed a rear challenge grill because in his neck of the woods, it gets very very hot. Since my car is grigio titanio, the black challenge grill would not strike too much of a contrast with the paint. I bought one used and it was a little dirty and scratched but structurally perfect. There were no broken welds or dents in the grill. I proceeded to sand the grill using 80 grit sand paper to take out the deeper scratches. Then finished it with 1500 grit to smooth the surface. Then I masked it, primed it, painted it with heat resistant black paint and clear matte coated it. Here are the pics from start to finish. Thanks to Fchat, I followed the instructions from prior attempts. The one recommendation I would make is to not lose any nuts in the process. I lost one of the 10mm nuts that go next to the rear latch into the black abyss. I used a borescope, magnet, and mirror but couldn't find the sucker. If someone has one that they'd like to sell to me, I'd appreciate it. Pics will be up in a minute.
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two more.
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Do you think it makes me look fat?

I'm still warming to the looks, but there's no question the challenge grill works. After a spirited run, I can feel the enormous amount of heat radiating out of it.

 

Hi Hiros, yes I believe they are different. The harness' that plug into the lights are "L" shaped with a clip. I think each light has a unique clip, either on the left side or right to mate with the harness.

 

I thought about this but I wanted to keep the expenses down. I did consider having it powder coated but I was quoted rediculous prices in my area. Ultimately, I chose to paint it bc I thought I could do it and install it with the help of threads already on Fchat.

 

When I get home tonight, I'll post pics of the paints I used.

 

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Absolutely true. I couldn't find a high heat primer or high heat matte clear coat. If it fails at a later date, I will be sure to update this thread. If it fails, I'm out $15. Then I take it off and do it again. So far so good. It was definitely fun doing it. I got to know my car better. I ordered some LED 37mm festoon bulbs to replace my ugly yellow ones above the license plate.