This is for the new 2011 Base Fit A/C Condensor mesh grille.

There is no need to remove the bumper, as this mod allows you enough room to install the mesh grille.

As with all DIY projects, this is for entertainment purposes only, and neither I nor the forum can be held legally responsible for mistakes or damages to your vehicle due to your own negligence. If you feel this is beyond your own expertise, take it to a qualified mechanic.

Tools:
Mesh Grille
Small flat head screwdriver
small phillips head screwdriver
Primer spray paint
Flat black spray paint
12" zip ties
6" zip ties


Pop the bonnet, and remove the upper grille. Removal is pretty straight forward, and is covered in this link: "clicky click" It is an excellent tutorial in removal of the upper grille.

You will be presented with this:


I went to Home Depot and bought their BBQ mesh grille replacement which is packaged in 2 for $9.99. I primered it gray, than two coats of flat black. Make sure to do both sides as you will see the unpainted back side at certain angles.


Since one of these is not long enough to cover the entire opening, you will need to "mate" two together. Line up the mesh, and clamp together with black zip ties.


Now to connect the mesh grille to the car is where you will need the longer zip ties. There are three points inside the upper bumper support where you can run the zip ties to. One is directly in the center with two holes you can run zip ties to, the other two are located towards the side. This photo is of the outer ones. I used 4 long zip ties for this.



Here you can see the zip ties tightened up. They run horizontal to the car, not vertical as they are just the shadows from the flash. To mount the bottom of the mesh, I simply placed the mesh in front of the vertical fasteners for the lower bumper. You can see them in the picture. It provides enough support and backing for the bottom of the mesh to keep it in place.


And of course the finished product:


When I took off the back of the upper grille(Honda hamburger) it looked like i could just cut out the mesh and insert a pre-cut mesh in there as well. I'm gonna see if I can find a spare Fit grille and cut the same type of mesh grille that I used here to replace the stock grille.

 

Looks good! Think I'll try this on my 09 this summer. Def. don't want to have to replace the compressor.

 

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/2nd-...sh-grille.html

 

Hey Red thanks for the info. I used your info and did something similar but wife had the camera and its too hard to describe.
JIm 0311

 

I wonder if you'd make one of these for a 2011 Fit base model, and sell it to me?

 

No Home Depot in your area?

 

There is.....what kind of mesh should I get. I want to use zip ties only---no drilling. Thanks!

 

BBQ mesh grille replacement which is packaged in 2 for $9.99. Or look for guter guard as well. Do a search on here as this mod has been done many times.

You do not have to drill anything. You just need to get enough zip ties into hold it in place.